By Alex McRobs
This summer, we got a brand new shirt in the Merch shop! The front of the shirt says “You Belong Here.” I want to tell you the story behind this item.
On the very first night of the July 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, we talked about our fears. One participant said “I was really nervous about fitting in, because on the last retreat I went on I just didn’t feel like I belonged.” I am throwing no shade on the retreat leader who led that retreat…. because that retreat leader was me.
I’m not surprised that participant felt the way she did and I knew, for a lot of reasons, that that retreat didn’t live up to my standards. Everyone still had a great time but I learned a lot from it to incorporate going forward. Building community was my primary priority going into this YTT.
After that participant said they felt they didn’t belong on my retreat, I led a meditation that night, and one of the phrases that came to me was, “You belong here.” You belong here. And you are loved.
It is of my belief that it doesn’t matter what a teacher teaches you, it’s how they teach it. It’s how they make you feel. And my number one priority on my retreats and trainings is to cultivate a sense of belonging.
And so, this shirt was born. #youbelonghere . We all know how terrible it feels to feel like you’re not welcome somewhere, or you don’t fit in.
So #youbelonghere is our new slogan. It might just be the tagline of the retreat center I one day open.
Thank you, to the person who gave me that feedback. This shirt will forever make me think of you. We’re almost sold out of this shirt here in person in Bali, and you can order it online at www.themindfullifepractice.com/shop with international shipping.
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