Communitas is the essential and generic human bond that one can feel with others. It is the also a social anti-structure. There is a unique sense of both sacredness and comradeship within this liminal phenomenon, which gives recognition to a basic human bond. It bridges that gap between “Our” community and “Their” community with values rooted in human kindness. It is easy to see how this concept is present among people hiking wilderness trails. People from many walks of life make their way out onto wilderness trails. The trail can pose as a melting pot where different cultures and subsequent social classes can mesh together as one. Hikers can leave their private lives behind and be who they are, not what is expected of them. I believe this goes along with the quote “integrity is who you are when no one is looking.” There are very few social restraints within nature. This allows people to freely discover who they are and be that person, at least for a little while before returning to society. This freedom of interaction equates to limitless opportunity. Walking along the trail people who may never even consider talking to one another within a structured community can easily fall into the comradeship of communitas. They can connect on an intersubjective understanding, having walked the same path, felt the same weather, and experienced the same desire for food and rest.
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