Community, connection and Resilience – this trio helps an individual to navigate life’s disruptive path.
Perhaps, this was why Mahatma Gandhi said
“it is easy to stand in the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone.”
Loneliness, a haunting feeling of emptiness, can be a formidable adversary. It’s when we are faced with our aloneness that we often yearn to escape, crawl out of our own skin, and seek refuge in some distant time or place.
The depths of loneliness can seem bottomless, but what if, instead of running from it, we turned to face it with courage and curiosity?
Facing the Abyss
It takes bravery to pause, to breathe, and to slowly, gently, and patiently turn back towards that lonely, dark emptiness inside. It’s a feeling that many of us have buried deep within us, a sense of abandonment that has been a silent companion for as long as we can remember.
We don’t have to make it disappear in an instant; we can learn to lean into it, to breathe through it, and to make space for it. In doing so, we begin to trust its presence.
The trade-off
In the grand tapestry of life, every one of us is a single thread. Alone, we may seem fragile and vulnerable, but when woven together with others, we create a fabric of strength, resilience, and boundless potential. It’s harder to stand alone, but it’s in our connectedness, our communities, and our shared experiences that we discover the true power of the human spirit.
We Are Alone, Yet Never Alone
It’s a paradox of existence: we are alone, yet never alone. Loneliness, when not resisted or numbed away, can paradoxically connect us more deeply to life and each other. Just like the story of a winter evening that brought me closer to my father, facing our loneliness can reveal the bonds that unite us as human beings.
Learning to Be Alone
So, let us learn to be alone, not in the sense of isolation, but in the sense of true meditation. Being alone without distractions is a journey inward. It’s about communing with our breath as it rises and falls, engaging with the dance of our mind, and finding solace in the sounds of nature—the rain, the morning sun, the crackle of autumn leaves, or the crunch of winter.
When to stand with others
Life often presents us with challenges that make us question our ability to stand alone. The weight of our dreams and aspirations can feel overwhelming. It’s in these moments of doubt that we must remember that, like trees in a forest, our roots run deep. Our roots are the connections we form, the communities we build, and the relationships we nurture.
As human beings, we have an inherent need for connection. From the moment we are born, we seek the warmth and comfort of another’s touch. As we grow, our connections expand to include family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. These connections form the foundation upon which we build our lives.
The notion that “it’s harder to stand alone” is not a reflection of weakness but rather an acknowledgement of our interdependence. It’s a recognition that, even in our pursuit of individual goals, we are shaped and supported by the relationships we cultivate. Our loved ones, our mentors, and our peers provide the encouragement, wisdom, and strength we need to weather life’s storms.
Think of the times when you faced adversity. It could have been a challenging period at work, a personal loss, or a health setback. How did you cope? Chances are, it was the support of those around you that carried you through. It’s in these moments that we realize the truth in the words of Helen Keller:
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
Our communities serve as a reservoir of hope and resilience. When we come together, we form a collective energy that can overcome the most formidable obstacles. Each one of us brings unique skills, talents, and experiences to the table. It’s through collaboration and the sharing of ideas that innovation thrives, dreams become reality, and challenges are met head-on.
One of the most powerful examples of the strength of community can be found in the story of the civil rights movement in the United States. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. understood that, in the face of deep-rooted racial prejudice and injustice, it was only through unity that change could be achieved.
To understand the significance of community, we must recognize the diverse roles it plays in our lives. Our communities offer us emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging. They also challenge us to grow, learn, and adapt. It’s through these challenges that we discover our true potential.
Consider the student who embarks on the journey of higher education. The support of teachers, fellow students, and academic advisors is instrumental in their success. The exchange of ideas, discussions, and collaborative projects all contribute to the growth of the individual.
It’s within our communities that we also find inspiration.
Role models and mentors often emerge from our social circles, and their guidance can be a beacon of light in our darkest moments. Whether it’s a coach who encourages an athlete to push beyond their limits or a teacher who instills a love for learning, these individuals remind us that our potential is boundless when we’re part of a supportive community.
One of the most iconic examples of this is the partnership of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the co-founders of Apple Inc. Jobs was the visionary, the face of the company, and the driving force behind marketing and design. Wozniak, on the other hand, was the technical genius who engineered the first Apple computer. It was their combined strengths that led to the creation of a technology giant that has revolutionized our lives.
While community and connection provide the strength to overcome challenges, they also contribute to personal growth. The individuals we interact with, the conversations we have, and the experiences we share all shape us. This growth might come through conflict, as we learn to navigate differing perspectives, or through collaboration, as we combine our unique abilities to achieve a common goal.
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of community is the sense of accountability it impacts.
When you’re part of a group or team, there’s an unspoken commitment to contribute, show up, and perform your best. This collective sense of responsibility pushes us to strive for excellence.
– Fortune Omosola (Fortunedexcel@gmail.com)
