Kelly Hayes, Communitas

My term paper has led me to contemplate the idea of communitas alot. Communitas is the feeling one gets when thru-hiking with a group of people where they feel strongly connected very quickly with this group. Here, everyone is equal and all social standings are irrelevant. This feeling of togetherness is something I have felt before in certain situations, such as the first day of college. Everyone is in the same boat and is just trying to feel comfortable. I assume a hiking trail would amplify communitas significantly considering the struggles that go hand in hand with hiking. You group is your support when you get down and they easily become part of your family. Everyone is experiencing the same thing but perceiving it differently. Sharing this commong experience is something this group will have for a lifetime and cannot be taken away from anyone. The feeling of communitas may always be present among this group and is a unique characteristic of hiking.