Community,
as a word, is obviously related to commune.
As a noun, a commune is a group of people that share something,
usually property. As a verb, with a slightly different (but closely
related) etymology, it is often used in a spiritual sense for a sort
of silent communication,
often with something bigger than a person – as in communing with
nature, a divinity, and so on. It can also refer to other sorts of
intimate communication, or taking of communion
in the Christian Eucharist.
Another related
word is common. A
commune hold their
property in common. A
community is a group
bound together by something
in common.
Building a
strong, supportive community means holding more
in common, rejoicing in that commonality, sharing more, and more
thoroughly, and more joyously. There will always be the private, the
personal – that is right and proper. Not everything can be shared.
But we should share what we can, and share it with all good joy.
Written July 2019
