Finding Meaningful Connection Through Shared Experience
An evening in London connecting through a shared love of yoga and good food
In my recent ‘This Month in London’ post, I shared that I’d be attending my first supper club and I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed it! This coming from someone who needs her alone time and whose social battery can drain quickly.
As an introvert who thrives on connection, I often feel a tension between being excited about the possibility of new experiences, yet apprehensive about committing to several hours with strangers. That said, I’m always on the lookout for different ways to meet people in my adopted city.
Moving to a new place has consistently tested the limits of my introverted nature and, little by little, has expanded the boundaries of my comfort zone.
So with a supper club being on my mental list of “ways to meet people,” I finally decided to attend one. This particular one caught my eye because it combined two things I love: yoga and good food. It started with a gentle yoga flow and then we gathered for a shared meal. It struck a nice, intentional balance of holding space for both ourselves and others while connecting over shared interests.
I also decided to invite a new friend along who I’ve been getting to know. This honored the supper club’s purpose of bringing people together and making new connections while adding another layer of intention to the evening.
When the day rolled around, I wasn’t quite in the headspace to go to this event that I’d signed up for a couple of weeks prior. However, it turned out to be exactly what I needed: a moment to breathe, to move my body in a nourishing way, and to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal in the company of people who share my love for yoga and good food. Most importantly, though, it allowed me to simply show up as myself.
I’ve been feeling emotionally stretched lately so I went in with one promise to myself: to show up as best I could and let that be enough. And it was. The beauty of genuine connection is that it doesn’t expect you to be anything you’re not.
Four hours came and went, and I left the evening not feeling depleted, but pleasantly tired and fulfilled. I wasn’t overthinking anything I said or overanalyzing how I came across. Rather, I felt at peace with how the night went. I’d both been able to spend time with a new friend and together we met some other people, too.
To me, that was a clear sign of being in the right space. One that pushes you but doesn’t diminish you. One where you can be yourself and feel safe and supported in doing so. One where connection flows naturally and doesn’t feel forced.
There's something powerful about spaces that don't ask you to be someone you're not. Instead, they invite you to show up as yourself, where conversation flows because of genuine shared interests rather than forced surface-level small talk.
If you’re into Human Design, you’ll understand why this resonated so much with me as a Projector. This event was a quiet invitation to be myself. I’m learning to honor how I move through the world at a slower, more intentional pace, with a deep sensitivity to energy and a strong desire for meaningful, authentic connection. This event had all the right elements: good vibes, delicious food, a nourishing yoga flow, and lovely company.
It reminded me that the most meaningful experiences live in that sweet spot between comfort and challenge. When we give ourselves permission to show up fully as we are, in spaces that feel aligned and true to us, that’s more than enough for those who genuinely see us. From that place of authenticity, connection can truly flourish.
This evening brought me back to the intentions I set for the year back in January to deepen my sense of purpose, place, and community in London. Along the way, three key themes have continued to resurface, reminding me that what truly matters is living a life that feels true to who we are and doing it alongside people that allow us to be ourselves.
Making friends as an adult
Finding belonging in a new city
Living in greater alignment (and learning more about my Human Design)
I’d love to know if any of these points resonate with you and what you’d like to hear more about in future posts.
I left the yoga supper club feeling more grounded, more connected, and more grateful for this city and what it teaches me about myself.
For starters, making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends in a new city can feel even harder. I’m learning that it’s less about forcing but in showing up in ways that feel true to you. The connection will follow and it will feel even more meaningful.
I wanted to leave this off with a small challenge for both me and you:
What’s one thing you can try in the next month that sparks curiosity, even if it’s slightly outside your comfort zone?
Maybe you’re craving deeper community, or maybe you just want to feel more like yourself. Think about the spaces that invite you to be fully you, that spark something in you even if, like me, there is initial apprehension.
It could be a book club, a walking or running group, or a creative workshop. It could even be the initiation of a conversation with someone, perhaps the barista at your favorite coffee shop or someone you’ve recognized as another regular in one of your exercise classes.
If you’re in London, here are some supper clubs I’ve bookmarked!
The one I attended was co-hosted by The Fill who do other events as well
The Seasonal Supper Club brings people together over seasonal flavors
& the Table hosts intimate dinner parties for women of all ages, centered around a specific theme/topic for the evening
Real connection happens when we show up as ourselves, in spaces that welcome our authenticity and gently invite us to grow. It may not be immediately obvious, but over time, these small acts of showing up can quietly begin to shape a sense of belonging.
One day you may look around and realize that a sense of community has beautifully rooted in a place that once felt unfamiliar.
Ooo what an awesome way to spend your day! I really want to attend a supper club. This seems like such a calming way to do it and connect with other people at the same time 🩵
“The beauty of genuine connection is that it doesn’t expect you to be anything you’re not” ❤️ Quite the reminder. Loved reading this recap entwined with some solid life knowledge. Thanks for sharing.