THE POWER OF TOGETHERNESS

By Master Zoly Julianne Taza

https://www.instagram.com/julianne.taza/

https://www.laecovilla.com

julianne@laecovilla.com

Think of the last time you felt truly grateful… for your health, your morning coffee, or the sun shining through on a beautiful day. Gratitude expands us, softens us, and reminds us that life itself is a gift.

But most of our gratitude goes upward: toward life, the universe, or God. What about sideways… toward each other?

Because when we forget to express gratitude through connection, something essential in us fades. And that’s what we’re remembering with the power of togetherness: that connection itself is medicine.

My Journey to togetherness

Five years ago, I was traveling around the world with no specific destination in mind.

When I arrived in Costa Rica, I landed in an eco-village called Ecovilla, not really knowing what I was stepping into.

That’s where I met my life partner — I fell in love, not only with him but (eventually) with this way of living.

At first, it wasn’t easy. Opening up to people I barely knew, sharing spaces, learning to trust… it all felt unfamiliar. I had come from a world where independence was the norm and where connection was often limited to quick hellos and polite smiles.

Then… little by little, everything began to shift; I started forming deep, lasting friendships. I discovered the joy of generosity, of giving without expecting, and of receiving without guilt.

For the first time in my life, I experienced what it feels like to be held by a community. And, most importantly, I realized how good life can feel when we live with the intention to connect, to support, and to grow together.

Relearning the Ancient Art of Community

Most of us live surrounded by people yet feel alone. We have neighbors we never speak to and days filled with screens instead of faces.

But humans were never built for isolation. For millions of years, our survival depended on cooperation and trust. We hunted together and raised children together.

When we live in togetherness, we’re remembering that way of life. We grow food in lush gardens, share meals, and offer our gifts freely (yoga, dance, art, healing practices…)

We share something deeper: a collective intention to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the land.

Community as a Mirror for Growth

Living in community isn’t only about joy and connection… It’s also about growth. When you live closely with others, your patterns are reflected to you. If someone triggers you, you can’t simply avoid them. You’re invited to look inward, to see what’s really being mirrored.

This is what I call the mirror effect. The people around you become living mirrors, revealing the parts of yourself that are ready for healing; your impatience, your fears, your old wounds. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s powerful. Awareness is what transforms shadow into light.

Connection Is Biology

Science now proves what ancient wisdom has always known: connection keeps us healthy.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed people for over 80 years, found that good relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness and longevity — even more than diet, exercise, or wealth.

When we feel supported and safe, our bodies release oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Our stress hormones drop, our immune system strengthens, and our hearts literally beat calmer.

As Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard study, said: “The clearest message we get from this study is this: good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

My Everyday Life at Ecovilla

Connection here takes many shapes:

•⁠ ⁠Neighbors organizing meal trains for new parents or families in need.

•⁠ ⁠A baby blessing ceremony for a mother-to-be.

•⁠ ⁠A friend offering free yoga or breathwork classes.

•⁠ ⁠A local business (like a restaurant or a bike park project) supported collectively by

neighbors.

It’s a gift economy: when you give once, you receive a thousand times back. Gratitude becomes a daily frequency, not just a feeling.

Start Where You Are

You don’t need to move to an eco-village to live this way. Start where you are. Knock on a neighbor’s door. Share a meal. Offer your time, your smile, your presence.

Every small act of connection sends ripples of healing through the world.