I lived in a yoga ashram for a while to deepen my practice. The strict daily schedule started at 5:30am and was filled with practices to help us live and breath yoga 24/7.
It worked. I went through several challenges while I was there but was able to see them through a different lens and felt elevated by the mindset and teachings surrounding me.
I left convinced I’d keep my practice at the same level but as soon as I returned home I started to fall into old habits.
It’s hard to maintain a new perspective when the people surrounding you are mirroring your old ways back to you.
That’s why it’s important to have a community to practice with. We need each other.
Spiritual community can:
Hold a new vision of how you wish to be for you
Focus on your potential instead of your past
Dream bigger for you
Study + practice with you
You are affected by the vibrations surrounding you.
Eventually with practice you’ll be able to hold a higher vibration despite what’s going on around you but in the beginning you're like a newly planted tree. If you surround yourself with nurturing community you’ll grow stronger and thrive.
3 Ways to Connect to New Community:
Attend group classes: It’s easier to stay focused in group classes and you’re more likely to meet new likeminded people. Find an instructor you resonate with - I’m biased towards the Dharma Yoga community myself;)
Spend time with someone new: Be open to making new friends. I practice meditation with a friend twice a week. I find my practice is much deeper when I’m in her company. There is likely someone in the group classes you attend who would be happy to practice meditation, study a yoga book or simply have tea and chat about the practice with you.
Join the Abhyasa Living Yoga Course: One of the things students love most about this course is the new community that's created. Through this program you’ll experience 3 months of guidance that will change the way you see the world and meet a new yoga family that will help you hold this new vision of life.
Of course there are MANY more things you could do to connect to community. If you're drawn to meet new people stay open and receptive. You’ll start to notice many opportunities to connect around you.