Why to do things with people (even when you don't want to): The value of shared experiences & the power of finding one's own tribe.
I open my email to see a an update from my friend, Melissa. The subject reads "Triathlon for Us!" which causes me some confusion. Triathlon? I question to myself. Who does this lady think I am?!
After a little more reading, however, I see that she has found a "Mindfulness Triathlon" for us to attend in the summer - a 5k, Dj'd yoga session, and meditation that combine to make a triathlon-esque event for those of us who jog from time to time. Much more my level.
What I learned from Wanderlust Mindfulness Triathlon
Now that it is clear I won't have to run, bike, or swim copious numbers of miles, we book a cute airbnb apartment and drive to Salt Lake City to attend this "Mindfulness Triathlon" sponsored by Wanderlust. The highs each day crest over 100 degrees fahrenheit and we spend one incredibly sweaty day in a crowd of hundreds - hundreds of people who all have their interest in/love for yoga and mindfulness in common. There is body paint and a DJ and lots of hyped up speakers (you know - the people who seem far too happy and excited for their own good) and booths to buy cork yoga mats or bracelets whose proceeds help plant trees. It was a little over the top. And it was such fun.
Because I live in the middle of Wyoming and spend much of my time at work or ranching, I rarely get to attend yoga classes, much less huge events like this - especially with my best friend who lives in Montana. We giggled and sweat and explored and talked philosophy and ate good food and sweat some more (because holy crap 100 is HOT), and it was truly an experience to remember. Hundreds of bodies moved in synchronization and our hearts beat to that same pulsing music, and I felt my chest expand in joy at the chance to share in an experience with so many others. I don't normally spend my time in large crowds, but as I took tree pose along side hundreds of others I couldn't help but think of what one of my favorite yogi-authors said to describe process of self-discovery: "One great teacher has described this process with the image of a drop of water dissolving into the ocean. At first we wonder whether we are the drop. But eventually we discover that we are not and never have been the drop, but only the water itself". <-- that, to me, was what this experience of Wanderlust was; it was the (re)realization that we are all part of the same thing, and coming together can allow us to dig even deeper (and have more fun doing it).
"One great teacher has described this process with the image of a drop of water dissolving into the ocean. At first we wonder whether we are the drop. But eventually we discover that we are not and never have been the drop, but only the water itself"
What is cOMmunity?
This experience (amongst others like it) led me to the word "cOMmunity". You obviously know what "community" means, so now combine that with "om" which is the sound that, according to yogic tradition, represents the universe. Together, they form my (made up) word of "cOMmunity" which is basically the idea that there is something powerful in the group that helps us to both expand (try new things, think new thoughts, connect with the world - big "s" Self - around us) as well as contract (more clearly see who we as individuals - little "s" self - are, ground into the present moment, revisit and reflect upon our inner workings). Ultimately, it is through interaction (think of floating a river as compared to floating on a lake) that we are exposed to more which leads to better understanding of the big "s" Self which in turn helps us to further define our personal little "s" selves. It is cOMmunity that gives us courage to take a leap or, alternatively, to stay standing exactly where we are.
Collaboration and community are also what help us find priceless support nets. cOMmunity is that friend who consistently invites you to the gym (without which you may choose to stay home instead); it is that blog you read to get new ideas for your practice; it is the book you read to find inspiration and guidance in life; it is the concert you attend because listening to a CD just isn't the same. It is, ultimately, necessary (and this is coming from an introvert, so you know I must really believe in in!). Going to Wanderlust was not the most comfortable decision for me to make, but it introduced me to the mantra "It's like this now" which has been intrumental in navigating (and accepting) my life since I've adopted it, and that tool, alone, is well worth the effort it took to partake in the event (nevermind all the greatness that was a yoga-oriented girls' weekend).
So I guess what I am saying here is to go to that class you've thought about. Invite your friend(s) to your next workout or plan a summer retreat for the two (or ten!) of you. Say "hi" to that gal at the gym who is always there the sime time as you are. Let yourself be pushed or pulled into a new direction. Find your tribe, and sink into it graciously. I promise you will only find nourishment from your own cOMmunity experiences ॐ
In case you are looking for a place to start:
Some of the bad*** yogis, climbers, fisherfolk, and fitness gurus who I follow for inspiration (listed by IG username): allykborn (yogi, fitness queen, and generally awesome human), practicewithlydia (genuine human, critical thinker, and beautiful yogi and mama), somewhat_rad (a combination of beautiful flows and adorable cats), alex_puccio89 (climber extraordinaire and workout inspiration), and thenoisyplume (outdoor enthusiast, artist, and fisherwoman). There are soo many more, but they are a good place to start.
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