When I get a moment to stop and reflect on all of the comments and posts that are shared in our various Facebook communities, I am often taken aback and in awe of the sense of togetherness and oneness within these virtual walls.
Claire and I may run and oversee these celebrant communities but we get as much out of them as we put into them. From a post that resonates with me and reflects what I’m feeling, to the warmth that I feel in being able to help someone else or point another celebrant in the right direction. Or just those simple feelings of belonging and understanding. It’s all so very special.
Not to mention the absolute support and generosity of all the celebrants who take time to help and support others, it really gives me all the feels. I wonder how many professions have communities like this which are so supportive of one another as individuals?
And this is just what happens within the Celebrants Collective communities, I’ve not even touched on all the other celebrant and officiant communities out there. Can you imagine what it would be like to be going through all that we’re going through now, the pandemic, the loss of income, livelihood, of clients, security and comfort, without having these communities to turn to and lean on? I can’t imagine it and I don’t want to either!
Another aspect of our community that I’m really proud of is our educational community – our members HQ (celebrating our third birthday this week! Yay!) I can see and have been told how our programme of education and learning provides a lifeline to many of our members.
With many people having lost their day-to-day routine and the rhythm that comes in running a celebrant business, our activities enable them to stay focused when they feel mentally dispersed. To maintain a sense of purpose, when on some days it feels like there isn’t any. To reignite the celebrant fires, which the current climate is managing to dampen and put out.
This month alone, we’ve deeped dived into voice work during an excellent live webinar with voiceover artist Lucy Brown. And we had a group coaching call yesterday on money mindset and pricing. We’re there for whoever needs us. And we’re also there for those who need a bit of timeout to replenish and restock within their own personal space.
We like to think that we address the needs of our members by helping them to stay focused, to lessen the overwhelm and the need to feel like they should be doing anything that they don’t want to do. That each member is intuitive to their own needs and requirements and we’re there to support them with that.
Because this is what building a community is all about. It’s about elevating and addressing the needs of others. It’s about understanding what that community needs and wants and serving that community so that it can thrive and be of benefit to itself, so that all members of the community can be served and also be of service.
If you’re a celebrant or officiant and you’re not part of our Facebook community group, come and join us here. There’s a very popular thread on naked ceremonies going on!
And if you want to become a part of our educational membership community (if you’re not already), where Claire and I serve you on a more personal level, with our support, camaraderie and monthly educational activities to help you to focus and reframe the day-to-day, come and join us here and get your first month for free. (As part of our birthday week celebrations).
Whatever the Celebrant Collective communities mean to you, lean into them, take out, give back and know that you’re welcome to sit at the table at anytime.
Main photo image by Simon Duggan Photography
