We are in unprecedented times. Over the last few weeks, I continued to monitor the severity of COVID-19 and the rapid changes happening in our community. Things were changing literally every hour and the decision “to do the right thing” was weighing on me heavily.
As a social worker, helping is encrypted in my DNA. It felt damaging to halt services during this difficult time. I knew the anxiety and looming isolation others would feel during this forced shutdown would only make matters worse. I also understood the aftermath of the hysteria. How it would bring light to privilege and class. How the simple phrase of, “work from home,” is only accessible to a fortunate few. How “schools closed,” could impact a family forever, as parents make a choice between financial responsibilities and child care. How the service industry and those who rely on person-to-person contact for their income (yoga teachers included) would leave many jobless and without basic needs met.
I felt it all. It was overwhelming. I didn’t sleep. I cried and practiced yoga. It was on my mat where I was reminded of the collective good. The interconnectedness of all of us. That continuing to put myself and my students at risk was not the answer. If I became ill, I would do little good in helping to serve others.
It was a difficult decision to make for my teachers at the organization I run, our clients and myself. I felt an enormous heaviness making a decision that would affect so many, especially during such a difficult time. I sought advice from trusted mentors and friends, and my mom, The Nurse. I listened to those who understood the science better than me.
These last few weeks have been challenging for many of us as we grapple to understand the shifts taking place in our world. I truly hope this pause brings an opportunity for us to collectively shift how we see and view the world. As yoga practitioners, we live with an understanding of our interconnectedness and it appears many others are beginning to see through this lens.
We need yoga more than ever right now! Not just the asana, or poses, but the breath work and the practice of the yamas and niyamas. It’s the sense of community and belonging we feel sharing breath and movement with others in the same room. Yoga helps our nervous system regulate and decreases anxiety and depression. We need it all, right now!In the spirit of serving the collective, it’s imperative for me to continue offering healing services during this time, while also keeping our distance from one other. Thanks to technology – this is totally possible! During this unfamiliar time, I don’t plan on changing my schedule and will be offering classes online during this time. All of my in-person classes will be offered online, and I may even add a few more to the schedule.
I would love for you to join me as we continue living and practicing yoga!