(Originally posted in March 2015)

It’s hard to believe that a group of almost 30 people who were strangers less than a month ago now feels so familiar.

I was actually a bit nervous in the days leading up to the yoga teacher training retreat at the beginning of March, as my introverted self doesn’t really enjoy stepping into a room full of unknown faces. But I love meeting new, like-minded people and the feeling of unease didn’t last very long. It was amazing to get to know people from so many different backgrounds, from all around the world and all with inspiring stories to share.

This prompted me to ask myself: what had created the right set of circumstances for all of us to connect? Was it the beautiful and peaceful surroundings? Was it the fact that we were sharing rooms and meals every day for a week? Was it because we all had a common interest?

In my mind it came down to this:

We went through challenges and achievements, amazing times and difficult times, laughter and tears, together.

And even though we each had our own way of dealing with things, similar feelings were coming up and we could empathize with each other. Empathy is “I hear you, I know what you are going through, I’ve been there (or I am there) too, it’s OK”.

Discussing topics like yoga philosophy, looking into the depth of our own minds and bodies as well as the daily yoga practice encouraged us to share a part of ourselves with the group.

On the last day of the retreat, we all sat around the room and talked about what we were taking home from this week. It was unbelievable to hear everyone else’s experience and I could recognize at least a tiny bit of myself in each person of the group.

I know that as adults it can be more challenging to create new long lasting friendships. But maybe the yoga room is the perfect place to do so. I’ve always seen yoga was a very individual activity where people often come in, practice and leave (I know I do!).

But there is something quite powerful in practicing yoga with a room full of people you know.