year of COVID community care classes
In this past year of COVID community care classes, we’ve sent out over 6,700 final Om’s as we sent intention for peace, healing, strength, truth and love. Over 230 classes and unique 700 students, some old friends, some new. Whether you came for a single class or joined every day, you were welcome. But how did this all start? And is it needed moving forward?
When we locked the doors at Yoga Home on March 12th, we thought it would be for the two weeks Governor Wolf had ordered the closure. We didn’t know what COVID would bring, but we knew this significant interruption in our students’ lives was being felt by our students, our teachers, and Maura and myself. On March 14th at 6:37 am, Maura texted, saying she wanted to try teaching a class via Zoom. Over 70 people joined us. I taught the next day. Again, people came. Thus began our COVID Community Care Classes.
The idea was simple, really. To support our community. For us, yoga has always been about the totality of the practice. Classes include postures, breathwork and mindfulness; the time before and after class is equally important in getting to know our students and supporting them in their lives.
We began a daily schedule of classes, specifically designed to regulate and nourish the nervous system and allow our students to connect with us and one another. Maura and I each brought our training and specialized skills. Her deep understanding of trauma and the impact it has on our bodies, my experience adapting the yoga practice for all bodies in making it accessible. We included a “community chat” facilitating conversation to allow for processing of all we were experiencing.
The best part was – people continued to show up. At a time when there was so much uncertainty, having a regular schedule with familiar faces (or new faces that became familiar), a chance to move our weary bodies and drop into a few moments of constructive rest was so welcome.
Our “community chat” centered around COVID in the early days. I’ll always be grateful for how bravely people stepped into conversation, for this shared vulnerability helped us all see we’re not alone. We processed the fear, the anger, the worry, the grief. So much grief.
And, because 2020 was not only the year of COVID, we were also dealing with issues of politics, racial justice and equity. This, too, became part of our chat. Because nothing lives in isolation. Not even us, even if we are living alone.
Virtual classes know no boundaries
We’ve had students join from Conshohocken, the Philly area and all over Pennsylvania. People have joined from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Colorado and California and even France. This virtual environment knows no boundaries.
Candace Stevens joined our teaching team, bringing her expertise as a trauma trained therapist, which we knew would benefit many.
We’ve learned a lot. About ourselves, about each other, about technology. We learned what was beyond our control – hello, Zoom Bombers – as well as what we could do to truly take care of ourselves. The shift from “self-care” to “collective-care” wasn’t just a term, it was a philosophy and approach.
And because we are in relationship, we heard the good news as well as the challenges. We heard of babies being born, parents getting vaccinated, engagements and COVID safe weddings. We celebrated big moments, as well as snapshots of everyday living – practicing outside on a sunny day, singing Happy Birthday and sharing soup recipes. Life, in all its totality, was here.
We committed at the beginning of this to offer these free of charge, as we knew the economic toll the pandemic was having on many. We asked for donations for those who might be able to support. Another lesson for me in vulnerability – asking for support.
Heading into year 2 of pandemic living, I’m asking myself, are these classes still relevant? My gut says, yes; while COVID has shifted, the need for this specific type of community support is needed. But I’d love to hear from you – what do YOU think? Comment below or email me at kerri@ouryogahome.com.
Practice for Healing
I’d really love if you would join Maura, Candace and me as we honor this year of pandemic living with a special “Practice for Healing” on March 14th at 4:30. Let’s do what we’ve done all year – move together, breath together, set intention together. Let’s talk, cry, laugh and simply be. Because community is needed now more than ever.
