The importance of the village

A recent trip to Ohakune, where I spent time with 36 other people, prompted me to reflect on the importance of the community we create around ourselves. During those days, I was surrounded by people from various age groups, walks of life, or even cities, all of whom were either Polish or had some connection to Poland.

What made this experience truly great was that, for those three days, it felt like we were part of a closely-knit village. We coexisted harmoniously, cooking, laughing, and playing games together, the discussions were flowing, the sense of community was strong - it was exactly what I needed at that time.

This made me ponder about the significance of having a village-like support system, where family members: parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends provide the support. Moving abroad, I had to build an alternative village for myself here in Aotearoa, start from the scratch and build it one by one.

As humans, we can't live in isolation; at least, I can't. We need people around us to share our joys, frustrations, and experiences. We require someone to listen and empathise, to inspire us, and to engage in meaningful conversations. No single person can fulfill all these roles, which is why a village-like community is essential.

Take a moment to think about the people who make up your support system - your village. Do they realise the role/s they play in your life? Are you aware of the roles you play in theirs? Are there any roles you'd like to take on within your community? What can you do to ensure that your village is strong and connected?

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As always curious

Mags

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