by Callie Di Nello
One of the things I love most about Mobilates is that we understand something that many other communities don't.
Connection is important. Oh, so very important! But connection doesn't always have to mean getting dressed, travelling somewhere, joining a Zoom call, having the energy for conversation, or feeling obliged to participate in a particular way.
As many of us live with chronic illness, pain, fatigue, neurodivergence, caring responsibilities, fluctuating health, busy lives (and so much more), sometimes we may well like to feel part of something without needing to "show up" in the traditional sense – and all the fuss, bother, pain and frustration that might entail.
That is why we are so excited to introduce a new idea within our Mobilates Mob (our Facebook group): Self-Led Shared Community Experiences.
Doing Something Separately, Together
The concept is beautifully simple. Someone dreams up an activity that can be shared with others while everyone takes part in their own space. We create an Event within Mobilates Mob, and our lovely members (you!) can choose to take part independently in their own spaces on that day during those times. Afterwards, if they wish, they can return to the Event page and share their thoughts, experiences, photographs, recommendations or reflections in the comments.
I like to think of it as "doing something separately, together".
So this gem of an idea – shared during a recent Move 'n Chat – is what inspired us to take action!
What Could a Self-Led Shared Experience Look Like?
Imagine a Silent Book Retreat. On a Saturday afternoon (for example), lovely Mob'bers across the world can settle into their favourite space with a good book and read, guilt-free, for a couple of hours. There is no Zoom link, no live chat. Devices off.
People simply enjoy a couple of peaceful hours of reading, knowing that others in their beloved community are doing exactly the same thing. Later, some might return to the event page to share what they read, or recommend a book they've loved.
The same idea could work for all sorts of gentle activities. We might have a documentary evening, a journalling session, a colouring afternoon, a puzzle hour, or even a garden appreciation event. The possibilities are endless – and the beauty is that everyone can participate in whatever way feels right for them.
The Benefits of Self-Led Shared Experiences
What I particularly love about this idea is that it allows everyone to experience a sense of community without pressure, even on low-energy days.
You get to choose whether you wish to attend, interact, comment … maybe dip in for ten minutes, stay reading in peace and quiet for the whole two hours, or simply enjoy knowing that the event is happening.
How to Suggest a Self-Led Shared Community Experience
If you have an idea for a self-led shared community experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Simply email your idea to info@mobilates.com, including the event title, date, time, description and a suitable image. Our Community Engagement Volunteer (aka me – Callie) will review submissions and, if approved, create the event within Mobilates Mob on your behalf.
Final Thought
We hope these experiences become another gentle thread that helps weave our community together. After all, sometimes it is enough simply to know that somewhere, someone else is doing something else at exactly the same time as you … but without needing to log on and interact.
Permission to pause. How lovely!
Mobilates CIC provides inclusive, adapted exercise for people living with long term health conditions, chronic pain, fatigue and disability.
We create safe, welcoming spaces to move, connect and build confidence in what your body CAN do, whether you join a class in person, online, or from your bed. We’re led by lived experience and powered by community. Together, we’re redefining what movement can look like.
💗 Join Da Mob: www.mobilates.com
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