Over the last few years, something that has pulled into focus for me is that as my self-practice has deepened, I have felt more yearning for connection with others in the yoga space.

As we move forward in this hybrid state of teaching online and in person, I've been thinking a lot about how we can still feel connected to other souls even though the yogic path is a solo one. I'm not going to deny that online schedules have given us so many benefits. Long commutes to studios can be avoided, getting a yoga lunchtime fix in or taking extra long savasanas, the online realm has given us so much privilege. I practice more often as I take advantage of online and in-person classes, and my practice has been the one stable thing I can hold on to dearly as we navigate through a pandemic. I don't even want to think about the effects had we not had zoom! For me, I've found teachers, not in my city, that I've been able to learn and draw so much wisdom from, and I can realistically practice most days with the flexibility of jumping on zoom morning, afternoon and night with countless class options. I would not have been able to financially support myself if online teaching hadn't been an option. I am wholeheartedly grateful that somehow I pay my bills from yoga. With this being said, it seems the gap of isolation has become more significant for yogis who crave community. I've had countless conversations with people who come to yoga to meet other like-minded individuals who don't know if their fellow yogi on the mat will be interested in engaging. I totally understand those who don't want to be interrupted in the studio space. It might be their one hour of peace away from the external circumstances of their life. For them to go deeper within, that may mean not engaging in small talk (I can relate because if anyone comes up to me in the gym, cue the ground swallowing me up, please). When I'm holding space, and I hear people engaging with each other, it makes me smile from the inside out. Hearing these small connections is like the cherry on top of my teaching cake.

After gaining some insight on an event I ran recently, I want to start to do my bit to close the gap. My wish is to hold a space for like-minded folk to meet other like-minded folks. Not everything that comes up on the mat is enlightening; it doesn't take long to realise that yoga can bring things up to your direct vision. Sometimes when we get really in tune with our practice, we might have insights we want to discuss with others. Of course, it is imperative to say sometimes, things that arise on the mat may need professional help. In these situations, as yoga guides, we must remember our job roles. However, together in the community, unpacking the more minor insights could feel empowering, beneficial and therapeutic.

A circle is a safe place to come, sit, listen, discuss and allow your voice to be heard. You are not pressured to say anything and everything that is spoken about stays sacred within the circle. The profound effects of saying something out loud can be huge. For me, I've always found this space one without bias to myself from others (your friends and family will always hold bias); showing up and speaking from the most authentic form of myself has been empowering and, to be honest - a breath of fresh air. It's like you can turn up without everyone knowing the baggage you carry around, but you can let go and share baggage with others if you feel safe and comfortable to do so.

I'm going to be holding 'Community Practice & Circle' once a month at The Kali Collective. It will be the last Friday of every month and consist of a short practice (aimed at getting out of our heads and into our hearts) before sitting down to spend time in Circle. I hope this offers a space for those who feel like they wish to find deeper connections within the yoga space.

I really hope you'll feel brave enough to join me and that we get to connect soon.

Written by Emily Sunman