It is through community bonds that we can heal and grow, not through isolation.

While Moai is the physical group of 10 or fewer individuals who share a close bond throughout their lives, yuimaru is a broader practice of providing someone with a sense of belonging and security.

This cultural concept originated in Okinawa and is still widely practiced today. The people within a community help one another to provide mutual support, a sense of belonging, and cooperation. This occurs even when someone new to the island arrives. It plays a key role in easing the challenges of moving to a new city, state, or country. Receiving such a genuine act of support can be equally gratifying to those who provide help and compassion. Feeling a sense of belonging gives one a sense of purpose, happiness, and gratitude.

When tragedy strikes, people often come together to support one another and provide aid, hoping to restore some sense of normalcy. Donating time to help rebuild your local park for the children in the community, serving a warm meal to people that have been displaced from their homes, donating blankets and other necessities to keep others safe and healthy—all elements from yuimaru. However, yuimaru is ongoing within a community. It’s a commitment from the heart.

As we grow older, or perhaps it’s a chapter in our lives of being alone, we may feel isolated, lost, detached, or depressed. During these moments, consider joining a community organization, club, or reaching out to neighbors or coworkers, and be mindful of what others might need and where you can offer support. Sharing a skill, contributing your time to a cause that you believe in, participating in community events or local projects, and practicing gratitude in your daily life while expressing your appreciation to others. Making yuimaru part of your daily practice can provide you with a life that is filled with hope, longevity, meaning, and happiness.

She lifts the kettle,
steam soft as her fading breath —
I learn to cherish.