I’ve always found my closest friends from taking (or teaching) group movement classes.

Three times in my life, I’ve moved to new cities where I didn’t know one single person.

Whenever I’d move to a new place, I’d try out several local gyms and studios and decide which ones I liked. Then I’d apply for a job there so I could teach a few classes and get a free membership.

When I’d workout or teach, person by person, I’d make new friends and before I knew it, I’d have a local community.

I’ve done it so many times, the formula is foolproof for me.

Even here in Florida, where I snowbird, my local friends and acquaintances are the teachers and students at the yoga studio I can walk to from my house.

It works because we all have something in common. I’m sure you’ve had a similar experience with whatever it is you love to do.

On Tuesday, I wrote to you about the two “words of the year” from Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary: gaslighting and goblin mode. If you didn’t catch that newsletter you can read it here.

What I didn’t mention was a runner-up word: “permacrisis.” Meaning an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events.

I think anyone who’s been over 5 years old since 2020 knows why permacrisis was a contender.  We’ve all developed our own coping mechanisms to survive these past few years.

There’s a GIF of a dog sipping coffee in a burning building and mumbling, with a manic smile, “This is fine.” I think that captures it well.

I’ve managed to get by during these turbulent times because I lean on my friends for support and do yoga and meditation.

Community and body movement… Do you see a trend here?

Although meditation isn’t technically body movement, it’s about your internal world, not the external one. It can be extra special when you do it within the energy of a group.

Yoga and meditation: I honestly don’t see how people can get through these times without them.

They’re my anchor in the storm to keep me grounded. Frequent practice holds me calm and present to what’s real and not the catastrophes my mind will invent when I let it float free.