I am so fortunate to live in a fantastic town and community. Traditionally the church used to be the anchor of a town. In any small European village you can find the town center with its market place by looking for the church steeple. At church and at the market is where people used to gather and meet.

Creating and being part of a community is a much more diverse experience nowadays than meeting at market or church. My small town offers an amazing number of cultural and community events, many of them free; from concerts and talks to art parades and music festivals, from street fairs and a community garden to carnivals and the drive-in. Then there is an endless variety of organizations with opportunities for volunteering, an activity that gets you out to meet new townspeople and creates a better and more compassionate community; from school organizations to food pantries, from literacy and homework programs to community dinners and fundraisers, from organizations to improve life in our community in general or the life of a specific group of people to organizations for specific causes - you can find an organization for just about any cause.

Social interaction is important. The first part of my life I spent living in metropolises. Life there can be exhilarating, full of energy and creativity, with an endless array of choices to get involved. But it can also be overwhelming and lonely. It sure takes time and intent to become integrated into the fabric of a community. I like knowing the farmers I buy my food from, I like knowing the shop owners where I buy my clothes, books, and gifts. I like running into acquaintances at the Sunday market or a library event or a festival in town. I feel embedded in the web of relationships that we as a town have created through our activities and offerings. The more you're part of it the more fun it is; moreover it's healthy for you (see a previous post on that). Help to create the community you wish to live in - it's truly rewarding.