Reimagine My Community
All of us have fundamental needs to Connect with others. The extent varies depending on individuals.
We need to embrace the fullness of human experience—both Joy and Suffering—as part of our Journey into Community.
Ongoing suffering without times of Joy becomes unbearable and diminishes Community.
The idealized world of a hammock at the white sands of an ocean or lakeside resort does not paint the full picture of Community. It may have the word “Community” in the marketing materials, but the picture is incomplete.
In forming vision, a creative vision for Community, we encourage all to connect with both joy and suffering as best you can in your individual situations. How you do that is something only you can know.
Some of you need to see “the other side of the tracks.” Some of you are desperate to find a ray of light, of hope, and some Joy.
True Community, therefore, is a place of joy without diminishing the reality of human suffering. In Reimagine, you will see both laughter and tears.
In the Tunnel of Tears (further down this page) we show imagery that captures, well, tears.
As well, check out some images in the Image Slides under “… Some Speak .…” This image gallery is below.
Each person has their story. Their Journey.…
On this journey, we have singers and dancers and those who weep. We have fun along the way.
Light and dark threads are in this weaving of Community and life.
The Trek into Community, and the birthing of Creativity for your Community Build, often means shedding of old beliefs.
Reimagine encourages free thinking and creativity. It pulls on heart strings so that you might find the best solutions for your expression of Community.
We try to provide principles and suggestions and not just “Do 1, 2, and then 3.” We try to be non-prescriptive: “Say, have you considered.…” From there, we hope you will find your individual expression of Community with whomever you journey with. Within Trek, especially, we want you to Reimagine and then use those principles within Build.
Reimagine also becomes symbiotic with a rediscovery and reimagining of who you are. Your identity. Your self. Who you are in the present and who you might become in the future. It’s a Trek—a Journey. It will challenge you—gently and firmly. But it will be at your side and beckon you onwards.
Not all will journey with you.
But the rewards are great!
Joy and suffering are the mix that helps birth and grow creative solutions within Reimagine. Like childbirth, pain and joy come together in the birth of a child. The birth of a child makes the pain worthwhile.
Likewise, the farmer or business owner takes pleasure in the harvest arising from their efforts.
We don’t think it is realistic to birth Community without a heart-level understanding of the fullness of human experience (both joy and suffering). We all experience challenges and hurdles in our own unique pathway.
By suffering, we don’t just mean tired muscles after a day of physical work!
It’s not enough to just build walled cities or subdivisions that only invite those with a certain level of financial means, race or education.
Walls in our hearts are not always visible … they can be higher than walls around a city.
We must learn to hear the heart of suffering humanity and bring that into our creative designs for Community.
When others speak….
Mobile Users: Lion’s text follows:
What Don’t You Understand About Suffering and Struggle?
All I want are some friends and a safe place to live.
Food. Clothing. Purpose in life. Some basic dignity.
A bit of respect. A bit less shame and shunning.
Am I asking too much?
Regardless of your social status and financial position, suffering and pain can visit us all. We all need a hand up in life in varying degrees.
Yes, we are VERY concerned about Climate Change and the impacts on Community.
