Better Together

You never know the role a group of strangers might have in your story.

“People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.”
-Author Unknown

We were strangers from different walks of life until August 24, 2022. That’s when we became know as “YTT cohort 2”, embarking on our journey to become yoga teacher.

This isn’t our yoga story, we will save that for a different post, this is a reflection on how this group of 14 strangers not only became friends, but who became one another’s biggest supporters, cheerleaders, and believers, lifting one another up through all of life’s ups and downs.

Geographically, we live throughout the midwest. From the Northwoods of MN, to Illinois, the distance doesn’t seem that far when we come together virtually, through our group text messages, social media, or when we have the opportunity to be together in person.

There are the extroverts and the introverts, the dreamers and the realists, those who jump right in and those who prefer to wait and see. There are medical professionals, helping professionals, and business professionals. There are moms, dads, and grandmas. Married, divorced, and single. There are labels not listed above yet still exist. Some that are known to the group, some that society has given us, and some that remain a mystery.

Regardless of our backgrounds, locations, labels, or stories, when we are together the energy is magical. Walking on the frozen lakes of the Northwoods screaming a primal scream together, you feel like the only people in the world. Showing up on our yoga mats, learning from one another, in a space without judgement, our unique styles shine. Food deliveries, cards fulled with notes of support, and wellness checks for friends who are navigating illness and personal hardships, are priceless as the care and concern for one another runs deep.

We met 6 months ago and despite our differences in our day to day life, we have a place to come together, to be seen, heard, and valued, for who we are as unique individuals. We are a group who has created a bond that might last a season or a lifetime, but the lessons learned from this group and with this group are many when I reflect on the short time we have had together.

We are all navigating our own journeys, in our own way. Even so, knowing this group is there, holding space for pain and struggle, lifting one another up whenever needed, and celebrating the wins no matter how big or small has reminded me that we are all navigating this human experience. Isn’t it better to do it together…