Why Community Is Medicine For The Soul
Dear Friends,
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a shift not only in my own life, but in the lives of so many people I work with. The world has changed rapidly, and with it, the way we connect. Somewhere along the way, we lost much of what once held us together: community.
Sociologists often talk about something called a “third space” or “third spot”, a place outside of work and home where people gather to connect, recharge, and belong. Decades ago, these third spaces looked like church groups, neighborhood get-togethers, or even sitting around a diner table with friends. Today, many of those places have disappeared. Research shows that Americans are more socially isolated than at any other time in history, with the average person having fewer close friends now than even 20 years ago. In fact, one study found that the average adult replaces their entire friendship circle about every seven years, which means many of us are constantly starting over, without the deep-rooted support we truly crave.
The effects of this show up in ways we don’t always connect to community. Did you know that loneliness has been linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even physical illness? The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness a public health epidemic, noting that it can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s how powerful community, or the lack of it, really is.
I’ve felt this in my own life. For so many years, I never quite felt like I fit in. I was surrounded by people, yet inside I felt unseen. It wasn’t until I began my own healing journey that I found others who were also seeking deeper, more authentic connection. That was the first time I realized I wasn’t “too much” or “not enough”, I just needed to be in the right community. And it changed everything.
But here’s something I wish someone had told me sooner: as you grow, it’s normal to lose people. Every stage of my healing journey came with its own shedding. Friends who once felt aligned slowly fell away. Spaces that once felt comfortable no longer matched the frequency I was holding. At first, this was painful, I thought something was wrong with me. But the truth is, it’s part of the process. When you grow, you can’t always stay surrounded by what keeps you tied to your old version of self. Sometimes, the most powerful step in healing is allowing yourself to release what no longer supports your highest path.
What if I told you that this is not only normal, it’s necessary? And maybe, just maybe, it’s also the invitation to find a new community. To seek out friendships and connections with people who are walking a similar path of internal healing. Because when you do, you realize you’re not alone, you’re simply stepping into a space that was always waiting for you.
In my therapy practice, I hear the same longing every day. Clients talk about struggling to make meaningful friendships, feeling anxious in social spaces, or carrying shame about being “different.” They scroll through social media trying to feel connected, but end up lonelier. Many of the symptoms we see, depression, burnout, and even that constant low-level exhaustion—aren’t just individual problems. They’re reflections of a culture that has become more isolated than ever.
That realization is part of what inspired my mom and I to create Breath by Design. We wanted to intentionally craft gatherings that bring people together in ways that go beyond surface-level conversation. Our events aren’t just about breathwork or sound healing, they’re about creating a third space again. A place to belong. A place to exhale. A place to remember that you are not alone in your healing journey.
That’s why I’m so excited to share that we’re hosting our first community gathering on October 8th at Gallery DeFi. We would love to be your third space that night, to connect, to network, and to share energy with like-minded people. For my entrepreneurs, this is a chance to expand your circle and meet others who are walking the same path. For my women who are struggling with friendships and craving deeper bonds, this is an invitation to find your people. And for my men who are seeking other men also on a healing journey, this night was created with you in mind too.
To make this community even stronger, we decided not to charge our vendors to be there. We wanted to give them a platform to share their businesses and their gifts freely. We hope to continue this in November and December as well, building momentum for something bigger than ourselves. If you are a small business and would like to join November and December event’s we would love to have you. And because connection multiplies when we share it, we are making this event “BRING A FRIEND FREE.” We also wanted to highlight The Gallery Defi, their owners wanted to create that same vision of community, connection, and healing. They are just as much an equal part in this process and so honored that they allow us to have these events are their beautiful location.
My hope is to see this space filled with people who are ready to lean into connection, who are craving authenticity, and who want to help create a community that uplifts, heals, and grows together. If you’ve been searching for that third spot, consider this your invitation.
Third Spot Holder,
Dr. Rachel Sims
