Using these annotations about evaluating a community in Grande Prairie for a good fit for your heart's true path.

1. Production, distribution, consumption. Generally, this has to do with economic functions, but thinking of goods and services invited me to consider the goods and services a heart's true community offers. What types of goods and services are available for community members? What is the quality of the goods and services? How often are goods and services exchanged?

2. Socialization. The norms and values of a particular community are taught and learned through socialization. Are community norms and values clear and consistent? Do the norms and values align with my heart?

3. Social control. A community needs ways to keep its members in line with its norms and values and to enforce expectations. What kind of leadership and structures are in place within the community? Are the community's boundaries clear and reasonable?

4. Social participation. A community would not function without participation by its members. What does participation look like in this community? Is the exchange of goods and services (see function 1 above) reciprocal or one-sided?

5. Mutual support. This is the function that often seems to float to the top. A community is about supporting its members, enabling cooperation, and motivating and encouraging one another. What examples of mutual, reciprocal support are evident in the community? Does the community's level of cooperation fit what I need or want? Do I notice community members encouraging and motivating one another?

Looking at community through this sociology lens, view what your heart's true community can be. What do you think? What's your experience with community?