print by the talented Kelly RaeThis post really spoke to me tonight. In my past I was drawn to a lot of pagan beliefs and the likes of druidry and wicca, which although I still find beauty in, I can see now was more because of the sense of {community} they had. Similarly, for some time I was a 'lurker' amongst the likes of these blogs, skulking on the edge of the community, all the while craving what they shared.
I craved that sense of belonging that fuels your heart. That comfort in knowing you are protected and held by those who care. For a long time my husband fulfilled that need completely, and in many ways he still does. But I craved the connection that only a collective of women could share, what only good trusted beautiful kindred spirits could understand. I think unconsciously that is why I started blogging. It was a 'tribal call'. I love that term. There is something primeval and earthy about it. And I think it is a sensual and powerful way to describe a group of women bound together by a common thread. Better yet, one of the beauties of the Internet is that it dissolves any geographical barriers, so my call can be heard across every continent, eventually weaving a colourful tapestry with the different threads that bind us together. Oh what a beautiful fantasy!
But maybe it could become reality. I don't feel I have anything to lose anymore, but only a massive amount to gain. I've realised, for a long time now, I have been unconsciously driven not only by the general labels people have assigned to me: Daughter, Colleague, Friend.. but also by sub catergories: extrovert, introvert, smart, stupid, generous, selfish) Without thinking, I would easily and worst yet - comfortably - fall into what was 'expected' of me without even questioning it. Blogging has given me the opportunity, with an element of anonminity, to put my *real* self out there and see what happens. Now I am defining myself. Who will I discover?
Already there have been the most generous souls that have tumbled across my intial musings and left affirming and thoughful comments encouraging me on this journey. I am so grateful. I still have no idea where this journey will lead me, but I do hope to find the tribe I belong to along the way.
6 flicks of colour:
i'm so glad you left a link in my comments so that others can come and discover your blog. i know what you mean about needing that band of women. there is something about the connection that women share with each that can't be filled by anyone else but our fellow sisters. i've had women come and go in and out of my life but there was one thing i could always count on--those connections i longed for would always enter my life when i was open to receving them...and i've been blessed by so many of them.
I'm so glad you're here! This is a really moving post -- honest and REAL, just like you hope to be, just like you already are. This community of bloggers is a truly beautiful and remarkable thing, and I am so glad you've made your way here. I will be reading!!
I answer the {tribal call} and am honoured and truly grateful to have found such an amazing friend in you. Long may we journey together!
I came here through the link on Michelle's site as I, too, follow the tribal call. I do like the sound of that so much.
And I came from Michelle's post as well! I am proud of you for putting yourself out there and calling us to you :)
Lovely post!
You have spoken wisely. We do need a tribe, and as women, many of these ancient avenues to pull together are lost. I was truly not aware of this own need within myself, until I read this post. Wonderful.
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