The sports I played growing up – track and gymnastics –are largely viewed as solo sports. Still, somehow, maybe from summer camp or my large extended family, I grew to love being part of something bigger than myself. I grew to love being part of a team.
When I married, I began referring to my husband and I as “Team Stephens.” I did it in part to tease him—he is more of an every-man-for-himself kinda guy, but also because I saw the two of us as a team—a team of two building a life together. Now there are four of us on “Team Stephens.” The nickname has been scrawled on greeting cards and used in an email address. Sometimes my husband teases me about it—if we’re running late he might sarcastically shout out a “Go Teams Stephens!” At other times he uses it in all seriousness. I’ve heard him tell our children that they are both a part of Team Stephens and should treat each other accordingly, or that they should do their part to keep the house clean because they are a part of this team. He’s also given me a hug in life’s most difficult moments to remind me that he’s on my team. Yes, it’s silly, but it makes me smile. It also makes all of us feel supported, loved, like we know where we’re headed and who we’re heading there with, and like we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves—part of a team.
Maybe you don’t call your family a team. Maybe it’s your clan, gang, group, or simply family. Whatever you call the people you love and spend every day with, bring them to the Yoga Playhouse Family Camp on November 5th and join myself and therapist Kate Pfeifer in yoga practice and group activities that will enhance communication, solidify your family goals, strengthen your bonds and—most importantly—create opportunities for fun and laughter together.
