The Joy of Community
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, Attunement!
Each month we “tune into” a theme related to mindfulness and
explore a creative practice and tune based on this theme!
This month of Decemeber we’re TUNING INTO the frequency of:
THE JOY OF COMMUNITY
Connection with others is one of the most important sources of joy.
-James Baraz
Despite how "connected" everyone is these days (thanks to the internet), feelings of social isolation are more widespread than perhaps ever before; in fact, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy calls loneliness a public health epidemic.
Social disconnection can negatively impact our capacity to feel curiosity, warmth, gratitude, and wonder. This makes cultivating connection—not just for social reasons but as a direct pathway to joy—especially important.
Mindfulness teacher and author of the book Awakening Joy, James Baraz, reminds us that connection with others is one of the most important sources of joy. When people gather together in caring, psychologically safe spaces, the threads of community and shared experience strengthen the very fabric of joy. Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the world’s longest-running studies on adult life, concur; when we have good relationships and a sense of belonging, we are healthier and happier.
This is why third places matter so much. "Third places"--spaces outside of home and work where people can gather, be themselves, and feel a sense of belonging--can play a powerful role in rekindling joy. The Be Sanctuary in Upper Arlington, which I co-founded alongside its owner Deborah Bosner, is one such third place—a space we intentionally designed to support people in BE-ing, BECOME-ing, and BELONGing in community. Some of our offerings at The Be Sanctuary are free-of-charge, and we also offer partial scholarships to select programs.
Even in brief daily moments, practicing presence and noticing what matters most allows joy to take root. And when we practice presence in supportive communities, joy can grow and deepen. This month, I invite you to explore ways to intentionally cultivate joy—both on your own and alongside others.
If you'd like some personalized support on your "joy awakening" journey, consider scheduling a 1:1 Mindfulness Coaching session with me (in-person at The Be Sanctuary or virtual). Simply reply to this email with your interest, and we'll connect!
Creative Mindfulness Practice: Web of Joy
Draw a circle in the center of your paper to represent yourself.
From that circle, draw lines outward, creating a web that connects to people, experiences, or places that bring you joy.
On each line, jot a few words, a symbol, or a small doodle that captures why this connection matters and how it brings you joy.
Pause and notice any feelings of warmth, gratitude, or contentment that arise.
Consider one mindful action you can take today to honor or strengthen one of these connections.
UPCOMING Events:
Click on below images for info and to register
This Month’s Tune 🎵:
Each month I share a tune that resonates with the newsletter theme.
For this month’s theme of THE JOY OF COMMUNITY, I've chosen my original song "More Than One" from my 2020 album Shine. You can listen here on YouTube (or find it wherever you stream your music).
Wishing you a month of presence, connection, and joy,
