I assume that at least 80% of people want to be connected to other people, particularly their neighbours. We are social creatures. Our brains crave interaction with others. It brings us joy. While we can have communities of interest and friends and family that we are in deep community with despite geography, it isn't a replacement for knowing those who live closest to us. Knowing our neighbours makes us feel safer, allows us to help one another and creates opportunities for spontaneous human connection and fun.
I didn't always make this assumption. In Deepening Community, Paul Born shared a story of the first condo building he and his wife lived in and how they didn't really know anyone. I was surprised by this and comforted. That's the life I'm living. I write a lot about building and seeking community, but in my own backyard we have very little.
I gained confidence in the assumption that people want to connect after Deepening Community Edmonton in June. I believe that everyone is waiting for someone else to act. So on Neighbour Day this year I took my first step. I (along with two of my friends) baked muffins for my 84-unit condo building. We delivered these 14 dozen muffins along with a sign that wished them a happy neighbour day and encouraged them to pay this act forward. It was anonymous and because I don't think anyone from my condo building reads this blog, will remain anonymous for some time.
I'm hoping the muffins will be a spark. Beyond the thank you's, I'm hoping this little seed of love will bloom in at least some of my neighbours and we'll start creating the kind of community in our building that many of us are craving. I missed our AGM a couple of weeks ago. My soon-to-be-husband let me know that many people referred to the mystery muffins and we're also looking at creating values for our building. No matter what happens, I'm now bold enough to keep up with the acts like this. To be tenacious and keep actively fostering community among my neighbours.
Being a Force for Good 