The Quiet Power of Community
By Soojin Kim, Citizen Yoga Teacher
In a world that constantly asks us to be more and less at the same time, perform, optimize, and heal in isolation, community becomes an act of rebellion.
Our unique individual human expressions are so powerful and inspiring. And…
The healing capacity of a community teaches us and shows us the magic of being seen and understood. As Brene Brown so beautifully shares “connection is why we’re here. We are hardwired to belong.” Our society has created a movement that is focused on hyper individualism, creating this mentality of “I can do it myself.” Yes, this is important but it feels this perspective has veered towards extremism.
Community has become a soft and safe place to land for me personally. It is not about the number of people but the quality of presence, open-mindedness and caring. It is a field we get to step into, where we share intentions and hold space for each other. Community reminds us of something special: we don’t have to carry everything alone.
Yoga is a deeply personal practice but not meant to be solely solitary. I will admit, I adore my home practice but there is nothing like an in-studio practice where you can feel, share and be part of the ocean of energy, presence, teachings. When we breathe, sweat, tremble, move and soften together, we create a field of transformation. We all contribute our courage, our stories, our authenticity, our vulnerabilities and this creates a ripple of permission and inspiration.
Being in the presence of other people is heart medicine. We get to share our stories, our aches and pains, and what we desire most in this life.
Community is in the little micro moments. The listening ear you lend, the smile exchanged, grabbing an extra blanket for a student, introducing yourself to someone new. Community is a circle, not hierarchical. Everyone is always a student and teacher.
For the days you feel blue and off rhythm, community becomes a soft place and to be held in your humanness. And when you’re celebrating your exquisite joys community rises with you, honoring your magic and expanding it. Our light is never diminished by illuminating someone else’s; if anything, it grows brighter.
That’s the quiet gift of community: we honor your humanity.
“The antidote to exhaustion is not rest. It’s wholeheartedness.”
(And community is what helps us return to wholeheartedness.) - David Whyte
Today’s Prompt:
Write out two efforts you want to start to build a village.
