I have taught many classes centred on flexibility - not necessarily physical flexibility! Last month drew me right back to some of those classes. As many of the disciplines I practice came to an apparent and abrupt end and I found myself having to embrace technology in a very different form.
My wonderful yoga community has helped me with the transition to online teaching, right out of my comfort zone! We have moved from tentative classes, which have many drawbacks and challenges, to more seamless practices. The adjustments have been both practical and energetic. The experience of yoga in a room full of people to yoga in one's own home has meant we've engaged in flexibility at multiple levels.
From rearranging furniture to make space for the yoga mat, to requisitioning living rooms from family members, dodging the television screen as we balance tentatively on one leg. The simplest things such as where to place the computer, tablet or mobile in order not to crane and strain to see or hear my instructions are, I imagine, just a few.
For me, it has been a been facing a deep-set reluctance to allow for more technology to play a greater part in my life, along with demonstrating yoga postures in front of a screen.
But each step has been met with the support and encouragement of my wonderful yoga students and friends, the acceptance of the online class (and my) limitations, and opening up to this new learning environment.
That is surely a true yogic spirit!
If you'd like to share your experience of yoga in lockdown please leave your comments here; I'd love to hear them.