A community is usually a group of people who live close together or a group of people who are unified by the same beliefs, language or culture. The impact of technology has broadened our definition of community; we no longer have to live in close proximity to be members of a community. We become members of communities by simply adding our email addresses to a newsletter list and then leave the community when our inboxes become cluttered, by clicking unsubscribe.

When I was a child the fences between houses were made of narrow planks of wood, low enough for adults to see over. It was easy to talk to our friends through the fence and sometimes a plank broke down the bottom or near the top and we could see each other too. Now I am an adult and the fences between houses are high, strong, secure and steel. I barely see my neighbours because of different work hours and any 'free time' is spent trying to create 'quality time' with our family and close friends. What effect does our modern lifestyle have on our community spirit? And can yoga help improve our sense of belonging to a community?

Yoga gives us a chance to bond with others who share the same values and beliefs as we do. In 2007 I participated in the YogaAid Challenge to raise money for children's charity Barnados (that's me on the left). The sun was well and truly up on a glorious spring morning in Sydney and as we prepared for the final set of sun salutes we were asked to focus on the reason we chose to participate in YogaAid. Was it for love? Peace? Spiritual development? Personal achievement? I chose the word community because I crave that feeling of being a part of something, sharing a goal with like-minded people, celebrating accomplishments and then reflecting on the experience.

Solitude and inwardness are emphasised on the path to enlightenment, but community is our core. Do you feel like you are part of a yoga community?

Labels: community, yoga, yoga aid challenge