In Buddhism, there is a concept known as the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Buddha represents awakening.
Dharma represents wisdom and teachings.
Sangha represents community—the people who walk beside us on the path.
As I reflect on this season of my life, I realize that I have discovered my own version of the Three Jewels.
They are not places I planned to find.
They are communities that found me exactly when I needed them.
For me, those Three Jewels are Osher Lifelong Learning at the University of Utah, Lila Yoga Studio, and First Unitarian Church.
Together, they have become anchors in my life, helping me learn, grow, heal, serve, and belong.
Osher Lifelong Learning: Feeding the Mind
At Osher Lifelong Learning at the University of Utah, I have found a community of curious, engaged, lifelong learners.
People often think education ends with graduation.
I have discovered the opposite.
Learning keeps us alive.
It keeps us growing.
It keeps us connected to new ideas and new possibilities.
At Osher, I have had the privilege of teaching reinvention, leading special events, facilitating book discussions, and watching people form friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.
What begins as learning often becomes connection.
What begins as a class often becomes community.
Osher reminds me that it is never too late to grow into a new version of ourselves.
Lila Yoga Studio: Nourishing the Body and Spirit
The Sanskrit word “Lila” means divine play.
What a beautiful name.
At Lila Yoga Studio, I have found far more than yoga classes.
I have found a sanctuary.
A place where movement becomes meditation.
A place where breath becomes prayer.
A place where people gather not to perform but to simply be themselves.
Through yoga, meditation, tea gatherings, and heartfelt conversations, I have witnessed the healing power of presence.
In a culture that often celebrates busyness, Lila teaches something different.
Slow down.
Breathe.
Listen.
Trust.
Be here now.
Lila reminds me that joy and wisdom are not opposites.
Sometimes they are one and the same.
First Unitarian Church: Living Our Values
At First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, I have found a community grounded in compassion, service, inclusion, and justice.
It is a place where questions are welcomed.
A place where people from many backgrounds and beliefs come together in a spirit of mutual respect.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, I have the privilege of helping steward a community dedicated to creating a more loving and equitable world.
The church reminds me that spirituality is not only about what happens on a meditation cushion or yoga mat.
It is about how we show up for one another.
It is about putting our values into action.
It is about building beloved community.
The Gift of Belonging
As I grow older, I am increasingly convinced that one of the greatest challenges facing our society is loneliness.
People are hungry for connection.
Hungry to be seen.
Hungry to belong.
The gift of these three communities is not simply what they teach.
The gift is how they make people feel.
Welcome.
Valued.
Included.
Connected.
Supported.
Loved.
Each community nourishes a different part of my life.
Osher feeds my mind.
Lila nourishes my body and spirit.
First Unitarian Church grounds me in service and purpose.
Together, they form my Three Jewels.
And for that, I am deeply grateful.
May we all find places where we can continue learning, growing, serving, and belonging.
Because life is richer when we walk the path together.
With love,
Sandi
