Community
We all need a place where we feel like we
belong. Community can be formed by any number of things, our interests, our
location, our experiences… the list goes on. It means something different for
everyone. Here’s why I think community is important…
·
You meet new people and have an
opportunity to 'network’
In my opinion, meeting new people as an adult is
actually really hard. Finding a community of people that you already have a
common interest with makes that a little easier. Now when I say ‘network’, I
don’t think life is one big business opportunity but you never know who you’re
going to meet and what they might inspire you to do.
·
You might find a special support
network which gives you a sense of togetherness
Perhaps you meet someone who finds themselves in
similar circumstances to you and you’re able to connect on a deeper level. There
are some communities that are formed purely by patients with the same diagnosis.
Imagine meeting someone who knew more about what you deal with on a daily basis
than your own family and what that might add to your life.
Perhaps you’re just able to have a few hours without
any other part of your life creeping in; some ‘me’ time (which is way more
important than we ever allow it to be). We as a species have never lived alone
but it is important to remember that we are all individuals within the group so
it’s always good to find balance.
·
You’re able to share knowledge
and experience
As a creative person, I
find most of my learning and development is done with the help of others. In
sport especially, surrounding yourself with others who are more and less experienced than you is vital
for growth. The more experienced people drive you and the less experienced
remind you to stay humble in your progression. Even athletes who compete in
solo sports rarely train alone.
·
If you’re really lucky, you can
form authentic relationships
Within a safe community people are able to be completely
themselves. Within any community you have to be willing to be a little
vulnerable, be that in the way you speak about your thoughts, feelings,
opinions, experiences and in the sporting environment, your actions. You have
to be willing to try… and sometimes struggle, in front of others.
Sport in particular has constant challenges
and successes but having a safe and supportive environment to experience them
in, means the challenges can appear minor and the successes major.
Where would we be without our community
enriching our experiences? Just look at our studio for example:
- You struggle with a particular exercise but are reassured by another student they have a tough time with that exercise too.
- You can’t understand why you can’t quite get your leg where it needs to be and then your instructor points out a vital teaching point and everything clicks into place.
- You feel wobbly in a move and there’s a smiley spotter ready to catch you.
- You nail the move and your cheerleaders are there, taking pictures and are ready to high five you when you get down.
Having that experience and adding to
someone else’s experience is what truly makes us feel good, it’s what adds the
extra sparkle. Each and every one of you makes our studio what it is. So next
time you think you haven’t achieved anything in class, remember you’re a vital
part of our community and we’re lucky to have you.
C x
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We love seeing your pictures and hearing your experiences, if you'd like to share some with the Spin City Community, you can tag us on our Instagram page or email us a story via spincitynewbury@gmail.com