A few months ago, I decided to go on a yoga retreat in India. My intention was simple: to feel more connected – to my life in Israel, to new people, and to myself. I wanted to slow down, turn inward, and create space to reflect and grow.

A few weeks ago, I finally went.

And yes, as a bonus, the entire retreat was in Hebrew, so somewhere between downward dog and deep breathing, I found myself in an unexpected Ulpan.

Some lessons were predictable. I learned new poses I cannot safely attempt at home. But one lesson surprised me: I began to build a new level of trust in other people.

For years, I carried a quiet internal rule: don’t trust people too much.

It wasn’t random. It was shaped by experience and reinforced over time. Living in Israel, I often felt like I didn’t fully belong. People were kind, but deep inside, I felt tolerated rather than truly accepted. I had my explanations ready: German, lesbian, an older mother with young children. Even after converting to Judaism, that feeling didn’t fully shift.

What made it more confusing is that it hadn’t always been this way. When I first came to Israel at 16, I fell in love instantly. The connection felt electric—like something ancient in me recognized this place before I could even explain it. Back then, I did feel accepted. I did feel a sense of belonging. So what changed? That’s a story for another time.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, you know how convincing those internal stories can be. I hope you don’t let them define you. I’ve come to believe that we unconsciously recreate the experiences we........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)