It has been hard for me to admit that our Noden community has gone into what I perceive to be a momentary and necessary hibernation. There is little ongoing at the moment in planning and in manifesting the big ideas we were talking about around Noden’s workshop diversity expansion, the inclusion of events for kids and even Noden member retreats and festivals. I don’t think anyone is to blame and that we are all aware of the current limitations that weigh heavy on the inner motivation.
Despite the momentary pause of physical events and gatherings, the majority of our members have decided to stay, support and wait it out for better times to come. That shows appreciation and dedication to the space and community we created. But finally there are some exciting news to share. Something probably caused by humanity spending so much time online.
We found a friend, a like-minded community, a sister-from-another-mister on the other side of the world….in INDIA!
I found a community interviewed in Bangalore , that sounded pretty similar to what we are doing over here in Stockholm through a podcast about collectives and communities, where Noden and the whole ecosystem around Blivande were featured.
“That Extra Step“ is a co-created effort organising events for people interested in connection in a highly urbanised environment. The three co-fouders noticed the lack of physical places to meet and interact in Bangalore's urban landscape. Sure, there were bars and restaurants, but those places are inherently linked to drinking alcohol and not financially accessible to everyone. Their uniqueness and alcohol-free approach to socialising was covered in local media outlets and led to a constant increase in members. They started, I am quoting their own words here, a place “ to create a sense of belonging by building a community that enables fun and transformative experiences.” Yes, that is pretty much us.
A couple of days ago, we had an online meet up with Shuba and Abhay, two of the co-founders and we realized that our communities, even though similar in essence and purpose excel in different aspects, which really motivated us to learn from each other.
Something to Learn: Living Online
That Extra Step organised their events pre-covid in venues they rented and if possible outside. Already then, they were collectively dreaming of their own space. Because of the pandemic and strict restrictions in India, that dream got put to a halt and efforts went into enabling a vibrant digital community.
Using different channels, they have created a place, where people meet to feel less isolated by sharing food, movies and gamenights together. Community members are interested in remotely teaching each other skills ranging from tax declaration and first aid response to languages and painting. Weekly meetings, where emotionally charged topics are openly discussed, are designed to allow different points of view and non-judgmental curiosity. In their point of view it is even more inclusive towards for example introverts than big meet-ups and busy workshops. The online connection is so strong, that members have called up the group for support even when in the hospital. This is so impressive.
“Through consistency and simply showing up every week with the intention to stay connected, this IRL community morphed into something viable on the internet. ”
Noden tried, in the very beginning of the pandemic and again shortly after the tightening of recommendations in fall, to create an facilitate online spaces. However, we have not been successful in keeping them going and actually fostering connection online. So we will ask our new friend! In the coming weeks, we will meet once again with Shuba to talk about their online strategy and attend one of their online members' welcome events. There is a lot of potential we have not really tapped into. Truth is nobody knows how long we will have to restrict physical meetings and it would be heartbreaking if Noden was discontinued and forgotten. Let’s try something new.
Something to Share: Getting a Home Base
That Extra Step is very interested in hearing our story on how we established our physical space in Central Stockholm. The perks, challenges and responsibilities that come with it. They are moving their physical community out to Goa, where they are planning to slowly build a center that allows for workshops and gatherings of the now more widespread national community. “A summer camp for adults”. A continuation of the sober intentional and transformational space.
My potential-loving mind sees a future collaboration of That Extra Step and Noden, where we visit each other once a year with an ambassador program. But! First things first, let’s deepen our friendship online, it is not the time to travel anyways. Who knows, there must be more friends out there. All sharing the mission to create community in urban spaces. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a network out there to visit and get inspired by? Noden would finally live up to its name.
Take care and don’t forget that there are so many possibilities out there waiting to be discovered.
Much Love, Diana
