Community: How Can We Reconnect?

WISDOM OF THE WEEK:
What does community have to do with nature, you ask?

Well, so many lessons can be learned from observing the way all the elements of nature work together (not always pleasantly) in relationship. 

Let’s look at the common threads between us all this week, and awaken ourselves to how we can most be of service.

Check out the video below to hear more:

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GETTING OUTSIDE:
Your challenge this week is to get outside every day, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood.

Your assignment is twofold.

First, look very closely at the little pockets of community in nature.  It could even be the few shrubs outside your front door, the soil, the way they withstand the weather.  Just notice.  See if you can pick up any hints on how the communities work together.

Second, while you are outside, actively seek out your fellow human beings, and say hello to each one you see.

Make eye contact, smile, offer a friendly nod..to every single person you encounter outdoors, including the folks who cross your path in the grocery store parking lot.

If you can, with each person, seek out a common thread, one that connects you.  You can read a lot by looking someone in the eye. 

What do you have in common?
What human desires might you both share?
What struggles might they have similar to yours?

PLAY TIME:
Let’s take this to the next level!

As a family, you can make quite a difference in the world.  This is a game to “Pay Forward” all the good you have received in your life. 

Let’s see what happens!

PAY IT FORWARD CHALLENGE
No supplies needed

1. Brainstorm together all the ways your needs as a family are met.  And all the acts of kindness you have received in the recent past.  Examples: Plenty of food for each meal, a warm home, a comfortable bed, clean drinking water, help from your friends and family, etc.

2. Now, make a list of ideas for ways you can “pay forward” all that good energy to someone who might be needing it.  They don’t need to take a lot of time, or any money at all.  Here are some examples: Shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk, giving a compliment to a stranger,  bringing a meal to a friend, holding the door open for the person behind you, helping your sibling tidy up their toys.

3. Keep that list handy, and see if you each can do one thing to “Pay it Forward” each day, above and beyond your normal acts of kindness.  It can be very simple.  And it can even be anonymous if you prefer.

4. Notice any reactions from the people receiving your good energy.  Does anything shift for them?  Does anything shift for you?

DAILY QUESTIONS:
(Choose one each day and either answer together around the meal table, or write about it in your family nature journal)
1. What do you appreciate most about your community?
2. What changes do you notice around you when you “Pay it Forward”?
3. What inspiration can we receive from the way nature works together in community?
4. What common threads do you notice even with people who seem very different from you?
5. How do you think the people felt who received your acts of kindness this week?
6. What other ways can you Pay it Forward in your community on a regular basis?
7. What changes have you noticed in nature this week?

Click HERE to download the PDF version of this lesson