One thing I could use more of in my life is camaraderie.
At first, I was thinking that it was another victim of the pandemic, making it difficult for people to gather safely, but, in truth, the trends started earlier than that.
Personally, one of the losses of camaraderie for me was losing my long-time regular choral gig. For decades, University Chorus met every semester, but, when our long-time director retired, the group became an auxiliary group which only met in semesters where the student groups needed additional singers to perform with an orchestra. Even though choral groups at the University are back performing in person again, we have heard nothing about the continued existence of University Chorus in any form, so I think we are probably permanently disbanded at this point. I miss the camaraderie of being with my fellow members, some of whom I have sung with for decades. I am taking steps to heal this gap a bit with a plan to join a community choral group in the spring that will have some familiar faces from University Chorus days.
In a larger context, it seems that our sense of camaraderie is diminished lately in the US. Some people have chosen to be less neighborly unless you happen to agree with them politically. It really puts a chill on camaraderie when a neighbor flies a flag with an assault weapon on it and another cursing at our current president.
The pandemic did, though, make a sense of camaraderie more difficult to maintain. While I am grateful that video conferencing made some poetry workshopping and readings possible, it’s difficult to feel as supported over video as it is in person. Perhaps that is because I am not a digital native and the technology can be frustrating for me to work with.
As a few more things are possible to be done in person, I’m hoping to re-establish more of a sense of camaraderie in my life. I have extra appreciation on those occasions when I do get to see people in person and am trying to schedule more of those occasions.
How about you? Do you feel you have enough camaraderie in your life?
*****
Linda’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday this week is to use “cam” in some form. Join us! Find out more here: https://lindaghill.com/2021/11/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-13-2021/
Share this:
Top of JC's Mind 
I’m glad you’re going to join a community choral group with familiar faces. Being in the little choir in my little church helps me not be so much of an introvert along with other community groups like “Grandmothers for Peace,” and my yoga class. Otherwise, I’d be happy keep to stay home most of the time, but that wouldn’t be good for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad, JoAnna, that you have your choir, yoga, and peace group to give you camaraderie. As a fellow introvert, I appreciate the energy it takes to be in groups, even though we do need them, as you say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sure do wish for that. I’ve never found good friends around here. But the pandemic got me using Zoom and staying in touch with friends. I started a Balderdash Zoom game and brought a good group of 10 together. Another old group from Toronto, who now live all over Canada, meet every Sunday.
And I don’t have to go out at night or do any housework for it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you found camaraderie via Zoom! No travel or housework required is a plus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And very cozy winter nights!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, camaraderie has been a lacking. It’s felt more keenly since 2016 I think. And yes, I do find it nearly impossible to hold charitable thoughts about houses flying certain flags. I’m…working on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh. I’m trying to reman hopeful that we can regain some of that lost sense, but agree that we have a long way to go.
LikeLike