The People Who Lifted Me Up 7/12

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying a dream so heavy it might crush you? I stood at a crossroads in a candlelit hall in Klaipėda, Lithuania, surrounded by the scent of sandalwood, a bunch of flowers, strangers, and the hum of soft chanting. My book project, a years-long labor of love, felt like a boulder I couldn’t roll uphill. Each unwritten page whispered doubts: Who am I to write this? Am I able to maintain focus long enough to complete this task?  I’d left behind everything familiar to chase this dream, but I felt like a stranger in my own story. That’s when I stumbled into a tantra workshop—and found the people who’d lift me up, make me feel worthy, and change everything.

A Circle of Strangers Who Became My Tribe

I walked into that workshop with sweaty palms, joining a circle of strangers. But something shifted when our teacher, Mike—a grounded, radiant man—and his assistant Elena, whose eyes seemed to see straight to my soul, invited us to breathe together. We moved, meditated, shared, laughed, and sometimes cried. It wasn’t just about tantra’s rituals; it was about being seen—raw, real, without judgment. There was Jonas, a poet whose quiet intensity mirrored my own creative struggles, and Rasa, whose infectious laugh lightened even the heaviest moments. With Elena’s gentle guidance, they became my anchors, giving me the courage to write, to show up, to keep going despite my fears.

That workshop wasn’t a one-off; it became my lifeline. I returned for each session, weaving myself into a community of seekers. We’d gather in cozy studios or under the stars by the Danė River, sharing dreams and fears. Mike taught me that connection is about presence—meeting someone’s gaze, feeling their energy align with yours. Those Lithuanian nights, surrounded by souls who resonated with mine, were a warm fire on a winter’s night. They reminded me I wasn’t alone in turning pain into purpose.

The Science of Being Seen

Why do these connections matter so much? Psychology shows that social support is a cornerstone of resilience. Research by John Cacioppo and Shelley Taylor highlights how deep connections trigger oxytocin and serotonin, hormones that reduce stress and boost motivation. A 2017 Psychological Science study found that even brief, meaningful interactions can lower cortisol, helping us tackle challenges with clarity. Isolation, on the other hand, traps us in anxiety and self-doubt, making every hurdle feel impossible.

For me, this wasn’t about a huge crowd—it was about a few souls who showed up fully. Jonas’s late-night talks about poetry sharpened my book’s voice. Rasa’s warmth reminded me to find joy in the grind. Elena’s teachings on energy gave me a framework for transformation. These weren’t just friends; they were mirrors reflecting my potential, urging me to keep going. The lesson? Whether you’re writing a book, building a business, or healing a wound, the people who see you and don’t judge can light the path when it’s too dark to navigate alone.

Three Steps to Find Your People

You don’t need a tantra workshop to find your tribe, though those Klaipėda nights were magic (and I hope to return soon). Here are three simple steps to build your own community this week:

1. Reach Out for a Real Conversation: Think of one person—a friend, colleague, or someone you’ve drifted from. Send a heartfelt message, like, “What’s been inspiring you lately?” or “I’ve been thinking of you—what’s new?” Suggest a coffee, call, or walk. Aim for connection, not solutions.

2. Explore a Passion-Driven Space: Join a local group tied to your interests—a book club, yoga class, or online forum. I found my workshop through a shared Facebook post; small leaps can lead to big rewards. Show up, be open, and let vulnerability work its magic.

3. Be Present and Curious: In every interaction, practice presence. Listen deeply, ask questions, and share a piece of yourself. Connection grows when you meet others with authenticity.

   
   

A Glimpse Into The Morph

Those Lithuanian nights are woven into my upcoming book, The Morph: Alchemy of the Animal. It’s a web of stories about the people who became my lifelines—the teacher who saw my light, the poet who helped me find my words, the strangers whose kindness rekindled my purpose. Through the metaphor of the Blue Morpho butterfly, the book explores how connection transforms struggle into beauty. It’s a guide to finding your tribe, leaning into community, and keeping going when the road feels impossible. As we near the launch, I’m thrilled to share these lessons with you.

Your Next Step

Take one small step toward connection this week. Send that text. Join that class. Say yes to a moment of vulnerability. It might just be the spark that changes your story. Who’s one person you’re excited to reach out to? Share in the comments or on X—I’d love to hear. Follow along as we count down to The Morph’s launch—there’s so much more to come.

This post is part of a 12-week series chronicling my journey from darkness to completing my book. Follow along every Monday for new stories, insights, and tips to inspire your own path. Want to stay updated on the book launch? Join my newsletter at themorph88.com or follow me on X @TheMorph88.