Reverb 10

Today's prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create, or more deeply connect with in 2011?

Thinking about this makes me realize that other than participating more in Facebook recently with a very small circle of those I've friended, I really don't feel as though I've done much this year that could be considered part of a community. Community, after all, is a collective noun and I've always been something of of introvert, though I'm sure you're surprised given how much I blab on this blog. I've never been much of a joiner, either, so take an introverted, non-joiner and you end up with a person who participates reluctantly in communities. And this to me is not a bad thing, or a sad thing. I am uncomfortable in large groups, be they online or in person. Communities tend to be large groups and I find it draining to keep up with large groups.

I feel deeply connected with a few people. After all, humans are herd animals, but I like to keep my herd small. It's less taxing to me, but vitally important, too. I realize that depending upon just a few people for emotional support makes it all the more catastrophic when one of them falls out of the foundation, and it's easier to feel more alone when contacts are few. Sometimes I feel lonely, but I also recognize that I can't be any other way. I love my friends fiercely. They are small in number, and very precious. As for community, well, I am part of the human community, but you'll find me vectoring off from the crowd for some time alone, seeking out the company of only a few, and then returning to the group as society dictates that I must.

What would I like for community for 2011? Not many changes, really. The prompt ask which communities I'd like to more deeply connect with in 2011 and this implies that deep connections with communities is a good thing. I agree that for many people this is a very good thing, and many people yearn for it, but not being deeply plugged in to a community is not a bad thing, either. As long as there is a deep connection with at least one other person, I think that's fine too. This prompt has certainly prompted me to think about how community is perceived and my place in it. I've always known that I am happier with a deep connection with fewer people than a shallow connection with many. Would I enjoy a deep connection with many? Probably not, because that's too draining for me.

Wow, this is a lot of introspection. Here, have a cute picture of India as the Princess of the Universe as a reward for making it through my navel gazing. This was taken at Hard Labor Creek State Park last weekend.