There are a plethora of online communities. Some call them social media and look at them with disdain. I look at them as various support groups. I suppose it is no different than the glass-half-full or half-empty argument. To each their own. I will share with you how I have benefitted from various online platforms, and you can decide for yourself.

Spiritual Benefits

• Building an online relationship first connects me to people I may have never otherwise met, either virtually or, in some cases, in person.
• I have learned a tremendous amount from various online platforms, including Instagram — the challenges certain yogis offer, Medium, and NewsBreak.
• Community support. It is basically a virtual support group.
• I have gained access to guided meditations online.
• Online connections can lead to wonderful in-person opportunities.

The Changing Nature of Online Communities

There are always pros and cons to everything. The world of technology is constantly changing, which can cause frustrations but also bring benefits. Instagram started as a photo-based community, with some people posting inspiring stories to accompany their photos. Unfortunately, now their algorithm encourages more reels to mimic TikTok. I have seen a decline in engagement from my network of followers. However, I have met people worldwide and am grateful for those connections. I have even met a few in person.

Medium has gone through many changes. I have been kicked off the platform for reasons I still do not understand. But, this is another spiritual lesson… we must sit back and accept some things in life, for they are not meant to be understood. It is up to us to weigh whether it is worth the risk to try again. The connections I have made made it well worth trying again.

I am super grateful for the Salons that Derek Morgan created. As someone with CPTSD, the Salons are support groups, unlike anything I have ever experienced. Sometimes, it is more than a support group, true friends. These people have lifted me in my darkest hours. They stood up for me and kept me informed when I was not allowed on Medium. Thanks to them, I am back.

Many publications on Medium have wonderful communities. The people I have met and engaged with are incredibly inspiring. They make me want to be a better writer and the best version of myself. Being an editor for Dancing Elephants Press has made me feel like I have a new family, so thank you, Dr. Gabriella Korosi, for creating this space. This group is unlike any I have ever been a part of.

In-Person Friends V/S Online

It is wonderful to have both in-person and online friends, and when you can bring them both together, it is icing on the cake. I did not realize how truly lonely I was until I moved to Arizona and made terrific friends. Being able to share meals and hug each other is irreplaceable. I am also eternally grateful for my online friends around the world. I am so inspired daily, and my cup is filled with their lessons, recipes, challenges, travel experiences, and writing.

Final Thoughts

I feel blessed to have the best of both worlds. I hope to meet many of my online friends in person. I have set that as an intention, knowing the Universe hears it. Being around like-minded people who support and understand me uplifts me spiritually. The world constantly changes, but we can still choose who we want to be around. I choose you. That is why I am here.

I will leave you with an affirmation of hope:

Hope guides us from darkness into light and triumphs over evil. Never give up in your darkest of hours, for hope springs eternal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. You are amazing, and I appreciate you. Shine bright and share your gifts with the Universe.

Peace & Light,

Libby

This is in response to the amazing Bella Smith ⭐'s prompt in Promptly Written ( I blended two of the spiritual prompts):

And now for a couple of great reads by writers who inspire me:

Karsten Ramser continues to share his wisdom in this great article of acceptance:

CJ Coop wrote a brilliant poem on compassion that we can all benefit from

✍ — Published by Dr. Gabriella Korosi, at Dancing Elephants Press. Click here for submission guidelines.