The Healing Power of Community
If you’re like me, your life can often be busy and overwhelming. Filling our minds with noise and our lives with busyness, however, doesn’t always save us from experiencing loneliness.
According to a 2023 Meta-Gallup survey, nearly 25% of adults globally reported they frequently felt lonely. Studies show that feeling connected with a community is essential to our health. Being part of an encouraging, connected group of people helps refine us and make us better versions of ourselves. We need a community that supports us when we’re struggling, helps us to improve, and encourages our strengths.
I'm not saying that all communities are beneficial. It is important to be mindful of who you are in community with, and to choose your closest people wisely.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25
Jesus encouraged community by showing us how important it was to Him during his earthly life. He surrounded himself with others, even knowing they would fall short sometimes, and He asked us to do the same.
Healthy community affects all areas of our lives:
Social and emotional wellbeing: Strong and healthy social connections can provide support during challenging times by providing practical assistance, such as helping with health recovery, transportation, or sharing resources. Having friends, family and neighbors who offer empathy, help and understanding can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Mental wellbeing: Social isolation has been linked to several mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Being part of a community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, which is crucial for good mental health. Having a healthy community can also mean having a safe space to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Physical wellbeing: Our community can affect our health practices and routines. Having friends who are also working to live mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy lives can help us to do the same.
If you are struggling to find a community, or just a friend, here are some practical ways to find one right where you are:
Volunteer at a non-profit organization. You can volunteer at your local food bank, homeless shelter, or refugee center. Consider volunteering to read at your library, or help out at an after-school program or nursing home.
Attend a class. Many cities have community centers that offer workout classes, art and craft classes, and several other activities you can learn. It’s likely your local communal spaces, like coffee shops or libraries, have events you can attend. You might even find a local running group (or something similar, if running isn’t your thing) on Facebook.
Become involved at your local church. This is one of the best places to meet people because there's nothing better than having a community who encourages you to be more like Jesus. Most churches offer serving opportunities or different group meetings, and these may be great places to connect!
Attend one of our retreats, workshops or classes! The Graceful Balance Collective is filled with women who are looking to follow Christ and create more peace, rest and intention in their daily lives. We learn together, grow together, and have fun together.
Graceful Balance Collective retreats are designed specifically for cultivating deep and meaningful connection. You’ll find women just like you who are looking to create healthier, more peaceful lives while discovering and following God’s plan for them.
Take a step away from the busyness and stress of everyday life, and step into an opportunity to learn and grow. And you won’t do it alone – join encouraging retreat leaders who guide you every step of the way and new friends who are taking the journey with you. (Learn more about our retreats here!)
You can find community in a lot of places, if you’re willing to put in the effort. It might not be in your “comfort zone,” but it might be just what you need. None of us were meant to go through life alone. Forming new relationships and finding community can be scary, but the reward far outweighs the risk.
Are you still unsure of how to find community or where to start? Our sister company, Graceful Balance Wellness, is full of supportive, encouraging practitioners and coaches who can help you find what you’re looking for. Learn more about GBW and our services here:
