This is my word for 2021. I need slow after the shit show of 2020. When lockdown started in March it was a rush to transition to teaching online. Then when we decided to move it felt like a constant rush during renovations. Now we are moved in and I can start thinking about work again. My pattern would be to rush to start a new programming in my community. With the limitations to movement, space and communication, I have to remind myself that it’s not a race, there is no rush, I have nothing to prove and I can pace myself in my endeavors to create. For me, slow also manifests, not just as speed, but as an opportunity to take care. Taking time to thoughtfully respond, to plan, to set boundaries and re-assess expectations. Slow means not requiring to take immediate action but smaller, baby steps over a longer period of time. It means eating well, being gentle and kind, doing gentle yoga, going for walks, taking baths, reading books, connecting with friends – in short, taking care of myself in ways that charge my batteries, that fill my cup. So, while slow still requires a lot of doing, it is the quality of doing that is different. It feels more sustainable and more easeful. My slow might involve stepping back from yoga therapy a little bit and explore some supply teaching at the local school or getting a part-time job. I’m not sure yet. What I do know for sure is that I am still offering a couple evening group yoga classes, limited private session and monthly Restorative Yoga & Sound bath classes with Nicole.
What I’ve learned from the lockdown so far
Having space limited and social gatherings restricted has taken a big toll both emotionally and physically on me. One effects the other.
I have maintained a couple clients over the last 8 months and we have addressed chronic pain issues and burnout. I love this work. I love facilitating experiences where folx get to experience their life in a whole new way that guides them out of what ails them.
I appreciate conversation.
Shitty things and good things can happen simultaneously.
Everything is temporary.
Everything is temporary.
I want to work with individuals who are unsatisfied with how they feel emotionally, physically, spiritually. Who feel stuck. Who feel burnt out. Who are in pain. Who want to feel better.
Healing is not linear. We experience some progress, we might stall or get stuck or have a set back, but it doesn’t mean all is lost. While I think this year is going to be similar to last year in terms of restrictions, there is a new optimism and better understanding of how to navigate. There will be progress and there will be setbacks. Let’s come out of this pandemic better than we were before.