Supportlandia

"A healthy soul is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living "- Rudolf Steiner

I have noticed in this place, this beautiful area of the earth called Portland, community is thriving.  It is at least aching to make a difference. I remember a previous blog I wrote this summer about how people aren't looking at each other anymore.....and how people really just need other people. Well, Portland has showed me that community really does exist.
       For a city, Portland has a very small town feel. I have only been here a few months, and I already see some of the same faces everywhere. The greatest feeling is when I meet someone out at a music event, and then see them getting groceries the next day. Instead of brushing me off as a crazy person when I try to figure out how I know them, they truly search as well. They want to know me too. I guess being on a ship for a year made me recognize the simple beauty of forming relationships. I haven't been settled down in one place for a long time, and it feels so good to make friendships that I can invest in. I can invest in this community.
    I have one amazing example how supportive this community is. Last night, Wild Mountain Bell had another show. We were the middle act of three, and the crowd was unbelievably gracious. We felt so welcomed. Before the show, I was wondering down Alberta street (a cute area of town near me) to look at the posters Caleb made for our upcoming show. I couldn't get in to the bar to see them, so I wandered into an adorable vintage clothing and boot shop. I saw a very southern floral blue dress on a mannequin that caught my eye to go inside. I started talking to the shop girl, and told her about my shows and how I liked the dress cause I could maybe wear it for one. It was a pleasant conversation, and she seemed very interested to come and support us sometime. I told her we were performing very close to her shop in a week, and I figured she may or may not be there. Then at our show, guess who walks in with a friend? She sat right in front and listened the whole time! I was very impressed by how supportive a complete stranger was to me. But the crazy thing is, I think we actually will be good friends. Turns out we have a ton of the same views on life :)
     I love how when you least expect it, you find truth in others around you. You find the same longings and love and passions. They may have different names for these feelings, but they are all based off of the ultimate yearning for peace, love and joy. That is why a supportive community is so important. When we can share those beautiful parts of our souls with each other,  we can start recognizing the ultimate oneness. Portland is a special community. I am so blessed to be a part of it.