Community is Key
Rebecca Folsom’s Vocal Mastery Apprenticeship Program (VMAP)
CONTRIBUTING TO AND BEING PART OF A HEALTHY AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY IS CRITICAL FOR OUR PERSONAL RESILIENCE.
If you don’t know by now, the go it alone attitude will only take you so far. As humans, we are built for connection. Everyone has a unique gift to offer the collective whole, and together, we are more resilient. I take the time to build community for myself in the areas most important to me because I know their value AND because I love being connected to wonderful people. For example, this fine group pictured above is the vocal mastery apprenticeship group I’ve participated in the last 3 years - a very special group of open-hearted, brave, and talented singer-songwriters and performers. This community has nurtured my skills in a non-judgemental, truthful, constructive, and loving way. I have so much gratitude for these special beings and our embodied leader Rebecca Folsom. Although this community has changed form for me during the pandemic, I am staying connected through the relationships I've built. COVID has altered what community looks like for all of us on the day-today AND it has also shown us how important it is for our well-being. What is one community you are a part of that fills you up?
What makes a community resilient?
Robust Systems: Systems and people are interconnected; they share resources and information, are designed to function in complementary ways, and provide mutual support.
Transparency and Equitability: Processes are transparent, resources are accessible for all, and power dynamics are equitable.
Diversity: Functions can be delivered in multiple ways and people have a range of options to achieve their goals and meet their needs.
Ability to learn: groups and individuals are able to learn and integrate that learning in the future.
Safe Failure: There is a capacity to withstand regular impacts, fail safely in the event of a larger disruption, and adapt and thrive in response to changing circumstances.
We love our community here in Lyons, Colorado. We look out for each other. We also have great virtual communication tools to keep us informed and connected (multiple facebook pages, each with a designated purpose). Afterall, as a community, if we aren’t communicating - how do we know what is happening for each other? It has been especially helpful to have virtual tools to stay attuned during COVID. Although we are a small town, there is a lot happening here - much of which is powered by volunteers with a deep love for this special community.
What are some ways you are contributing to or staying connected with your community? Comment below!