“The Ties That Ground Us: On Friendship, Community, and the Yoga of Belonging”

Recently, I reconnected with a dear friend I’ve known for over two decades. Time and the fullness of life created space between us, as it so often does. But when we finally spoke again, it was as though no time had passed—our bond still intact, our shared stories still living in the space between us, our laughter still genuine and rich, and our hearts still deeply connected. The conversation over lunch that day reminded me just how essential close friendships are to our well-being. The pandemic put my head and heart into a state of complacency, and the reality is that beautiful friendships, community, and yoga require nurturing, planning, and, quite frankly, work.

The Importance of Our Friends

In a world that often values productivity over presence, it’s easy to let months—or even years—go by without reaching out. Some may feel that social media is all we need to stay connected. Still, research continues to affirm what our hearts already know: strong social ties are vital to our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation highlights that maintaining meaningful social connections is one of the four key pillars of preventing memory loss and cognitive decline. Similarly, Psychology Today notes that close friendships contribute to a greater sense of purpose, reduced stress, and improved longevity.

Belonging Through Community

Beyond our one-on-one connections, a broader sense of community plays a profound role in our sense of belonging. Whether it’s a circle of friends, a local summer gathering, or a shared space like a yoga studio, community helps us feel seen, heard, and supported. It reminds us that we’re not walking this path alone.

Yoga as a Grounding Connection

Yoga, at its core, is a practice of connection. The word itself means “to yoke” or unite. When we step onto our mats, we are not only uniting body, breath, and spirit, we are also inviting connection with those practicing beside us. Group classes can create a quiet yet potent sense of solidarity, where even in silence, we feel held. Over time, these shared experiences build trust, vulnerability, and kinship.

So let this be a gentle reminder to reach out to an old friend. To show up in your community. To soften into the sacred web that connects us all. Because in the end, it’s not just the poses we remember—it’s the people who’ve been practicing beside us.

One Last Thing Before I Go…

Call the friend. Send the text. Walk into the room where kindred hearts gather. Your presence is the thread that helps stitch this beautiful world back together.

Namaste -