I just finished writing my newsletter outline and I had an aha! Something took over, and before I finished I had written about three formal “places” I love to move and one informal one. Informal meaning it isn’t really a place, it is every place, nature, outside. As I found myself describing the formal ones, the ones that are actually in the business of creating space for people to move and workout I had the overwhelming sense of gratitude for the community in these places. And the connection between moving and community suddenly appeared glaringly important.
- Having a place to go to, working out, is a place you belong. If you don’t know people at first, you will get to know them, even in passing. Over time you become a part of the community. In one place I have found forever friends and furever friends. I have been supported and had the grace to support others, too. I feel a sense of real belonging having been a part of that community for over 12 years and it has been through many location changes and people come and go, but the community is always solidly there.
- A big aha was that two virtual spaces I move in feel just as much like community. You get to know people and with social media I feel even more connected to some of the instructors who are open to communicate with you. One of these I used to go so much in person and now I go almost all virtually, so I know some of the people from before and that adds to the sense of community. Feeling connected to community makes me want to keep going back.
- Outside in nature I am mostly solo, but love to catch someone’s eye- mostly always people I don’t know- for a nod, smile or hello in passing. If I see someone I know, a hug is almost always going to break out and then we are on our way again, filled up with connection.
We know that moving is essential for us- especially right now- moving negative or nervous feelings through our bodies to get it out. What is so clear that these activities are essential for us to connect with others and to create that sense of belonging. One farm I have and do walk at so often that I start to feel some ownership, like I belong to that land. I belong there.
Where do you move and belong? Where might you start or expand? Right now we are talking a lot about controlling what we can control and letting go of what we can not. This falls squarely into what I can control.
I hope you will consider this and take action. These places to belong come in an array of price ranges, so don’t let that we your excuse to not connect somewhere. And when you go, commit to giving it time, commit to nodding and smiling at the very least, to encourage others to connect with you. Even an introvert like me realizes the importance. When I leave the place filled up, just right, I can go be by myself after, and bring that good feeling with me.
If you want to know about the specific places I am talking about, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter which arrives every Sunday morning. Kimberlydubrul.com. If you are seeing this post after November 24, 2024- just email me and I will send it out special, just for you.