I desire to live amidst a community
where you can go to one another’s house
without worrying about disrupting their “schedule.”

I desire to live amidst a community
where fellow people are prized
more than their possessions.

I desire to live amidst a community
where small-mindedness is eradicated.

I desire to live amidst a community
where people are not concentrated on looking cool,
impressing one another,
or paying out superficial compliments -
but rather unashamedly,
vulnerably complimenting
attributes of the soul.

I desire to live amidst a community
where the motivation behind traveling
is humbly approaching cultures,
not passport-stamp-trophies.

I desire to live amidst a community
where people are quick to be educated about other cultures,
instead of appropriating them,
while believing they have them “figured out.”

I desire to live amidst a community
where people are enamoured by generosity
and practice it like their favourite instrument.

I desire to live amidst a community
where sharing is more natural than “storing” up for oneself.

I desire to live amidst a community
where telling of life experiences is not shameful,
but sacred;
the disclosing of one life to another.

I desire to live amidst this community.
Maybe it’s not in this life.
Maybe aspects of it can be,
if I and we are willing
to foster such values.
Maybe it can become integral
of my daily routine and living space
so much to the point
that people
will desire
to live amidst this community -
as well.

JOY BHATTI

Joy Bhatti is a young woman who finds meaning in spending time in thought-provoking conversation with anyone, especially those close to her. Being multicultural, she is challenged to see her surroundings with an ever-widening worldview. In her free time, Joy enjoys spending time in nature, reading, cooking, writing, and spending quality time with her partner and other loved ones.