Conformity

There is a vast difference between belonging to a healthy community and conformity. Conformity can be a symptom of insecurity and fear. It can also be a way of attaining social prominence. Conformity is quite different from belonging to a healthy community. 

The person who practices mindfulness and compassion will find it hard to be conformist in most social situations. Conformity requires a certain degree of voluntary submission. The person who speaks his truth from a position of developed ethical values will find conformity restrictive. 

Healthy community is far from conformist. Matching T-shirts are not necessary in a healthy community. A healthy community is alive with disagreement and debate. Conformity is the refuge of the fearful. Conformity can be the tool of those who wish to ascend to some social power. The seeker of wisdom participates in, contributes to and learns from true community. However, the road of the happy seeker is often a lonely one.