I never thought about the concept of tribes until my mombbatical when I took part in an experience called Alps to Alaska. I have been a part of work and church communities, families, even a sorority, but the concept of a tribe had a completely different feeling for me. When I found myself in this bona fide tribe–a group of individuals all committed to the ideal of supporting one another as we each embraced our own personal growth journeys–I was moved by the unconditional, yet interdependent energy of the group. There was no vying for power or ego jockeying. It was a peaceful exchange of ideas, energies, and vulnerabilities.
“The question is can we translate this same type of energy and generosity to the very institutions that are failing us or are in question right now? Our schools? Our workplaces? Our governments? Our economies?”
The pandemic has really forced us to look deeply at our people groups–our work communities, our families, even our friend groups. While separated from all those I hold near and dear, I found comfort in the tribes that intentionally sought virtual connection during those months. Even in the digital universe, I appreciated the way these tribes simply nurtured the connections without demands or obligations. Everyone seemed to be seeking the highest good for all in our Zoom world while asking for nothing in return but presence.
What I am learning in my tribal interactions is that there is shared power. Some may direct the momentum in certain directions, but every member’s contribution holds its own weight. No one is fighting to be seen or heard because the space has been created for that very purpose. The question is can we translate this same type of energy and generosity to the very institutions that are failing us, or are in question right now? Our schools? Our workplaces? Our governments? Our economies?
In this week’s conversation, we will talk more deeply about tribes and how their very nature is the healing balm that we need in this moment. We will contemplate the following questions:
- What are the tribes that sustain you in your life? Try to think beyond family or other groups to which you have obligations.
- What are the lessons that you have learned from those tribes?
- How do the tribes that we attract affirm beautiful aspects of ourselves?
- How have the members of your tribes challenged you to step outside of your comfort zones?
- How might your tribes inspire greater collective action to bring about real change?
This week’s conversation is Sunday, August 9th at 11 am PST/2 pm EST/8pm CET. For details on how to join, click here.
