Building community through your yoga practice

What does your community look like these days?

Do you have one? Or are you overrun by work and personal commitments and set your social life aside?

Do you ever feel like you just turn up to your yoga class and want to feel invisible because you don't know anyone and are feeling intimidated or shy? 

Or do you just want to be left alone because of the demands of your daily life with work/family/personal life and want some space to yourself and not have to speak?

I find in London life happens so fast that I usually just want to be alone in my practice.

BUT

When I take a moment to pause and reflect, I realise that I am surrounded by all of these amazing people who share my biggest passion and are here to share the energy with me. 

Why would these people not be my ideal new buddies?

→ Turns out, when I start to talk to people before and after class we clique quite easily because of our shared passion.

Not just talking about yoga, but usually people who are in class are there to learn how to make their lives better, do the hard work, and aren't afraid to do it. 

I have met some of the most inspiring people I've ever met in my life in my yoga classes. 

So... this keeps me open to talking to my neighbour in class and saying HI.

.....You never know who you might meet. 

Its ok to keep your practice personal but if you feel so inclined, why don't you introduce yourself to someone in your next class?

Knowing people in class has so many benefits:

1. You may make a new bff

2. You will be more likely to show up each week to catch up with your friends, and your absence will be noticed too ;)

3. It gives you a sense of belonging

4. Knowing people in class allows you to talk about your obstacles in your practice together - you may be at similar places in your practice and can easily relate. 

5. You'll have someone to talk to about yoga (because I'm sure most of your friends and family are not interested - lol this was my experience anyways)

6. You can discuss when your teacher messes up during class (😂 - I do this often) or what your favourite posture are or anything else that crosses you mind - new discoveries in your practice..the list goes on...

7. You can go for coffee afterwards and make a friend date out of your yoga class instead of something that is just in your schedule

8. PLUS if you're foreign like I am, in a big fast paced busy and despite this, a lonely city.....making new friends is important, otherwise its SO EASY to feel SO ALONE. You're not though.

Having a social life and connection with other people is of utmost importance. We are not solitary creatures, we need social gatherings to find meaning, connection and happiness. There are so many unhealthy social gatherings and relationships out there (friends who always make you drink alcohol, people who make you feel guilty for putting time into your self care, people who gaslight you and make you feel shit for not giving them enough of your time...) why not focus on finding friends who encourage your wellness and progression towards being a happier and healthier human being? 

I have felt super alone over the years of building my life and community in London/a different country. It's hard work especially as an adult who is self employed, the loneliness and isolation can be off the scale. The lockdown highlighted that exponentially and it was a really challenging period. 

I knew I needed to put effort into finding my people or I would suffer more here and probably leave. I know how I felt/feel in London and I know it's important to help you all find your community too.

I try to inspire community to happen in class by chatting with many of you beforehand, plus I see many of you now chatting before and after class... because you've met during one of my workshops, events or retreats. 

One retreat guest recently told me she met up with another retreat guest in Vietnam because they both were there at the same time. How cool is that?

An example from me is meeting Melinda Szepesi through yoga, she's from Hungary and I'm from Canada - now we run many retreats together - how would have that have happened otherwise? 

Same goes for all the other yogis I work with - I met them through yoga, we got along well, shared the same views on things and decided to work together (Lauren Munday, Cecilia Ballan and Kat Polski shoutouts!!)

I hope this inspires you to chat to your mat neighbour in your next class! 

Like this blog? Check out another one I wrote - 9 ways to fit yoga into your busy schedule