tend the seeds of practice
This past weekend I met with a small group of students for an in-person class at Jewel Yoga. With everyone present being fully vaccinated, we didn't need to wear masks or maintain physical distance during class. It felt so good to be in the physical space that has been an important part of my practice over the last two decades. To be present with students in that space, doing yoga, made the world feel right. We had a great time learning various ways to utilize the ropes to help inform our back bending asanas and inversions. While the students rested in Savasana, I was reminded of one of the many reasons I love the space—the soft sounds of the city brought in with the gentle breeze coming through the open windows. I’ve always appreciated the juxtaposition of the quiet internal work required of asana with the hustle and bustle on the city streets below.
As we begin this transition to being fully open for in-person classes I’m struck by our responses to change. Back when all classes were moved online, like many students, I was very hesitant about teaching and learning on this new platform. But I’ve come to appreciate many aspects of our online classes—and I’m not just talking about the convenience. Students have been taking responsibility for themselves, figuring out how to adapt props and poses and adjusting their practice to suit their situation in a way I’ve never seen in class. In this way, online classes have supported your learning far and above my expectations.
Like many of you, there is an aspect of online classes that I don’t want to give up. I’m happy to be able to take classes with a few of my teachers who I usually only see a few times a year for very full weekends. Admittedly, I’ve become a bit attached to my Monday afternoon class with Chris and studying with Laurie on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. It’s hard to imagine what my week will look like without them, what my practice will feel like without their weekly influence. But I know from experience that my practice will find new footing and take its own twists and turns as it always has in the past.
As an introvert and self-described homebody, I’ve liked being in my home this past year. The few group events I’ve participated in recently, have reminded me how much I miss the opportunity to be with people, how much I miss people. As I begin to chart my transition from always being home to venturing out more fully in the world, I’m trying to hold two truths—I love being self-contained in my home AND I love being engaged with people and moving about out in the world.
For me, this transition needs to be measured; I don’t want to make the switch all at once. During the late summer term, I’ll be teaching two classes in person while two will remain online. I hope you’ll find a class that works for your summer schedule. Let’s use this time to tend to the seeds of practice that sprouted and took root during the pandemic, even as our activities ask us to be increasingly out in the world.
June 17, 2021