That space there.

Hi friends, it's Sam.

Welcome to Radio Headspace and to Wednesday.

Lately I've been focusing my efforts on building community and meeting up with people

for intentional discussions.

And one of the community members from my mindfulness group shared his experience of going through

a recent and sudden breakup.

He was planning on getting married and starting a family with this person, which was really

important to him, and he described an immense loss from having the plug pulled out on his

relationship and his dreams with her.

What I found so inspiring was the fact that he jumped right into volunteering, giving

his time by reading stories to kids.

He didn't wallow in his unhappiness.

He instead took immediate action and found a way to interact with children.

This got me thinking about how giving back can actually help us when we don't feel our

best.

So today, let's talk about how community can be a tool for healing.

When we're heartbroken, we often assume that we have to wait until we're healed, feeling

better, more positive before we go back out into the world.

But who's to say we can't bring our heartbreak with us?

For example, when I'm not feeling my best, I feel like my sadness will be contagious,

that I may be vulnerable around people and not show up as my peak self.

...