Did you know . . . The average American adult reports having only one real friend?

Friendship in adulthood can be difficult. I am beyond blessed to say that I feel supported and loved by many dear friends. Friendships can provide great joy and allow us to feel connected to something far beyond ourselves. But I know that loneliness is a very real thing. Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health, including higher rates of stress, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cognitive disabilities. From happiness to health -- deep and meaningful friendships make our lives better. Pure and simple.

In an age of Facebook and social media it would appear that we have expanded our inner circle but instead a growing body of science is proving what we already feel deep in our gut: we’re actually lonelier and more isolated than ever before. During this time of Covid, we might expect that this would be compounded, but I have found myself reaching out in ways that allow me to feel even more connected with sharing books, puzzles, recipes and jumping online to take classes together. My neighbors and I have used our mailboxes as a portal for delivering treats from our kitchens. Recieving the text there are cookies in your mailbox in the middle of the afternoon has provided some light on dark days. I have also noticed more meaningful interactions, deeper conversations and simple acts of kindness. Relationships with people I have had a periphery relationship have deepened significantly during this time, while some of my circle has disappeared all together. As we notice one anothers behavior during a crisis, my impressions of many people has shifited and changed. Time has been granted to to reflect on who we spend our time with and why.

One of the many beautiful by-products of a yoga practice is it is something that can be done on your own, and yet has the power to connect us to community. Many of the dearest friends I have were cultivated through the arrival of yoga in my life. A yoga studio is more than an anyomous quick stop for fitness, but they cultivate fertile ground allowing us to connect and feel included. With their current closure, it is a miracle that many of us have been able to connect online to practice and check in with one another. I am passionate about yoga retreats as well, where you have time to deeply connect with like minded people, eat amazing food, and relish in nature. I am slowly accepting that the entire industry as we once knew it is forever changed.

Jessica Sandstrom and I hosted our annual winter retreat at the very special Prana Del Mar in Mexico this past February. Like much of the world, Mexico is under stay at home orders and Prana Del Mar is closed for an undetermined amount of time. Their struggles are the same as ours, yet very different being that technology is not as easily available for communication, school, and work. I am only too proud to join with this special group of teachers and host an online benefit to help support the owner and staff at Prana.

Even if you cannot attend the class next Friday night, consider donating to these very special people. Jess and I have February 2021 already booked.....let's hope we can all return to travel and more importantly the retreat center is there to return to.

Wherever you are, I hope this finds you well and serves to remind you that you are not alone.