I grew up throughout the 60s and 70s. I think we had better manners then because on Sundays when (periodically) the missionaries would come to the door, no one cringed or hid. They were almost always invited in; for discussion and sometimes even tea. They’d share pamphlets, with future dates where you were welcome.

The goals, unlike the missionaries that went abroad, weren’t to convert, but to find like-minded people to share their message with.   

Sometimes I feel exactly like that; the missionary that is.

A while back I used a “test audience” for some articles on intuition. I had the idea there might be others as interested in the topic as I was. These women were gathered specifically to discuss intuition and all of them gladly volunteered when queried, and said they were definitely interested in intuition. All of which might be why I wasn’t prepared for the (angry) backlash that came from a few of the women in the group. The open hostility directly toward me, reminded me of how we treat modern-day missionaries that come to the door—with rudeness. But it’s only fear and a misapprehension of what I’m sharing that can make people react fearfully.

Like-minded communities are (sort of) like families

I’ve been in a local doll club for years. We “doll people” as I refer to us, are similar in our shared interests. We all like dolls, but each of us have different doll-type preferences for various personal reasons. Typically we share common mannerisms or behaviours though, almost like a code. As if to say, “people like us do things like this”. This is how any club or community of like-minded people create and support their own culture.

When I’m out-and-about I might occasionally mention the Ottawa Doll Club, or speak a little about it. I’m not actively trying to get people to join our club because frankly how many adults have an interest in dolls? I mention our club when I think someone might be interested in hanging out with us to learn about any number of things doll-related like: doll-collecting, doll-making, costuming, repairing, antiques, accessories, hair styles, etc. In this regard I am a doll-missionary and that’s my position.

Sacred Craft

Similarly, I’ve created Sacred Craft; a community of artists/makers and inner geniuses, so whether our super powers are building intellectual constructs, exploring philosophic truths or creating fun art, we tend to all share a code because people like us do things like this:

• We’re kind
• Courageous (albeit in differing areas)
• Authentically passionate about the truth of ourselves
• Fearless (albeit in differing areas to differing degrees)
• Compassionate
• Generous
• Strong (albeit in differing areas)
• and have the capacity to be vulnerable

And a bunch of other things but we’re all unique and have strengths, courage and fearlessness in different areas. Which is why it’s so great to be a part of a bigger community because where one of us falters in vulnerability another may volunteer a helping hand.

There is nothing to be afraid of here (except yourself and we all know how scary that can be at times). :0) But don’t worry because you’ve got me cheering you on, and everyone else here whose struggles are very similar; which means you’re in very good company. Always.

Peace out,

W

PS> Got a friend who might already have the attributes described in the bullets above? If so, they might like to hang out with us too. Can’t have too many like-minded friends, now can we? :0) Lean in and fall forward (into like-minded friendhips.