Atheism is gaining ground. Religions are out of fashion. Western nuclear families and the way our cities are constructed discourage deep rooted community connections. There’s a loneliness epidemic.<p>I feel the need for it stronger than ever. I grew up in a cult and the one thing that could be said for it, was it had a great community in many ways.<p>Well now I’m no longer in the cult, with two small kids and wondering how to fill in that hole —- just one that isn’t a cult. But maybe you have kinda be culty to be part of something in the first place?<p>I’m reminded of the excellent essay from dynomight, 3rd section: https://dynomight.net/plans/<p>So, how do you do IRL community? I mean deep, meaningful connection: the pickleball league isn’t gonna cut it against the tide of modern individualism.
I suppose it depends on whether you prefer collectivist cultures vs individualistic cultures.
I’m personally very individualistic I keep my circles small and seperate. I have my work “community” and I have my family, which I don’t interact with my extended family much as I grew up quite isolated from them. I also join clubs from time to time, to meet new people, but I don’t really have a a big community I’m feel part of, and I’m ok with that.
But if you’re looking for community, joining a sports club, or a charity organisation or something like that can be a good place to start.