If you know me, you know that I like to do the stuff in person: I prefer in-person classes to online ones, I’d rather meet for coffee or a walk than talk on the phone, I’d almost always rather look you in the face and take you by the hand. Alas, that’s not possible right now, is it? COVID-19 has us all learning and practicing and working remotely, for our own and others’ safety. We are all in need of community and practice, and I really want to make the space for us to practice together. So let’s do it!
Join me for a one-hour gentle movement class this Monday, March 23 at 5:30 pm on Zoom. This week we’ll say a quick hello, do 15-20 minutes of gentle movement, and then transition into some Yoga Nidra. For class, a yoga mat, a blanket, at least two pillows or a bolster or two will all be useful—but don’t let not having the props stop you! Use your favorite comfy cuddle stuff. For more info on Yoga Nidra as a practice, have a look here. By now, we’ve all heard of Zoom, yes? (You can have a look and set up an account here, if you haven’t done so yet.) Hopefully, it will serve us as a great platform to see each others’ faces, and to work cooperatively and affectionately with our bodies.
class is every Monday at 5:30 pm EDT. After the first week, we’ll be doing a variety of practices. Every week, we’ll move a bit, we’ll rest a bit, we’ll breathe a bit. The classes are designed to be gentle and accessible. Having a mat helps, but it isn’t mandatory. If you need other props, I’ll be sure to let you know on the day, and to suggest easy things around the house to use. (Classes will continue weekly through early May, at which point I’ll reassess and see if and what kind of changes might be necessary.)
class is about movement, breath, healing and community. If you’re able, please use your camera when you call in. If the camera feels like too much right now, I get it. Don’t sweat it. You’ll be able to see me, and I’ll be demoing postures from time to time, but if I can, I’ll also want to see you, particularly if you have questions or concerns. This is not going to be a vigorous practice. No shade, I love them; but what I want to offer is something that warms us up gently and allows us to feel ourselves, and work with our energy. It’s not always easy to do that if you’re muscling your way into an arm balance.
class is not meant to be a stand-in for medical advice. You know your body better than anyone else. Listen to it. If something doesn’t feel right, back off, or ask for a modification. Take rest when you need it. Don’t push.
class is about being generous and compassionate with ourselves and one another. New to yoga? Great. Don’t know all the Sanskrit names for postures? No problem. This is not a time or practice to demand a lot of yourself or others. So: no shade, no body shaming, no judgment, internally or externally.
class is free to take, but not free to teach. I’m offering this practice free of charge, in part because if I were teaching it on campus, it would be free of charge. Additionally, I am not interested in creating any barriers to practice, especially if you need it and feel like it’s difficult to access for whatever reason. Having said that, if you feel moved to show your appreciation of my efforts in a tangible or financial way, reach out to me and we can talk about that. It is by no means an expectation or a requirement. I want to practice with you, no strings attached, no payment necessary.
This class, while designed for my HDS community, is available to anyone in my network who’s interested. If you’re interested, but not a member of the HDS community, please let me know via Facebook. I will create a closed group where I’ll post the number for that week’s call-in. I’ll post it on Friday for the following Monday. (For this first week, I can just send it to you via DM.)
I’ve only recently begun to teach online, so this will be an adventure. I’m looking forward to discovering how we can care for ourselves and for each other in this new frontier. If this sounds at all useful to you, I hope I’ll see you there. xo