Re-Creating A Yoga Practice
By Jennifer Fetterly
The sound of yoga mats rolling out on the studio floor always brings me joy. It evokes feelings of community as people get ready for class.
If it was a typical September, the yoga studios would start filling up again—summer diversions wane and yogis would come back with a renewed sense of commitment to their practice.
But there’s nothing typical in 2020.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in many ways—health (body and mind), financially, socially—and thrown a curve into life’s daily routines. Racial injustice and inequality, as well as political scrimmaging gearing up for the 2020 presidential election are creating radical division between Americans.
So here lies in this changing world an opportunity for yoga: to be on your mat just as you are.
Maybe reform the intention of “getting back on your mat” to re-creating a yoga practice.
Other yogis will be right along your side. I’ve had a sparse and unfocused practice over the last six months. Practicing at home led to too many distractions; I never stopped to dust the ceiling fan during ardha chandrasana when I was in a studio class. But what I missed most is practicing with other yogis—feeling that energy and inspiration bounce off others during class.
But yoga has existed for thousands of years and lays the truth that we will persist.
Acknowledge that perhaps mimicking the yoga practice you had pre-pandemic would be untrue—if the yogi has changed, the yoga has changed. Acknowledge the emotions and circumstances that have brought you through so far and what will bring you through the next days, months, and beyond in this extraordinary time.
Practice to be present in the here and now and recognize the impermanence of it all. Let it be a lesson in humility, compassion, resilience, and strength.
We will be together in the yoga rooms again soon, and what stories we will share.
Here’s a few tips to keep the yoga going:
Re-cultivate a connection
Reconnect with someone in your yoga community. Use social media, email or send a letter to get in touch and say hi. Or invite a fellow yogi or family member to take an in-person or virtual class with you. Log in a little early for a virtual class or stay a few minutes after to connect with the teacher or fellow yogis.
Unroll your mat
If you practice virtually already, take an opportunity to try a new type of yoga class or try an instructor who you’ve never taken class with before. Not a fan of virtual classes? Try to take the experience just as it is by not comparing it to an in-person class. Recognize the benefits—a chance to connect and continue your yoga practice. In the yoga philosophy, “duhka” is the suffering people cause themselves when they try to hold on when things have changed. But if it doesn’t work, simply roll up your mat and try it another day. For those low on cash during the new COVID economy, there are some free yoga and mindfulness classes offered by Inner Fire Yoga on their website and YouTube channel.
Support the community makers
Small business owners are some of the superheroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting every day to keep their businesses going and serving their customers and community. Show support for Inner Fire Yoga by buying a membership, taking a class, purchasing a gift certificate or making a donation. Even if you don’t have the money for that right now, there are other ways to show some love. Maybe write an online review (West Studio or East Studio) telling about a good experience you had in the past. Or just send a note saying hi.