As with so many other aspects of our lives these days, my yoga practice has gone online.
I discovered yoga about 10 years ago, when a friend invited me to some classes taking place in the Center for Contemporary Arts in downtown Abilene. I was (and remain) a bit intimidated by people who can twist their bodies into pretzel-like shapes, but I fell in love with the poses and breath work, and with McKay (the instructor’s) warm, practical, down-to-earth approach to yoga. When I moved to Boston, I immediately started taking classes at Healing Tree in Quincy, just down the road from my house. And when I moved to Eastie last summer, I found and fell in love with The Point.
Right as the social-distancing plans were ramping up, I went to a Sunday night restorative class at The Point. I had a hunch (correct, it turned out) that it would be my last chance for a while. There were three of us plus Taylor, the instructor, and we spread out with mats and blankets and bolsters, and tried to breathe deeply by candlelight. I felt it might fortify me, somehow, for whatever was coming next.
Since then, I’ve been dipping into Yoga with Adriene on YouTube and taking virtual online classes from both The Point and my friend Erin’s studio, Savin Hill Fitness. I like Adriene’s calm voice and occasional Texas twang (and her dog, Benji). I like that her videos are there for me any time. But I also like the virtual classes: even though we’re not in the room together, it helps me to know there’s a live instructor on the other side of the camera. The best part, when I’m taking from an instructor I know, is getting to wave at Erin or Izzy or Renee at the beginning or end of class.
Yoga is, of course, often silent and individual, except for the instructor’s voice. But for me it is also about community. It’s been a way for me to ground myself in the places I have lived. And even though I’m doing it solo on my kitchen floor these days, it’s still providing a bit of connection. Not to mention some seriously needed stretching, core work and deep breaths.
Are you doing yoga (or other workouts) online these days?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I haven’t yet, but was wanting to find online classes. I’m at the beginning level )
I love Yoga with Adriene, especially that you can choose a focus and a duration. She even has one for migraines.
Yes, she’s got so many great videos.
She’s great. I also feel like I can seriously relate to Benji most days!
Yes, have you ever done work-outs by Brianne Grogan? I am doing her “Ab Camp.”
I haven’t! Good to know.
Last summer, I took some amazing yoga classes while on vacation in Cape Cod at Chatham Lighthouse Beach. The instructor now has 9 classes per week on Zoom. I’m enjoying reconnecting with her and with a different style of yoga (Kundalini) to my usual vinyassa classes.
I was treated to a wonderful free online yoga session with the incomparable Jessamyn Stanley through my women’s club, The Wing, and was beguiled by her gentle approach, body positivity and nod towards diversity on her various social media platforms. She is, like I am, a size large person with a questing nature and a sassy mouth, and she does not suffer fools gladly. If you don’t do it perfectly, then that’s all fine with her. She gives you permission to be perfectly imperfect and celebrates your suckitude. I went ahead and signed up for her website, theunderbelly.com I just felt like this woman deserves support and that she’s someone I’d like to start my day with on a daily basis. I did my first yoga session from her website today and was not disappointed. I’m looking forward to learning more about yoga and myself on my journey with her. Thanks for writing about your yoga journey!