Why Community is Important

Doing yoga in the street with strangers

The federal holiday honoring the life of Martin Luther King happened recently. That morning, my Quote of the Day podcast wisely chose to play his historic, perhaps most famous speech, "I have a Dream" in its entirety with no introduction and no other comment after it.

Throughout the roughly sixteen minutes in which Dr. King delivered his address, I marveled at how the slight tremble and occasional growl in his voice inspires and lifts up everyone that hears it. As I sat there listening to the stirring speech, which never fails to bring tears to my eyes - something new stuck out to me. Four simple words. They came about halfway through as Dr. King encouraged everyone to band together against the things that would threaten justice, freedom and equal rights.

We cannot walk alone.

Now I've heard this iconic and monumental speech many times before, but those four words had never stood out the way they did that morning. It quite possibly could have been because the speech itself is so ripe with beautiful imagery and powerful metaphor.

The idea of walking together with our fellow humans is one that brings comfort - no matter if we are strolling along happily as if through a sun speckled woods or trudging forward, the weight of each step growing as it seems to do when times are tough.

Isn't that why we take group yoga classes? To be among others and travel this yogic path together?

The late Ram Dass is quoted as saying, "We are all just walking each other home". This quote succinctly captures the need for each other we all have inside us. Loneliness can kill. Lacking a sense of belonging (not the same as "fitting in") can lead to depression and anxiety. It is so important to find company on your "walk home" that supports you well through your experiences of highs and lows in your life.

I know sometimes it might seem easier to take things on by yourself, but we are designed to find groups of people where we resonate. We can share our activity, shine our brightness, and let our energy flow with ease. I find groups that let me do that in every yoga class I take. I hope my students find it in my classes as well.