Where is my sangat?

In Sikh Sikhi Sikhism, on another thread, we are seeking a gurmat understanding of the meaning of sadh sangat from the shabad guru? But sometimes this sangat is not easy to find, spot or identify in our daily lives and interactions with other people. Often we do not find "sangat" in gurdwara.


As one member said What advice, what direction, can we take?

 
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I can only speak from personal experience. For me there are 2 forms of sangat.

Most of m life I haven't felt connected to sangat in the Gurdwara. Where I grew up it was more social than Gurmat orientated. One of the places I lived the Gurdwara attendance was huge->5000 people weekly but I would go home feeling more lonely than before as I never made friends. I even used to do seva in the Gurdwara but still got to know no-one. I did ardaas daily for more than 2 years asking for sangat. Then circumstances were such that I moved to New Zealand earlier than intended and I found the most amazing sangat. I learnt so so much and developed confidence due to that sangat. That sangat is also the reason that I became really connected with Sikhi and that I started feeling Waheguru's presence more in my life. Without that sangat I would have remained a drifter and confused the rest of my life. Waheguru Ji provided for more when I needed it most! Because of that sangat I am more involved in the Gurdwara in my new city and that is helping me to connect with other like minded souls-introductions have happened due to my interest in Sikhi with people I probably wouldn't have got to know otherwise! I miss the sangat from NZ but am very thankful they were a part of my life and they have opened doors for me and left a lasting effect even though I am not physically part of it anymore. The effect of sangat goes beyond physical presence.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/33133-where-is-my-sangat.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=33133

On the other level, I have more non-Sikh friends than Sikh friends as I have always lived in white dominated areas and enjoy spending time with people from all backgrounds. Many of these people are amazing-some are really good people from the way they serve the world (lot of voluntary work or jobs in fields which are very demanding and based around working for others). Others have the most amazing personalities-they never speak ill of others or handle all lifes problems with the most amazing grace without ever asking why me. Others are extremely caring people and look beyond themselves. I find all of these people inspirational and try adn learn from them. I count them as my sadh sangat too.

Jasleen

I am finding it tough to understand what I am looking for when I am in the gurdwara. Before leaving the house on gurdwara day, I have my focus on light meditation and listening to melodious kirtan. But when I am in the gurdwara, something else takes over. For one, the aromatic smell of langgar cooking entering the gurdwara hall is a major distraction. It triggers my physical senses and I have a tough time focusing on the preconceived idea. It is a loosing battle fighting with my stomach juices growling off and on.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=33133
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=33133

And then it is my innerself trying to shut out the incoming sangat from further distractions. Instead of keeping an inner focus, I tend to look at the people coming in. I just can't resist the temptations. I guess I am there not just for God but also for socializing. It is important because I don't usually get to meet Punjabi/Sikhs people anywhere else.