Who is Serving Who?

I am currently enjoying the distinct privilege of offering senior gentle chair yoga to a lovely group of participants at a bustling senior center during these summer months. It has become such a profoundly rich experience for me that I fear I may not have the words to describe just how much I am receiving while ostensibly being there simply to share a health-enhancing movement practice that I know well.

The moment I walk into the center, I feel welcomed. The space is brightly adorned with vibrant colors, pristinely kept, and somehow immediately communicates comfort, safety, and optimism. As I make my way toward our room, I am greeted with smiles from so many people I pass. Smiles, it turns out, are powerful medicine. They stimulate the release of oxytocin, fostering connection and trust, with similar increases in dopamine and serotonin that elevate mood and reduce stress. I can literally feel the effects of the space, the smiles, and the warm greetings, which place me squarely in the receiving rather than the giving category.

As we gather, there is enthusiasm, laughter, and stories about how everyone felt after our previous class together—physically, emotionally, and sometimes even spiritually. Before I have led a single stretch, I am uplifted simply knowing that something I have to offer is positively impacting the well-being of others.

Here's the interesting part: the scientific literature tells us that serving others activates the reward pathways in our brain. This "helping" releases a combination of feel-good neurochemicals and, over time, people who regularly serve others report greater life satisfaction and even live longer.

Which has me thinking...

Perhaps I should begin every class by saying, "Thank you for having me."

Because that's exactly how I feel.

Every week, I find myself wondering if the benefits I receive actually rival whatever the group is experiencing from our time together.

We begin each class with breath awareness and mindfulness meditation. Almost immediately, I find myself settling into a place of peace and surrender. If I were sitting at home working in front of my computer, chances are I would never stop long enough to give myself this gift. Once again, it is the social act of gathering together that gently nudges me toward connection, restoration, and renewal.

Research has repeatedly shown that meaningful human relationships are among the strongest contributors to a fulfilling life. Emotionally rich exchanges filled with kindness, compassion, encouragement, and love nourish us in ways that extend far beyond the moment. We come together thinking we're simply doing chair yoga, but something much deeper is happening. We breathe together. We laugh together. We encourage one another. We care for one another.

With this, I stumble on a pretty solid realization, perhaps serving isn't something that flows in one direction.

Perhaps the beauty of serving is that everyone receives.

So, each Thursday, as I walk into that colorful building and am greeted with another warm smile, I count myself as the fortunate one. Through this simple act of serving, I find myself profoundly blessed.