sustainable community

I want to talk about the need for sustainable community within spirituality / self-help spaces – but realistically, just sustainable community overall. This is a conversation I often have with my best friend, who lives far away, and it’s also something that comes up a lot within our spiritual community shares.

For those who don’t know, many years ago, I was part of a plant medicine community in the Northeast, and it was truly one of the worst community experiences of my life lol. I’m grateful, though, because I met some of the closest people in my life through that space. However, I also saw firsthand how much people in spiritual communities can try to take advantage of others, especially when they’re in their most vulnerable states. People can be exploited financially, emotionally, and resourcefully – the ways this happens are endless.

In spirituality containers, a sustainable community looks like a place where people are willing to have difficult conversations when things get uncomfortable. It also means ensuring that people stay grounded and recognize the seriousness of the work at hand. It was a major compliment in 2022 when we hosted a retreat in Peru, that an older guest applauded us for being so young and choosing to allow the uncomfortable conversations rather than like most retreat spaces saying it was a job to be handled behind the scenes. Without certain conversations, we cannot move forward as a safe space.

When we look at sustainable community overall, we really need to consider the economic state of the world. People often don’t have the time, money, or mental space to spend on being part of a community. There’s also the reality that people need to move where opportunity arises. This is where the online space shines – it allows us to have a sense of community from wherever we are in the world.

At the same time, I recognize the importance of in-person human contact and communion. When someone builds a community but then has to move away for business, health, or other reasons, it can be challenging to rebuild that sense of space and connection.

When we’re talking about sustainable community (online or in person) we have to start with trust, openness, and adaptability. Especially in the spiritual and self-help spaces, a sustainable community isn’t just a group of people; it’s a space that actually supports people long-term, through different stages and life events.

First, we need clear values and intentions. Without that foundation, it’s hard for people to feel a sense of shared purpose. When people understand the community’s “why” like supporting mutual growth or spiritual healing, it creates accountability and helps everyone stay on the same page.

Then, we have to create space for open communication and vulnerability. A sustainable community thrives on transparency, and that means people need to feel safe enough to show up as they are, even when things get uncomfortable. Setting up norms for hard conversations where people feel respected and heard is huge.

Next, diversity and inclusivity aren’t just buzzwords!!! Sustainable communities are enriched by different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas. If we’re truly open to learning from each other, we have to make space for all those differences and really respect each other’s boundaries.

Speaking of boundaries, they’re everything.

In spiritual or self-help spaces, people are often working through intense parts of their journey, and if there’s no respect for boundaries, burnout is inevitable. Modeling and encouraging self-care within the community helps people feel more sustainable in their own involvement.

Another key piece? Giving everyone a way to contribute. Sustainable communities aren’t built by just one leader, encouraging those around you to host or pitch in is essential. Again, I know monetarily wise maybe someone cannot afford to host, but including them in another way opens the feeling of being needed and of being in service.

Consistency with flexibility is also crucial. Regular events or gatherings give the community a rhythm, but it’s also important to stay adaptable to people’s changing lives and schedules. Communities are most sustainable when they actually meet people where they are – whether that’s in person or online. There are many times where I haven’t wanted to show up and host, or gather but I am glad I did after hearing people share what the space provided them.

And we can’t forget the balance between online and in-person connections. Online spaces are incredible for bringing people together from all over, but face-to-face connections add a different layer of depth.

Skill-sharing and mentorship are a big deal, too. Sustainable communities give people a way to grow from one another’s experiences. Opportunities for mentorship and skill-sharing sessions don’t just make the group stronger; they build real, lasting ties. I’m honored to have been mentored and to mentor those in our community who continue to show up.

Again we also have to be mindful of resources and accessibility. Not everyone can give in the same way, and pushing people to contribute financially, energetically, or with their time beyond what they can handle is a quick way to make a community unsustainable. Giving people different ways to participate – whether it’s time, talent, or energy – keeps things inclusive and heart centered.

Finally, resilience and adaptability are the real keys to lasting community. People’s needs will change, and challenges will come up, so building in the ability to check in, adjust, and shift as needed helps the community stay relevant and supportive.

Sustainable communities aren’t just there to support people; they’re designed to last, to be places where people can feel grounded while also growing, evolving, and truly being in it for the long haul. We here are doing our best, and always learning so please comment below any thoughts or reflections and we wish you well.

If you’d like to join us we have a few gatherings coming up so head to our retreats & events page!