Yoga Class Online
Teaching on-line has been a great journey over the last few months. It has its challenges and benefits - both for me teaching and for students.
Challenges
not being totally in control of the tech although 99% of the time it's been great (thanks Zoom and Punchpass)
finding quiet space in busy households can be tricky (thanks to all our housemates and families for supporting us)
keeping to a routine can be tricky when time seems to be all over the place during lockdown - although a regular time slot for yoga has actually really helped lots of us to pin down what day it is!
motivation - but when you get on the mat you realise how much you need it and how much it helps
Benefits
not having to go out in the rain to class
a shorter commute to class - from one room to another!
having our yoga space just how we like it - temperature, lighting, cosy blankets to hand (no community room floors - although we've all found fluff under the bed/sofa/furniture while we've been lying on our mat!)
the joy of pets, children and partners joining us - quite often not planned - we've had cats and dogs and toddlers wandering around, kids bursting in and trying to leave without being noticed, partners giving us a little dance!
I am loving seeing everyone in their own space, and meeting pets and family. Dads have been joining my baby classes because they are not working or working from home - such a joy!
It's not the same as face to face, I can't interact with you all easily during the classes, I miss hearing and responding to you all and in particular babies in classes, it doesn't have quite the same energy. But I do feel it's brought us all a bit closer, a community loving our yoga, finding time in our week to practice live or on replays, trying to keep a bit of routine, a bit of normal and a bit of connection.
So while we ease out of lockdown I am delighted to be able to keep online teaching going until we can be face to face again.
And this is Janet's cat - way back in week 1 of our online classes. My dog Bracken appeared in my room during the class and clearly Janet's cat is keeping a close eye on her!
Bracken has only appeared a couple of times during class and I've yet to get her to do down dog on command!