I’ve been thinking a lot about community lately. A lot of folks are lonely and yearning to feel like they belong to something bigger than themselves. Unfortunately, we can’t all live in idyllic cul-de-sacs surrounded by our favorite people.
Regardless, there are so many different kinds of community formed from so many different kinds of relationships. As I’ve just passed two years living in San Francisco, I’m really feeling settled into this current chapter of my life. A big part of that is feeling like I have community beyond the friendships that I hold dear.
Some of the different places I feel this: I enjoy the dogs (and their owners) that I recognize on my morning walks. For some reason, when you’re on the beach around sunrise people are much more likely to say good morning. I’ve made an effort to reach out to other therapists because private practice can be isolating. I love connecting to the other students at my dance studio, cheering each other on and laughing as we try something new.
I don’t know all of these people’s names. We’re not really connected on social media and it’s unclear if and when I’m going to see them again. Regardless, their presence adds to my life. When I returned to dance after 6 months away, people said, “Hey you’re back!” Collectively, these people and places help me feel like I have somewhere I belong to. Maybe this can inspire you to think creatively about your communities as well.
Ultimately, building community takes time and effort. One way to start is just picking a space that feels good enough and showing up over time. Repetition breeds familiarity. From there, maybe you can practice being proactive about chatting with others or initiating activities, if it’s appropriate. Even commiserating about the weather with your barista can be a nourishing interaction. We all gotta start somewhere.
Take Care,
Naomi
Announcements/Resources:
If you’re like me and starting to think ahead to 2026, consider joining me at my next free workshop on Friday January 23rd, 2026. We’ll gather (in community!) to practice Intention Setting for the New Year. Hope to see you there.
I have an opening in my caseload for an individual client. Reach out today to see if we’d be a good fit.
I revamped my website this past month. If you’re curious, check it out!
Some recent delights:
My niece has started to name me! I am her 阿姨 (auntie in Chinese, pronounced ah-yi), but she pronounces it in one syllable as “eye” or “ai”, which is also how you say the word love (愛).
I’m watching Lazarus, a new anime coming from the director of Cowboy Bebop. Beautifully done, amazing soundtrack. Would recommend.
I tried out a new yoga studio while I was down in LA and the classes were amazing. I felt challenged, I tried new things, and when we chanted Om all together it was in delicious harmony.