Community plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth. It’s through the connections and interactions with others that we can deepen our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. I’ve dedicated 15 years and more hours than I can count to my own personal growth and the pursuit of my purpose. What I’ve found is that our purpose isn’t our job or how we serve the people we keep closest to us. It’s not our craft or the way we make money. It’s being ourselves, and learning the life lessons that help us to find our truth and share it with the world. The quest for spiritual growth is (in my definition) the pursuit of our soul’s purpose – and thus, we are all on the journey to find ourselves.
We hear a lot about initiations, and the hero’s journey… the trials and tribulations that come with spiritual work. Certainly there had to be an easier, gentler way to pursue this work…
The answer: community.
In this post, we’ll explore the five ways in which community is integral to spiritual growth, and why joining a community can help you reach the spiritual goal of finding your truest self.
Support and Encouragement
Joining a community of like-minded individuals provides us with the support and encouragement we need to pursue our spiritual goals. By surrounding ourselves with people who share our beliefs and values, we feel uplifted and inspired to keep going, even when faced with challenges. When we show up with our whole hearts in community, a closeness and intimacy is fostered. This also means on your hard days when you lose sight of your greatness, there’s someone who knows you well there to remind you.
Sharing Knowledge and Wisdom
Being part of a community offers us the opportunity to share our spiritual knowledge and wisdom with others, while also learning from those with more experience. This sharing of knowledge can deepen our understanding of spirituality, and help us expand our perspectives.
There is no “one right way” to do this work, and when we’re exposed to other people’s cultures, rituals and practices we find new ways to deepen our connection with ourselves, with each other and with Spirit.
Collective Spiritual Practices
Joining a community of individuals who engage in shared spiritual practices can be a powerful way to deepen your spiritual practice. Participating in collective spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, or chanting can help us connect more deeply with the divine, and foster a sense of community.
Fun fact: my very first ceremony happened when I was 16, and I witnessed how powerful things were when we worked with a group. The circle of women I stood with literally controlled the elements… we even made it spontaneously rain!
We are individually powerful AF. But we’re stronger when we do it together.
Emotional Support
Being part of a spiritual community also provides us with emotional support. Life can be challenging at times, and having a community to lean on can help us get through difficult times. Sharing our struggles with others who understand and support us can provide comfort and solace, and ultimately help us grow.
Inner work can sometimes be pretty lonely and if you aren’t surrounded by people doing their own work, you can sometimes wonder if you’re the only one climbing a particular mountain. When you’re in community you’re reminded of the wisdom of the collective, and you know you’re not alone.
Shared Purpose and Connection
Being part of a spiritual community provides us with a sense of shared purpose and connection. It’s a space where all of you is welcome: the love and light, and the shadowy unhealed bits. Working on ourselves together towards the common goal of becoming our truest selves can create a sense of belonging and help us feel more connected to others. Additionally, when we feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, we’re more likely to be inspired to make a positive impact on the world around us.
If you needed a TLDR, here it is: Joining a spiritual community is integral to our spiritual growth and personal development. By offering us support and encouragement, the opportunity to share our knowledge, shared spiritual/meditation/somatic/experiential practices, emotional support, and a sense of shared purpose and connection, community can help us deepen our personal spiritual practice and connect with something greater than ourselves.
So, find a community that aligns with your spiritual goals and aspirations, and start growing today! And – if you’re looking for a place to start, join the Sacred Soul Sisterhood waitlist today.
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