"From Greece to Australia: Unveiling the Secret Ingredient of Filoksenia for Vibrant Communities"

Greetings fellow adventurers! It's been a minute since I returned from an amazing trip to Greece. No, I didn’t go there just for holidays; I also immersed myself into a summer psychodrama academy in Crete, getting a taste of ancient traditions that still has me buzzing.

Now, picture this: you're in the birthplace of democracy, Greece, and you come across this linguistic gem "filoksenia."  Filoksenia It's not just another term for hospitality; it's like a soul-warming hug and a breath of pure community. You're not just inviting friends over; you're drenching them in love, kindness, and genuine friendliness – oh, and let's not forget some raki which is the Cretan equivalent to Greek ouzo and incredible Cretan olive oil that I wish I could  pack heaps of it to bring back to Australia.

This "filo" (love) + "xenos" (stranger) combination creates a culture where guests aren't just visitors; they're seen as blessings. Whether you're in a fancy setting or chilling in a "plateia" public square, it's like being at a big, extended family gathering.

Fast forward to ancient Greece and this thing called the "polis." It's not just about toga parties and philosophers; it's about creating a city-state that's more than just politics – it's a real-deal community. Aristotle, the OG philosopher, was all about citizens actively participating for the common good. Shared responsibility and collective well-being – that was the vibe.

Now, here we are in the modern era, navigating the twists and turns of community development. The Greeks had it going on with their hospitality and civic engagement. So, why not channel that spirit? Let's not settle for communities that are just ticking boxes; let's make them vibrant, diverse, and genuinely connected. As my buddy Jim Diers, author of "Neighbor Power," says, "Why have a meeting when we can throw a party?"

Australia, my current home, is a bit of a mixed bag. We've got heaps of opportunities and services, but sometimes individualism takes the front seat, and community togetherness gets lost in the process.

Hence my social enterprise, Soulgen We're here to revive the community vibe. Through creative events, collaborative initiatives, and even community development board games (yeah, you heard that right, stay tuned!), we are on a mission to bring social connectedness back into the Australian social fabric. Drawing wisdom from Greece and having lived in other collective cultures such as Brazil, and leveraging opportunities in Australia, Soulgen is all about creating a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared responsibility.

So, as we embark on this youth and community-building journey, let’s dive into other cultures. What's their secret ingredient for strong communities? How do they handle hospitality and shared responsibility? By tapping into this rich cultural wisdom, we're not just rediscovering roots; we're planting seeds for more inclusive and vibrant communities, here in Australia and worldwide. I say cheers to that!