Missing your yoga?

So back a lifetime ago when we first went into lockdown I started giving daily classes because it was something I was called to do. I hated computers, worried about my internet connection, didn't think my camera, mic or light were good enough (see my blog about allowing perfection get in the way :( ) But I felt a real need for connection, movement and stillness. So I got over myself and jumped in. In a spirit of full disclosure I have been almost 3 years getting training and ‘planning’ to offer online products! I was just too scared to start.

Since then I have had so many different emotions and experiences about the whole thing. With almost 1000 hours online teaching experience at this stage, I have tried everything. I have made my life hell and heaven. I have cried and laughed and cried again. I have resisted and I have surrendered. So for those of you who are missing your yoga, or for those of you whose family are missing YOUR yoga, for those of you who are getting stiff, or achy, or short tempered, or struggling with sleep or generally finding it hard, here are some reasons I think you should give it a try.

1. I don't know how to use zoom, I’m not technically savvy, I hate computers, …..

Before you came to your first yoga class you didn't know how to do Dog, and Cat/Cow and Hare were all animals. Part of yoga is keeping your brain plastic, and so learning new things. Do you remember how nervous you were before you first came to the studio, Ahy of you who were at the studio in Rathcoffey remember the first time you drove down that road? 

So you don't know how to use it yet. And you may make mistakes, but it doesn't affect anyone else, you can't disturb the class, and there is lots of help (there are instructions on the website). After you've done it a few times, you're sorted. Also you can practice login in before the class, or set up a call with a friend. 

2. It's not real yoga if it's on a computer, I'd miss the class, it's not the same ….

You're absolutely right, It's not the same. Some things are worse, and some things are better. You can do yoga in your pajamas in your bedroom, and then just roll into bed after savasana, You can do yoga with your cat, dog, partner. You can opt in or out totally privately. I have just finished a day training on Voice which took place on Zoom. I was not a happy camper going in. I wanted the trainer to wait until we could meet in person. So Last Saturday morning I was there, logged in and all sulky. But it was amazing. In the privacy of my own home I was willing to chant and use my voice in ways I would never have done in public (anyone who doesn’t know - I’m very self conscious about my ‘crowing’ voice) 

As for being connected.... We are in the middle of a global pandemic. We need connection and community more than ever for our mental health. Now is not the time to put up barriers. Seeing everyone at class is one of the highlights of my week. We meet before class ‘for the chats’ . We start class with our cameras on, sitting up, so we know we can connect with the other people we are practicing with. Even when I say nothing in these moments, it is powerful for me to know I am not alone, and we are still connected. 

Is it actually possible to be connected across the internet?I have been offering 1 to 1 sessions and doing advanced training, where the connections are on occasionally even more powerful than in person. I’ve discovered there is something powerful about being in your home, in your secure space, when doing this work, connecting out. It is different, not better or worse, simply adding another tool to our tool bag. And thank goodness for it as right now, we can't meet in person.

3. I don't know what to do , and can’t see the teacher, and they cant see me

The type of yoga I teach is individual, embodied experientially led, not external teacher directed. In actual fact, all you need is to be able to hear me and trust yourself. I practice along with you only to offer a sense of security for when your head suddenly turns on filling you with doubt. In that moment of panic, you can look at the camera, but in reality, how often do you practice with your eyes closed, or not even looking at me in class. 

So if I do something new, or that you can't remember, trust yourself, and then after the class ask me, and I’ll show you or refer you to the library of demo videos, where you can give it a go after class or the following morning. 

The main thing is to be present with what goes on in your body and honoring it. Getting to this place of radical personal trust in yourself is often a slow journey. In my experience being on zoom can really aid the process, so always if in doubt go back to your breath, and know this too will pass, in a moment another pose will come along.

4. I've nowhere to practice, too many people, too much noise, not enough space ....

I love my studio. I love cleaning it, the other teachers who teach for the studio tease me because I am sooooo very anal about how they treat it and care for it. It is my beautiful, peaceful, healing baby. However It is generally not where I practice. I have created a similarly sacred space in my home. In Bali they would have a sacred altar in every room. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to edge out a space for you in your home. You will have restrictions, right now, my practice space is my office. Then make it beautiful, and clear. I cover my messy desk, so I won't be distracted. Take your washing outside, or move things around so you can always practice in a beauty space in your home. And who knows, some time when you need a little hug, you can just go to that space and lie on your mat or read a book there. Use this as an opportunity to add some amazing energy to your home. If you have a pet and they are allowed in the house notice if they start sitting in the place you practice. Or if you're not sure where to practice, practice where your cat or dog love to sit. (Unless of course it's on the top of your wardrobe)

As for the noise, use headphones. In India advanced meditators go to train stations to meditate. I bet even with those 2 toddlers or 3 teenage boys, hour home is not as noisy as a train station in Delhi

Of Course a bigger problem may be leaving the family to practice. So there the question becomes what is more useful to my family right now? Yes, it's great to be the one putting them to bed, or the washing up needs doing. But big picture, the washing up will be there in the morning. As for your loved ones, what serves them more? Where and how do you fill up your tank? What action now gives your most quality in your connections, and relationships. These choices are not always easy, but this is where a pre booked, pre paid for weekly class may offer you support, to put your own oxygen mask on first. (In case you have forgotten, you need to do that because otherwise you pass out before you get theirs on, and so neither of you get oxygen. This I know from personal experience. It's one of the main reasons I became a yoga teacher. To support me to remember, to support me to turn up.)

5. Why should i pay for a class when there are so many free classes available, and anyway, i’ll forget

If you are already doing yoga daily or weekly online then you're absolutely correct. If you're not and you're interested in doing it I’d recommend Yoga with Adrienne. There are also lots of subscription services. So if that suits your life better, do that. A weekly online class is something different. It holds you accountable. You have paid for it so you're more likely to turn up. It's on at a particular day and time. I know I need this support. I have spent good money on online training that I have not got past the first couple of classes. I begin all enthusiastic, and then ….. Nothing. I just get busy. A weekly online class gives you the support to turn up. To practice together. To support eachother. You have an experienced teacher, a group of peers, and the support you need to to make yourself important and look after your health and wellbeing. And then form that place of health you can share yourself and your gifts with others. We all need each other. If the pandemic has taught me anything, it has taught me that.

If you'd like to join use on a Tuesday or Thursday night It would be great to see you. If you are finding things difficult and would like a private session, I offer these on Tuesdays. You can book any of these on www.arunayoga.ie