A longing for authentic community
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been talking with women who are interested in joining Sanctuary. And a common longing I’m hearing is for community that feels authentic.
We crave a place where we can be ourselves.
Where we can share the wholeness of life—what’s good, what’s hard, and everything in between.
Where we don’t feel like we need to shape-shift or hide parts of ourselves to fit in.
We want a non-performative space where connection isn’t manufactured. It grows naturally.
We want to be held—to have people to lean on.
And we want to hold others and be people others can lean on.
I’ve also noticed how, in the past, I’ve gotten in my own way of finding this kind of community.
How at times I haven’t prioritized it.
How it’s felt uncomfortable or inconvenient to show up—and how that discomfort has sometimes made me isolate or walk away from places of connection.
I’ve also seen how sometimes authenticity has less to do with others and more to do with my own comfort level with being seen.
I’ve noticed my own desire to be in control of how others perceive me. To want to make sure I’m understood. To want to know that I’m being received the way I intended.
And I’m realizing that this, too, can get in the way of being myself with others.
Being yourself requires a sort of internal safety, as well as safety experienced with others.
Unfolding—softening into more of yourself—is a process.
And I think many of us are realizing this: we can do a lot of inner healing and spiritual work on our own, but the integration happens in relationship.
We can’t do that part all on our own. We have to show up for each other. We have to keep showing up. And we need to surround ourselves with and be surrounded by compassion, grace, and love along the way.
And maybe this is why the longing for authentic community is so deep. It isn’t a selfish desire. It’s a desire for belonging—for ourselves and for one another.
This is part of what we practice together in Sanctuary.
ABOUT SANCTUARY:
Sanctuary is an intimate women’s circle for those longing for deeper connection—with self, others, and something bigger connecting us all. We meet for a season to turn inward, share space, and accompany one another through life.
Sanctuary includes:
• Six 90-minute gatherings over about three months, with time for guided reflection, self-exploration, and honest conversation.
• A non-judgmental space where we can be open and honest, with boundaries that help us stay safe, clear, and connected in love.
• Select Tuesday night gatherings beginning September 22, with both virtual and in-person options. In-person gatherings will be in Sandy Springs at Touch of Health.
• A sliding-scale investment of $150–$300, so you can choose the amount that feels right for you.
• Opportunities to grow together outside of our regular gatherings, including a shared service project benefiting immigrant families, a day out hiking in North Georgia, and a fire pit celebration to close the season.
• A private group chat to stay connected between gatherings.
If you’re curious about Sanctuary, I’m hosting an FAQ and conversation next Tuesday, September 15th at 7:30 PM EST via Zoom. Fill out this interest form to join us.
OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT IN SEPTEMBER:
This Saturday, September 12th, I’m joining Atlanta yoga teacher and retreat facilitator Kathleen Prengaman for Meditate with Mama Earth—an afternoon of slowing down, connecting with nature, and being together.
Click here to learn more and register.
And on September 27th, I’ll be hosting The Listening Room, a monthly online gathering for turning inward together.
Click here to learn more and register.
I’d love to see you. ❤️
With care,
Georgia Lynn
Spiritual Companion and Group Facilitator
www.georgia-lynn.com