DW's Blog

Beyond Right and Wrong: The Transformative Power of Community

by DW Green — October 9, 2024

Community calls me to recognize the shadow side of myself: the ways in which I am hard, distant, rigid, and unforgiving.

Conflict often reveals something important, allowing me to yield to something bigger and more significant than protecting my ideas of right or wrong. Community calls me to recognize the shadow side of myself: the ways in which I am hard, distant, rigid, and unforgiving. It shows me when I am placing my needs before others, showing up distracted or late, and taking others for granted.

This presents an opportunity to ask essential questions: Can I be transparent and undefended without collapsing when this feedback comes my way? Can I notice, name, and investigate with open curiosity what I am feeling? Can I offer myself and others kind attention without judgment or blame?

The gift of community is the mirror that reflects back to me, offering a chance to live into a better version of myself.