Connecting With Community

Welcome everyone, my name is Rosie Acosta. It can be challenging at times to feel isolated, to feel like you don't have a place or a community. What does it mean to belong to a community? The first time I heard the word "community" I was in kindergarten. Our teacher gathered our entire class outside on the playground, and we created a circle. We were all instructed to connect by holding each other's hands to create a large ring. Once we were all connected, our teacher said, "This is your community." She then told us to come together and bring our hands towards the center, until parts of our hands and arms were creating one big tapestry of touch. We extended outward again until our arms were fully extended, like hugging a center we couldn't see. She said, "Now, let go and see if you can still feel connected to your community." We all smiled and laughed, and responded, "Yes." In one united voice. That feeling has stayed with me my entire life. Although the people in my circle have changed, I can still feel the warmth and sense of that community circle. This is a reminder that we are both a circle and the link, both are needed to create community. We are the community, but we are also individuals. It takes many individuals to make one hole. We can quickly move into a state of anxiety, and one of the best ways to anchor back into the present moment is to feel the support and interconnectedness of our community. How do we connect with our community? First, we need to establish a connection to ourselves. This practice is designed so that we can ground back into our connection to ourselves, so that we can connect with our community. Let's begin. If it's accessible, begin by finding a comfortable seat. Begin with your eyes open, scan your space, and if it's comfortable to close your eyes, you can do so now. Allow yourself to be with your body, breathing gently, softening, and creating a sense of ease. First, notice what is present, how are you feeling? Perhaps begin by asking, "How do I feel today?" Without judgment, just observing, and becoming aware of what might come up. Become aware of the quality of your breath, and your breathing. With each breath gently filling your lungs with air, and every exhale relaxing your body further. Breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Bring your attention to your thoughts, observing, watching your thoughts, become aware of who you are and what you stand for. Notice what is holding everything together, what is holding your actual space together? The structure around you, notice what is holding your life together. The support of your body breathing, the support of the people that you love. If you begin to feel tension, just have the intention to relax. Bring your awareness to your body, notice how and where you are seated, held...