Networking and Community

The word 'community' contains within it the prefix 'com' which means 'together' and the word 'unity.' Therefore, community means 'united together.' The word 'community' is derived from the Latin word 'communis', which means 'shared by all.' Sharing is an essential part of community. Community is a vital part of holistic living. We need other people to be fully integrated into the tapestry of life on Mother Earth. How do we find our community if we do not have one already that meets our needs? Lucky for us, we live in the age of the Internet. Below you will find links to resources that may be helpful in your spiritual quest.

Community exists anywhere people form supportive relationships with each other. Community may develop organically based upon the wants and needs of the individual participants. You may seek to form such a group yourself. A community is only as strong as the individual relationships within it. Community grows one heart at a time. It is very important for the facilitators of groups to get their needs met within the group and have help in organizing and facilitating. Otherwise they may burn out. Take good care of yourselves and each other. Love is the foundation of Bliss.

Love, Deerheart

Loving Community Groups in the Boston Area

I am on the planning committee of Boston Area Sexuality and Spirituality Network, an educational networking organization, which has hosted meetings on a variety of topics related sexuality and spirituality.

I have just joined a new group you may find of interest. It is the Boston Tantric Meetup, a place to connect with other tantric practioners and learn new tantric techniques.

Another group I have attended is New England Tantra. New England Tantra is a foundation dedicated to bringing the study of Tantra, the Tantric Arts and Sacred Sexuality, to the Boston area and all of New England, fostering Tantric Community, and offering joy and bliss to all who wish to participate.

I, along with my friend Ania, have completed a series of programs for the Sacred Love Ritual Group. Our intention was to go deeper into community and ritual with a group of people. While the group is no longer meeting, you may find the structure and descriptions of our programs to be of interest.

I attend a weekly dance called Dance Friday. Dance Friday is a place to dance barefoot, however you like, with or without a partner, to all kinds of music, in a smoke- and alcohol-free space. It is a volunteer-run, consensus-governed, non-profit dance organization. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

I also attend another weekly dance called Dance Freedom. Dance Freedom is a joyous celebration of life's energies expressed every Wednesday in an evening of dance and music. People dance creatively, alone, with a partner or with many others, sharing a feeling of ecstasy and liberation. DJ'd music guides the magic, weaving together current, world, classic and spiritual sounds. Dance Freedom is a safe place to share your energy and make new friends. No shoes, children, alcohol, or smoking are allowed. Respect for others is essential.

Dance Friday and Dance Freedom are connected to a network of dances called Dance New England with links to freestyle and contact dances all over the world in an online Dance Directory.