The Power of Connection
Finding Joy in the Spaces Between
In a world that’s increasingly busy, digital, and transactional, genuine connection has become something of a lost art. We talk about “networking” and “team building,” but too often, what we really crave is something much simpler: the chance to share a moment of laughter, breath, and presence with another human being.
That’s where third spaces come in, those places that aren’t home and aren’t work, but where community, belonging, and authenticity flourish. They’re the coffee shop conversations that last longer than planned, the laughter that bubbles up in yoga class, the shared silence in a moment of meditation or even just the invitation to pause and center ourselves before we dive into a meeting agenda. These spaces remind us that we don’t have to perform or produce to belong. We simply have to show up.
That’s why I’m so excited about our upcoming Laughter Yoga session in partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County. It’s a beautiful example of what intentional community-building can look like when it’s accessible, inclusive, and rooted in joy. No yoga mats or prior experience needed, just a willingness to breathe, laugh, and let yourself feel a little lighter.
(Although on second thought, you might bring a yoga mat… or at least a beach towel!)
Why it matters: Laughter Yoga isn’t just about laughter. It’s about connection through shared humanity. Research shows that group laughter reduces stress hormones, strengthens immune function, and improves mood. Laughing with other people releases oxytocin and helps us feel more connected. But beyond the physical benefits, laughter creates a sense of emotional safety that opens the door to deeper relationships, both personally and professionally.
When we laugh together, we synchronize our rhythms. We regulate our nervous systems. We stop feeling like isolated individuals and start feeling like part of something bigger. That’s powerful.
And here’s the business case, too: Companies that intentionally create opportunities for connection see better collaboration, higher engagement, and lower burnout. Hosting events like Laughter Yoga, gratitude workshops, or other well-being activities helps employees reconnect to themselves and to one another. It’s one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to build trust and resilience across teams. (P.S: It’s also just FUN!)
Connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with a giggle. Sometimes, with a breath. Always, with intention.
If you’re local, join us for the Laughter Yoga session at UUCCHC and experience first-hand how joy and belonging can be cultivated, one laugh, one smile, one intentional moment at a time.
If you’re a leader or organization looking to bring that same energy into your workplace, reach out. Let’s build your version of a “third space,” one that helps your people feel lighter, more connected, and more alive.
Happiness isn’t just a feeling, it’s courage in motion! ♥