Community on My Mind

Community is a theme we are hearing about a lot in the popular media. Whether it is losses flowing from Covid-related challenges, loneliness and isolation in America or the complex mental health crisis, the need for interpersonal connection is apparent. On this national holiday, I am grateful for my many blessings. One of those blessings is being part of many communities of people. From family to old and new friends to women’s kayakers to travel partners. Each are different and special to me. In modern life, these communities are not “built in” but often require effort. This “effort” makes me think of places and times in which the community just was because it needed to be. As a traveler in India in 2020, I enjoyed the richness of community past and present. The history of Step Wells was one such example. Step Wells served a necessary purpose by providing access to scarce water but also served as a gathering place for the exchange of information, gossip and washing your clothes. These architectural wonders were built in the early centuries AD. While ultimately replaced by technological innovation as a place of necessity, the important cultural role was not as easily replaced. It makes me think about, where does my community gather? Where does yours?