The last time I wrote on this topic it was January 16, 2020 (go check out my previous post) and we were just gearing up for the new year. Only 7 months after we reopened as Buka Yoga we were doing some pretty amazing things and our community was growing! Fast forward to today, April 07, 2020 and we are all now quarantined to our homes due to COVID-19. We're going on week 3 of all classes being streamed live from our teachers homes and our daily routines upended and challenged. Many of you are exhausted from the sheer amount of information coming your way. And the craziest thing of all of this is...every single human in the world, every small business, every big business, every family, every kid, every school...every human is going through this. Together.
Just let that sink in for a moment. We've never had anything in our lifetime where the impact was so globally reaching. And nothing that has ever challenged our mental health and ability to process information. The wave of emotions for some comes hourly...and others it's every few days. We are all wondering if this is some crazy version of the movie "Groundhogs Day" with Bill Murray.
So...where are you in all of this? How's your yoga practice going? Did you find your studio closing with little answers as to how they were going to continue to support you during this time? One day I'll write a book on all of this and what transpired from the night we received the closure information to the next morning taking all of our yoga classes online...and the impact it has had on our community and our students. We always knew the power of our community...we had no idea how the bond had been formed for many that have moved away and now have the chance to practice with their favorite yoga teachers again.
I'm writing again about online yoga...because we were literally forced to go there or close our doors. It is different to teach from your home, to practice from your home (for many of you going to a studio was your break and reprieve from the real world). But...it's such an amazing gift to still teach and practice with you. What an amazing thing as a yoga teacher to be leading students through this unprecedented time. I am grateful that our community is able to still practice and see each other, even if on a screen now. Go check out the power of online tools like Zoom and using it for yoga practice in our article with AppGrooves https://appgrooves.com/article/can-yoga-apps-keep-you-fit-as-you-shelter-in-place
I know there is a difference practicing classes that are pre-recorded vs yoga classes that are live with your favorite teachers. So, if you are looking for a studio to come and practice with...come give us a try. We're offering our intro package to anyone who wants to come and take their first few classes. We also added kids yoga to help give a little break to moms and dads that are now being asked to play every role, at the same time. And our discounts for military, law enforcement, nurses, doctors, EMT, fire fighters and city employees still stands. It also applies to their immediate family.
Even though we've had to pivot...we're going to get through this together. If you haven't started a practice yet and are looking to give it a try...go check out all the benefits that yoga can provide. "Studies have also found that practicing yoga for at least 3 months may lower cortisol and perceived stress and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation". (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326414). Especially during this time where we are all experiencing new or heightened states of stress and anxiety...now is the perfect time to carve out an hour a day to breath, meditation and move your body. And if you need support, please reach out to your nearest health care provider for resources in your area.