When was the last time you gathered with other women in a safe, nurturing environment where you found connection and personal growth?
At Show Your Spark, we recently hosted a workshop in our studio designed to guide participants into coming home to themselves through conversation, movement, and breathwork exercises. It was beautiful to witness the building of community with others and connection with oneself. It was truly a magical time together.
So magical that I want to invite you to receive the benefits I did from participating in the event.
Below are three key takeaways that I believe you can integrate into your life even if you couldn’t attend the event.
Community is Powerful
Our time together was a beautiful reminder of how powerful community can be. Sharing space with like-minded women, embracing vulnerability, and creating genuine connections – it’s truly transformative. We allowed ourselves to be seen, heard, and loved, all within a safe and nurturing environment. This kind of community is needed in so many spaces and I’m honored to be a part of this community with you.
In our post-COVID world, I think many of us are relearning what it means to be in community and when and how to do it. Which is understandable after experiencing such a global trauma.
However, I know this…Humans are social creatures, wired for connection. Studies show that strong social connections can boost happiness and well-being, enhance physical health, and spark creativity and personal growth. Having a sense of belonging and being surrounded by diverse people can increase feelings of security, reduce stress, and inspire and encourage the soul in powerful ways.
Sounds amazing right? What are you waiting for? Let’s explore a few ways to bring community into your life.
How to Bring Community into Your Life:
- Join a club or group: Find activities you enjoy, like book clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations. Local town recreational programming and library programs are two places where you can look for activities that resonate with you.
- Reconnect with old friends: Make time for those who bring you joy and support. Put a time on the calendar to catch up with a friend, even if they live on the other side of the town (or country). A simple phone conversation with a friend can do wonders to boost your mood and feel connected.
- Open yourself to new connections: Strike up conversations with people you meet at the coffee shop, park, playground, or online communities. You never know who might become your new BFF if you put yourself out there.
The Breath is your Built-in Superpower
During the workshop, we explored the power of breathwork, a simple yet potent tool for centering ourselves and unlocking our inner strength. Those deep, cleansing breaths allowed us to access deeper layers of presence and tap into our physical and mental power. I was reminded that I have access to this powerful tool at every moment of my life and return to the breath whenever I feel disconnected from myself and others.
Science speaks to the power of breathwork to help manage stress and anxiety, boost energy and focus, and improve emotional regulation. Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which prompts relaxation and calms the mind. It also increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving alertness and mental clarity. It’s incredible to think that such a powerful tool is a required part of our daily life to keep us alive, yet we often forget to utilize it purposefully to bring our minds and bodies into a positive state of well-being. The more I learn about the breath, the more I am in awe of it and inspired to consistently incorporate it into my life.
How to incorporate more breathwork into your life:
- Start with simple exercises: Try 5-minute guided meditations or box breathing techniques focusing on slow, deep breaths. You can find guided meditations on YouTube, Spotify, or various apps.
- Incorporate breathwork into your day: Take mindful breaths throughout the day, especially during stressful moments. Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to pause and breathe intentionally for a few moments.
The Joy of Movement
During the workshop, we let loose, moved our bodies, and played freely, all without judgment. It was a beautiful release to shed expectations, both for ourselves and others, and simply embrace the joy of movement.
This workshop reminded me that movement isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about celebrating your body and expressing yourself freely. We already know about the many benefits of exercise and physical activity for our physical and mental health. But this workshop freed my mind from thinking differently about moving my body. No longer is it something I “have to do” but is something I “get to do.” Even better, when I move my body in celebration, for example, through dance or other expressive forms, science has proven it can enhance creativity, self-confidence, and overall emotional expression.
How to Embrace Joyful Movement:
- Find activities you love: From dancing to hiking, discover what makes your body and soul sing. Remember, these things don’t necessarily have to take a lot of time. Try going for a walk around the block or holding your own dance party for 5-10 minutes. It’s incredible how much of an impact such a short period can make!
- Move without judgment: Let go of perfectionism and simply enjoy the experience of moving your body. It’s okay if you look funny when you dance or if you slip on the trail! Keep moving in celebration over what your body is capable of doing!
You are Worthy of Community, Breathwork, and Movement
Remember, you are worthy of community, breathwork, and joyful movement. Try implementing these practices into your life and observe the difference it makes in your life.
Here are a few thought prompts:
- How do you nurture your sense of community?
- What are your favorite ways to connect with your breath?
- How do you bring joyful movement into your life?
If you’d like to stay up-to-date on our community events, be sure to subscribe to our email list where you can receive the latest news from Show Your Spark!
Many thanks to Jessica Cersosimo and Claire Lima for co-hosting this workshop with us!
Also, many thanks to the incredible women who joined us for this powerful workshop.
