As a mother of three, balancing family, work, and personal well-being can feel like a constant juggling act. In the midst of these commitments, I found solace and strength in yoga. What started as a personal practice has now evolved into something much more significant—a community that supports not just our physical health, but our mental and emotional well-being as well.
Twice a week, I lead a group of mothers in our condo’s gym, where we come together to practice yoga. It’s more than just exercise; it’s our time to reconnect with ourselves, share our experiences, and find balance in the chaos of family life. We laugh, we meditate, and we stretch, both physically and metaphorically, to meet the demands of our busy lives.
But as I look at the bigger picture, I realize that this group is becoming something even more meaningful. We’re not just a yoga group—we’re laying the foundation for a future community. As our children grow up and move on to their own lives, this group of mothers will remain. We will transition from being just parents to being a supportive community for each other as we navigate the next stages of our lives.
In a way, I’ve created a retirement community for myself. It’s a place where we can continue to nurture our minds and bodies, stay connected, and find purpose even as our roles as mothers evolve. This community is my way of ensuring that I will always have a support network, a group of like-minded women who share similar experiences and values.
As our children grow, so too will our community. We’ll continue to meet, support one another, and explore new ways to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled. In this way, we’re not just preparing for the future—we’re building it, one yoga session at a time.
But it’s not just about yoga. Whether it’s a walking club, a book club, or a hiking group, these activities all lead to the same effect: creating a strong, supportive network that will be there for us as we age.
Preparing for retirement isn’t something that starts at age 60; it’s a journey that begins when we’re young. By fostering these connections and communities now, we’re ensuring that we have the support, friendship, and sense of purpose that will carry us through the later stages of life.
Community Engagement and the Ikigai Connection
This journey is deeply aligned with the concept of Ikigai, which emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in our daily lives. Community engagement, whether through yoga or other activities, brings us countless benefits, both on a personal and collective level.
On a personal level, it strengthens our sense of usefulness and self-confidence by allowing us to put our skills into practice and develop new abilities. It pushes us to step out of our comfort zones, expand our networks, and cultivate meaningful relationships. There’s immense emotional satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of others and seeing the positive impact of our actions.
On a collective level, community engagement strengthens the social fabric and enhances local resilience. It creates bonds of solidarity, mutual aid, and trust between individuals and organizations. By working together, we can creatively and collaboratively address social, economic, and environmental challenges. This, in turn, generates a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved and creating a virtuous cycle of community engagement.
In this way, our small yoga group—or any community activity like a walking club or book club—is more than just a gathering—it’s a step towards a more connected, resilient, and purposeful future.
By Siti Network founder, Li Li
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