Communitas, as articulated by Jamie Wheal, refers to a profound sense of collective unity and shared humanity that transcends ordinary social structures and individual distinctions. This phenomenon emerges during peak experiences where individuals come together, typically in a state of heightened emotion or collective endeavor, and experience an overwhelmingly potent bond of mutual recognition and egalitarian fellowship. It dissolves hierarchies, fostering an egalitarian spirit where participants feel an intrinsic, often ecstatic connection to one another. Rooted in the anthropological explorations of Victor Turner and recontextualized for contemporary society, communitas is a cornerstone of transformative experiences that reignite our fundamental need for belonging and shared purpose, offering a glimpse into a more cooperative and interconnected way of being.

See also: peak experience, authentic relating, psychedelic experience, collective intelligence, transformational culture