Are we all looking for our own tribes?

reating an unschooling journey for one's family can get isolating, you slowly start to seek your tribe, your support. I have been consciously doing this now with the help of like-minded friends, who provide me the encouragement and guidance to make sure that I am on track.

We made a conscious effort to meet Wequil team 21 days ago by traveling 1000 km. It was comforting to finally meet someone having the same outlook toward life, someone who is passionate about learning.

When you feel heard and understood, it ignites a flame of courage and determination to continue on the path that you are on. Having someone to share your ideas with, helps you brainstorm and validate them. It allows you to come up with creative solutions that can help improve your journey.

This also makes me think of the importance of having a tribe, a group of like-minded people who understand each other’s goals. It can be helpful to have someone to discuss your ideas with, someone who will challenge and encourage you.

Why is there a tendency to find one's tribe?

The tendency to find one's tribe or a sense of belonging to a particular group or community is rooted in several human instincts and psychological factors:

1. Belongingness: Humans have a fundamental need to belong and form connections with others. It provides a sense of identity, purpose, and support, which contributes to overall well-being. Finding a tribe satisfies this need by offering a social network where individuals can relate to and be understood by like-minded individuals.
2. Shared values and beliefs: People naturally seek others who share similar values, beliefs, and interests. When you find your tribe, you're more likely to encounter individuals who align with your perspectives, goals, and ideologies. This shared understanding fosters a sense of unity and can reinforce one's values and beliefs.
3. Validation and acceptance: Joining a tribe often leads to validation and acceptance from others who share similar views. It can be comforting to find people who appreciate and affirm your identity, opinions, and experiences. This validation bolsters self-esteem and provides a sense of security.
4. Support and collaboration: Tribes often provide a support system, enabling individuals to navigate challenges, seek advice, and gain emotional support. Being part of a community that understands your struggles and offers assistance can be empowering and lead to personal growth. Moreover, collaboration within a tribe can lead to collective achievements and the realization of shared goals.
5. Reduced loneliness and isolation: In an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world, finding your tribe can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It provides opportunities for social interaction, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Being part of a tribe can counteract the negative effects of social isolation and enhance overall well-being.

Finding your tribe can contribute to personal growth in several ways:

1. Shared learning and knowledge exchange: Being part of a tribe allows you to interact with individuals who possess diverse skills, experiences, and expertise. Engaging in discussions, sharing insights, and learning from others can broaden your perspective and knowledge base. This exposure to different ideas and perspectives can challenge your own beliefs and stimulate intellectual growth. My son joins the wequil school every week where they do projects together, share their knowledge, and learn from each other.
2. Support and feedback: Within a tribe, you are likely to receive constructive feedback, guidance, and encouragement from others who share similar goals or interests. This support system can help you identify areas for improvement, develop new skills, and gain confidence in pursuing your aspirations. The collective wisdom and experience of the tribe can act as a catalyst for personal development.
3. Opportunities for collaboration: Tribes often provide opportunities for collaboration and collective action. Engaging in joint projects or initiatives with like-minded individuals can enhance your ability to work in a team, build leadership skills, and develop effective communication and problem-solving abilities. Imagine a system where people can share their ideas, work together to create solutions, and fuel each other's growth.
4. Inspiration and motivation: Being surrounded by individuals who share similar passions and ambitions can be highly motivating. The achievements and progress of others in your tribe can inspire you to set and pursue ambitious goals, push your boundaries, and strive for excellence. The encouragement and success stories within your tribe can fuel your aspirations and drive personal growth.
5. Emotional support and resilience: Tribes provide emotional support during challenging times. When facing obstacles or setbacks, having a group of individuals who understand your struggles and offer empathy, encouragement, and guidance can help you develop resilience and overcome difficulties. The support and shared experiences within your tribe can strengthen your emotional well-being and enable personal growth through adversity.

Limitations of finding your tribe

While finding your tribe can be beneficial, there are also some limitations to consider:

1. Echo chambers: When you find your tribe, there is a risk of surrounding yourself with individuals who share similar beliefs, values, and perspectives. This can create an echo chamber effect, where alternative viewpoints are rarely challenged or exposed to critical scrutiny. This lack of diverse perspectives can hinder personal growth by limiting exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and constructive criticism.
2. Stagnation and resistance to change: If you become too entrenched in your tribe's beliefs and practices, there is a possibility of stagnation. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals may discourage you from questioning established norms or exploring different paths. Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences, which can be challenging within the confines of a tightly knit tribe.
3. Narrowed worldview: By exclusively interacting with your tribe, you may develop a narrow worldview that is shaped by the group's collective biases and experiences. This limited exposure can hinder your ability to understand and empathize with people who hold different perspectives. Personal growth often involves expanding your horizons, embracing diversity, and appreciating a range of viewpoints.
4. Exclusion and conformity pressures: Tribes can inadvertently foster exclusionary dynamics and conformity pressures. If the tribe becomes too insular or exclusive, it may discourage diversity and discourage independent thinking. Conforming to the norms and expectations of the tribe can limit individuality and hinder personal growth.
5. Missed opportunities for growth outside the tribe: While finding your tribe provides a sense of belonging, support, and validation, it's important not to limit your interactions exclusively to the tribe. There are valuable growth opportunities and lessons to be learned from engaging with individuals who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Seeking out diverse connections can broaden your understanding of the world and foster personal growth through exposure to new ideas and experiences.

To maximize personal growth, it's essential to strike a balance between finding your tribe and maintaining openness to diverse perspectives. Actively seeking out interactions beyond your tribe can help you avoid the limitations associated with insularity and promote holistic growth.

To stay in your tribe while avoiding limitations and fostering personal growth, you can consider the following strategies:

1. Seek diverse perspectives: Actively engage with individuals outside of your tribe to expose yourself to diverse perspectives and ideas. Attend events, participate in discussions, or join communities that offer different viewpoints. This will broaden your understanding and challenge any echo chamber tendencies within your tribe.
2. Embrace critical thinking: Cultivate a mindset of critical thinking and open-mindedness. Question your own beliefs and challenge the assumptions within your tribe. Encourage respectful debates and discussions within your tribe to foster intellectual growth and encourage the exploration of new ideas.
3. Pursue continuous learning: Engage in lifelong learning outside of your tribe. Seek out educational opportunities, read books, listen to podcasts, or explore new areas of interest. By continuously expanding your knowledge and skills, you bring fresh perspectives and insights back to your tribe, enriching the collective growth.
4. Actively network and connect: Extend your social circle beyond your tribe by networking and connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and communities. Attend conferences, join professional associations, or engage in online platforms where you can meet people who have diverse experiences and perspectives. These connections can provide valuable learning opportunities and contribute to personal growth.
5. Embrace discomfort and challenges: Stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth. Seek out experiences that challenge your assumptions and push your boundaries. This might involve participating in activities or initiatives that expose you to different cultures, ideas, or ways of thinking. Embracing discomfort and confronting unfamiliar situations can lead to personal growth and expanded horizons.
6. Reflect and evaluate: Regularly reflect on your growth and development. Assess whether your tribe is still aligning with your evolving goals, values, and aspirations. Evaluate if the tribe continues to support your personal growth or if it has become a hindrance. It's important to be open to the possibility that your needs may change over time, and you may need to reassess your tribe accordingly.

Remember, staying within your tribe doesn't mean confining yourself solely to its boundaries. By actively seeking diverse experiences, perspectives, and connections outside of your tribe, you can maintain the benefits of belonging while continuing to grow as an individual.