I have already mentioned some of the challenges of teaching yoga via Zoom but have recently realised that, for me, there is an additional challenge. Despite having taught yoga for nearly 20 years, having adapted and changed my methods thanks to YOU diligent and willing yogi explorers, I notice that there is a new dimension. While the medium of Zoom has enabled us all to continue with the practice as a support, as a means of exploration and learning, I find myself unnaturally nervous before class. On screen I am unable to judge how the classes are being received in the way I am can in a physical class. It’s more of a blind practice whereas in a usual class setting I can adapt to how my planned class is being received. Your feedback and continued support, you who return to Zoom-enabled class each week are my only guide that I am pitching things somewhat correctly.
So this is my opportunity to THANK YOU for your constant support and the really useful and encouraging feedback by email, text or just logging on to Zoom at the appointed time. It’s been invaluable and has kept me going; I hope, along the right track. My sincerest gratitude to you all…..and to Zoom….for reminding me how I wouldn’t be here doing this in the way that I am, if it weren’t for all of you.
In the words of a mantra I evoked the other week, which reminds us of the symbiotic relationship between us, a reminder that we learn from and encourage each other, that we are one:
Om Saha Nau Avatu
Saha Nau Bunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavaaavahai
Tejasvi Nau-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vivissasavahai
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih
Namaste (the light within me bows to the light within you)
See you on Zoom!
Just want to say an enormous thank you for the yoga and feldenkrais sessions during lockdown. I’ve always enjoyed your teaching but the way you managed to keep it going through zoom was a total lifeline, both to me and Tony. The classes were always unique and challenging but in a good way. They provided structure and positivity week by week and I am eternally grateful. Nameste my lovely friend.
You have brought us along on a yoga journey and each new stage is building so well on what we have learnt. Following the videos at home, at the times that feel right, practicing yoga, and being able to see and hear you, as you describe each movement is wonderful. It is almost as if you are here in the room. The audio Feldenkrais and meditation sessions are effective in a different way.
Your voice is so calm and the level of detail is perfect for me! Spot on - room to explore and then delight in coming back to your voice again.
I do hope that we can have the combined options of videos and classes going forward, and…
Sarah, I had no idea you felt nervous - apart from at the very beginning when none of us knew what we were doing and it felt so weird - but you must know you have totally got to grips with it and your sessions are excellent - I was saying to Georgia just last Tuesday that it feels as though you have been through a journey yourself maybe because you’re having to demonstrate in a different way so we can follow you without you there to see us or adjust us and that maybe you’ve rediscovered time for your own practise and now we are challenged differently but in a very positive way , I love it when you…