Why We Need Friends, Allies, and Community

We are Drawn to Feel Connected

Friendship, allyship, and community are part of a healthy existence. 

We need people who get us—who really see us, or at least try to. This concept of being seen is a form of validation and part of our personal growth process.

Our attachment to outside validation can be problematic, holding its own set of lessons, but when it happens without attachment, and perceived through the awareness of our Divine Self consciousness, it can be a form of spiritual confirmation. Under these conditions, we are able to recognize our own truth, share it, and have it acknowledged by others. These moments of recognition are important and affirm our path.

We need people to witness our experiences, both the good and bad, because this contributes to our growth and healing; those who are the witness are similarly transformed.

What we witness becomes part of our awareness—the effect of this act is three fold. 

First, we validate their experience when we witness it and it becomes a type of shared experience. Second, what we witness prompts our own memories and ability to relate; this can be displayed as empathy. We can also be triggered by what we observe. Here, we tap into deep seeded memories that reflect the sentiment, “I know this emotion or experience—I’ve been there.” When this happens, the feeling experienced is visceral and cannot be readily explained. The memory might be obscured, but the intense emotion is very much present. Third, through our observation and shared experience, we solidify the event in the field of the Collective Consciousness. Here, the emotions felt, beliefs created, along with the healing that can transpire, are passed on.

Being of service as a friend, ally, or community member is part of our spiritual calling. 

When we know ourselves and our faith, we embody more of our humanity. We seek out meaningful connections and relationships. We want to do good and make a difference. We are drawn to acts of unity rather than ideas that create more separation within and without.

Here are three affirmations that you can work with that support these aspects of connection and growth:

  1. I nourish myself; I nourish the collective.
  2. I transform myself; I transform the collective.
  3. I free myself; I free the collective.

You can meditate on these ideas and use them as part of your breathwork mantra practice by saying one verse on the inhale and the other on the exhale.

Here are thought and journal prompts to integrate your understanding of these mindful ideas:

  1. In what ways have you stepped up for a friend and how did it affect your relationship? What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
  2. How do you understand allyship and where can you practice it meaningfully now?
  3. What are your thoughts around community? How can you be more in community with others? What type of community environment is calling to you and why?

We invite you to share your thoughts on friendship, allyship, and community below.

Peace be with your friends.

With love,

Sureya-Jeanne