I realise that there is a division within myself, the conflict between wanting to be different, and wanting to be like everyone else

No, we absolutely don't have to completely snuff out our own light in community for the sake of community - I just think you have to either find the right community or build a community that honours all the different lights. Sure, that might be hard, but it's worth trying. And yes, like you say - finding the sweet spot. There has to be some monitoring of ego in the push and pull dynamic of communities - otherwise, as you say, you're assuming superiority. And we are as much as part of the 'ordinary' and the 'mundane' as we are of the 'extraordinary'.

Such a reflective and thoughtful piece. xx