A Familial Community: The Moments that Give Us Meaning

Community is like few other words in that its definition does not fit into a neatly wrapped, perfectly packaged bundle. Our lives, inside and outside our homes, are defined by our interaction with various communities.

There are few moments when these areas merge, but in these crossing intersections we see the true value and meaning in the bonds we’ve made. Take for instance, the transitions we go through during life’s inevitable “big events.” You know the sort. The groundbreaking, path-altering, things-will-not-be-the-same happenings that define not only our relationships, but our society as a whole. In these moments we see the purpose in the connections we’ve made. Here is what makes these moments so meaningful:

Rituals

Rituals help to alleviate anxiety. The nature of doing something in the same way millions of others before have makes the thing itself seem much less daunting. Traditions have crafted our history. In stories handed down or mandates passed from parent to child, the things we carry from family to family, organization to organization, give shape to the form of our governments, militaries, sports teams, campus bodies, and so much more.

A community isn’t necessarily just the people who comprise the numbers—it is the unspoken rules that govern it, the guidelines, challenges, and triumphs that give it shape. The requisite parts of a whole surpass the mere components that comprise its profile.

Progress

One of the hallmarks of a successful family is unconditional emotional support. Further than that, some experts believe that instilling a sense of autonomy is a clear indication that not only has the next generation been given the ability to survive and pass on the traditions mentioned above, they have been given the liberty to make their own path and present future generations with a brighter, more enlightened lifestyle.

Family

Community has often been called a sociological construct. Defined as “a set of interactions, human behaviors that have meaning and expectations between its members. Not just action, but actions based on shared expectations, values, beliefs and meanings between individuals.” Though this definition is verbose and clearly defined, it fails to capture the familial nature of community, the intangible essence of what makes networks succeed.

Misanthropic people tend to shy away from definitions like this, but the reality is that we now live in a socially vibrant world. With the ability to communicate openly and near constantly via digital means and technological advancement, events and traditions like these only serve to help bring to fruition the importance of community.

Some view community in its physical form. Something that in transitory times we see manifest, like the building of a skyscraper over time. In reality, our communities are formed by our experiences and the networks we choose to partake in. They affect our relationships, our finances, our health and even our outlook on life.

One of the few things we can be certain of daily is the unfailing, uncompromising uncertainty of the future. Fortunately, the communities we join help us manage coming changes and aid us in maintaining a concrete structure, a foundation to rely upon.

GetAssist is a network founded on the understanding of the importance of communities and the benefits of connecting with purpose. The framework of this platform is based on the consistency of community and the support found within. Sign up today, and see how the structure you rely upon can translate to the prevalent digital network.