Belonging is exactly what you think it is
An essay on why we need people in our lives
I would like to give due credit to
for her brilliant and insightful article on resilience titled Resilience is Not a Solo Endeavour because it inspired me to continue the conversation on the importance of relationships and belonging.We live in an increasingly digitized and fast-paced world and as such, the importance of community and social connections cannot be overstated. These fundamental human bonds provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose that are essential for our physical, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing. As we navigate the complexities of the modern age, nurturing and maintaining these connections has become more critical than ever. Arguably, the internet and social media has brought people together like never before. It's easier to connect with friends, family, and even strangers across the globe with just a few clicks. However, this digital age paradoxically fosters isolation. Many individuals spend an increasing amount of time online, often substituting face-to-face interactions with virtual ones. This phenomenon, while enhancing connectivity on one hand, can erode the depth and authenticity of our relationships on the other.
I AM AN ISLAND
I stand alone against the coming storm
I am supremely confident; I can keep myself from harm
I expect help from no one else, and no help will I offer
Each of us is an island, of his own fate he is the author
I can depend on no other, I alone can seek my best interest
I alone know what I need, there is no other to trust
I keep my social interactions as shallow as I can
My life belongs to me and I am always in command
My relationships are superficial, even with my family
I know my role and play it well, avoiding whimsicality
And when comes the end of my time, I will die alone
For none have I ever needed, and none will be needed when I’m goneCommunity and social connections play a pivotal role in our mental health. Loneliness, a growing epidemic in our modern society, has been linked to a host of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. In contrast, strong social connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote a positive outlook on life. They act as a safety net during challenging times, giving us a sense of purpose and belonging. The benefits of community, however, extend beyond mental health. Research consistently shows that people with robust social networks tend to lead healthier lives and live longer. Engaging with a strong community often encourages healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and fewer risky behaviors. Moreover, the emotional support received from community members can boost the immune system, aid in recovery from illness, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases. In the professional realm, community and social connections are invaluable. For decades, networking has been touted as the oil that greases the economic engine. But networking is not just about handing out business cards at events; it's about building meaningful relationships that can propel the person forward. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a job seeker, or a seasoned professional, your network can provide valuable advice, mentorship, and learning and growing opportunities. Many successful entrepreneurs and leaders credit their achievements to the guidance and support of their professional communities.
WE
We is quite a powerful word
Built to last a lifetime
Though some might find it quite absurd
We can be a lifeline
We is not just you and me
We can be made up of many more
Not just a few or two or three
We is esprit de corps
When its we, We can do anything
Nothing stands in our way
We means safety and belonging
It never goes away
We is support in times of need
It builds strength and resilience
We support is guaranteed
Whether you’re giving it or you’re its recipient
We knows that you exist
We celebrate that you are you
But in you, We always persists
We support you, through and through
There is the strength and power of We
Community is always better
For We know that in reality
In spite of all, We means together
Our modern world is characterized by diversity in all aspects: culture, ethnicity, religion, and more. Engaging with a diverse community helps us cultivate empathy and understanding. Exposure to different perspectives and experiences broadens our horizons and encourages us to challenge biases and prejudices. A diverse community also fosters creativity and innovation as individuals from varied backgrounds bring unique ideas to the table. Communities are like safety nets during times of crisis. Whether facing a natural disaster, economic hardship, or a personal setback, having a supportive community can make all the difference. The bonds forged within these groups offer emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of hope when it's needed most. They help individuals and communities bounce back from adversity and rebuild their lives. While the digital age can sometimes hinder genuine human connections, it also offers tools to facilitate community building. Online forums, social media groups, and virtual events can help people with shared interests and goals come together. However, it's essential to strike a balance between online and offline interactions to ensure the authenticity of relationships.
In our fast-paced, technologically driven world, community and social connections are more important than ever. They are the cornerstone of our mental and physical health and wellbeing. They provide us with opportunities for personal and professional growth. They foster deeper empathy and understanding, and support during times of crisis. As we navigate the complexities of the modern age, let us remember the timeless importance of nurturing and maintaining these bonds that make us stronger, healthier, and happier individuals and communities. In the end, it's our connections with others that give life its true meaning and richness.
Bio: Brian Sankarsingh is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who moved to Canada in the 1980s. He describes himself as an accidental poet, with a passion for advocacy and a penchant for prose, an unapologetic style, he offers his poetry as social and political commentary.
Thank you Brian. Your article is so relevant in today's fast paced technologically driven environment. It's become too easy to lose the authentic depth in our relationships when most of our interactions depend on virtual exchanges. Fostering our long held friendships is so important for a sense of security and mental wellbeing. Even our weaker ties have an important role to play. They are often the ones that provide new opportunities, unexpected insights, or introductions to ideas that we might otherwise never have realized from our closest community members. As you say, "social connections are more important than ever."
Thanks so much for the mention Brian, it’s sincerely appreciated.
Wow—you knocked it out of the ballpark! What a great piece, and what an awesome job exploring the breadth of the subject, capturing just how important and relevant it is. The way the prose set the stage for each of the poems (both very potent), and the way it all flowed, worked perfectly.