Written by Karen D. Swim
I sat at my desk watching the steam from my morning cup of coffee curl and dissipate in the quiet morning air. Technically at work but not fully alert I gazed out the window as command central booted up for the day.
I closed my eyes and inhaled the aroma of the Arabica beans allowing my senses to awaken. *Beep* I sipped deeply and smiled at the familiar sound of the doorbell to my digital community.
Three years ago my “digital community” was limited to an email list of women praying for and supporting one another. Today, the connections are not easily traced from end to end, stretching across borders and communication platforms, multiplying along the way. In this community people never move they simply add on growing from digital condo to mansion with a mouse click. Foundations shift but connections are never lost. With each new neighborhood, the community grows, more stoops to visit, and stories to exchange.
My digital community has taught me that the power of human connection does not require you to inhabit the same physical space. A kind word when you’re on the verge of tears, a photo of a chocodote and talk of gorillas and pizza cheer the heart as powerfully as if you were in the same room.
I have learned that love and kindness are not diluted by the digital medium but strenghtened and multiplied as it is shared and spread, hashtagged and retweeted swelling as each adds to it as it travels through the digitial continuum. A cuppa with your digitial fence neighbor as deeply satisfying as a visit in a cafe.
We humans are amazing beings. Creative, fierce, determined and loyal. We find ways to forge deep and lasting connections in spite of geography, language differences, time zones and all manner of challenges that seem to stand in the way. We have conquered time and space using bits, bytes and memory cards. Refusing to be defeated by physical barriers, we support, encourage, inspire, and teach our tribe.
*Beep* the horn has sounded, the tribe has spoken, it is time to engage. The circle widens allowing my presence and I smile in humble gratitude.
What have you learned from your community?
This post is my humble thank you to all of you and my conntirubtion to Middle Zone Musings’ 24th Group Writing Project, What I Learned From Community. Care to share? Entries are being accepted until Sunday, May 10th at Midnight CST.
Karen,
I enjoyed your appreciations re the digital community, the value of heartfelt contributions traveling through space and time retaining effectiveness and efficiency; transporting guidance and kindness. THX!
Karen,
Thanks, thanks. I’m blushing. 🙂
Re: Friar—Hehe. Should have known that—it sounds so much like something he’d love to mock. No one can get too Pollyanna-ish when Friar’s around. I love that about him!
Until later,
kelly
Kelly´s last blog post..63 Simple Things You Can Do To Save Your Company
P.S. The title was a snarky nod to a twitter conversation with our favorite little merry maker, Deep Friar. 😉
@Andrew, you raise an important point. The tools were predicted to divide but we use them did the opposite and used them to unite. Like you I love that I can still be a part of my family and friend’s lives in spite of distance. And the new friends I’ve made, well I get tears in my eyes when I think of how much I love you all and how much you’ve stretched me, challenged me and made me better.
@Robert, big super hat tip to you for making me laugh so hard I snort milk out of my nose and feel so deeply that it makes me want to weep. True talent and awesome friendship – incredible package.
@Brad, so many wonderful words I could say about you but as always you hit the nail on the head. The beauty of this kind of community is we visit, spread, touch and learn from not only one another but others who drop by. So often a comment on your blog has led me in a new direction too not to mention the original post that fires my synapses into overdrive.
@Lillie, you inspire me daily in writing and humanity. I hope one day to meet you and give you a big hug!
@Kelly, I adore you and am so energized by you. I was reading your comment on Janice’s blog today and nodding my head, thinking, taking notes. You not only keep me on my toes but you make sure that I do it with manicured toes and shiny shoes. Big hugs for a huge heart and incredible mind!
Karen,
Ah, lovely. What have I learned from my community? Darn, I have been thinking about that a lot for the last few weeks. Most of what I’ve learned is relearning, actually. Things I’m supposed to know in the real world but that come back at me in fresh ways on the Internet.
1. Sharing and touching online gives me enormous pleasure. I know this, I shout it a lot, and it’s still more true than I ever convey.
2. We energize each other. I do like to offer fresh ideas and to teach; but I teach best by learning at the same time. I love to learn at my blog and at others maybe even more than I love to teach!
3. My (online) work isn’t the same if the connections aren’t happening.
4. Another one I know offline just as well but that I rediscover all the time online: I love to laugh. 🙂
Thanks for another thought-provoking post!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly´s last blog post..Why I Work So Hard
Karen,
As usual, you have said it beautifully and eloquently.
Lillie Ammann´s last blog post..National Day of Prayer 2009
Karen, Another beautiful post – you are on a roll. The question for me is, what haven’t I learned from my community? Every one of us has a unique emphasis in our digital expression. You, for instance, delve deep into the spiritual mysteries of life and work. By sharing your troubles and doubts, Karen, you impart strength to others. Is there something I can learn in that? Definitely! Everyone in my network brings something special to the table – humor, wisdom, stop-you-in-your-tracks questions, reassurance, happiness, brilliance … there have been offhand comments made on my blog that led me to revamping parts of my business model. Trying to follow the example of people in my network has made me a fuller and better person, I truly believe that.
Brad Shorr´s last blog post..Is Your Website Working? Take The Content Competence Quiz
Funny how that little *beep* has become the signal for so great a door opening up. Not just three little words any more (“you’ve got mail!”), but a whole soliloquy of expression.
I’m so honored to be counted in yours, Karen! You certainly have brightened up mine. A tip o’ the hat to ya!
Karen,
You have certainly hit on an interesting note, and if I recall correctly, earlier on in the digital revolution, there were fears that it may lead to a reduction in the level of personal communication.
In fact – quite the opposite has occurred, and if anything, the digital revolution has allowed people to relate on a much more intimate and personal level than before.
Personally, I am now virtually dependant on digital technology for a wide range of personal interaction, not just those with whom I have had the good fortune to interact with in the blogosphere (including yourself), but also my brother in England, my best friend who is living in Argentina, and also all of the people who I have met in Korea who have returned to their home countries.
Andrew´s last blog post..Pehaps Hong Kong’s tycoons don’t always get their way after all