08/01/2020
Well loves, it is time to post a Bliss Yoga Studio Update in regard to the future. Here is what I sent out to my email mailing list:
What an experience it has been these last several months greeting the constant changes that have come about in life. I have been so grateful to continue offering yoga by shifting to an online format. It has certainly been different than what we were used to, but it has opened up wonderful opportunities for deepening individual practices in its own way. Healing arts have been on hold and many protocols have been put into place for reopening. Although my heart spoke to me early in this process, I have been spending much time in contemplation allowing my mind to catch up to my heart in what I was going to do moving forward. It has been difficult in many ways to come to a place of acceptance with all that has come about and the ways it has changed things. I am, however, aligning my heart and mind in preparation for opening up to the energy that is trying to come through.
I simply do not feel that it is safe or that I feel called to open up the physical space of the studio. Being in a higher risk category myself, with a higher risk husband, and many students who would be at higher risk as well, I simply cannot fathom taking that route. There are also many reasons of protocol that would not make opening the physical space a viable option for health, for the practice or for finances. I know that we are doing better in Maine than anywhere else in the country at this time, but much of that comes from making the right choices and doing what we can to protect one another as we move through this experience together. So, all of that in heart and mind, I have chosen to let the physical space of the studio go. That is not to say that I will not be teaching again in person at some juncture. I do not know what the future holds, but know what I feel called to do in the present. My heart is called to continue offering virtual yoga opportunities to continue supporting my community (both local and beyond as that is one of the gifts that online classes offer is a broader outreach).
I have been delighting in meeting my students in their homes virtually and seeing a little more of their individual energy in this way. I am loving watching the development of individual practices deepening as it is integrated into the home routine, inviting the healing and growth inspiring vibrations of the practice into that space. I love that we can perform the practices properly and safely this way without being encumbered by masks and social distancing rules that would make it difficult to focus or really settle into the practice itself and in many cases that would inhibit certain practices. I love that everyone can adjust their own environments to be to their liking for their practice, and I truly love to see the same happy glow of peace and love on the faces of my students when we complete a practice. Yes, there are occasional technical hiccups that occur. That will arise with whatever experience we are looking to create, whether being physically present or connected online. I just know that this is the way I feel called to offer this practice at this time and I have learned enough along this journey to follow those callings, even when I have no idea where it is going to take me. I hope that you will continue to join me moving forward, as Bliss truly lives on, at this time in the comfort of your own home and heart. Please note that I am choosing to keep healing arts on hold until further notice.
I also just want to take a moment to celebrate the gift of the 9 years that we spent in the studio(s) at the TCC. So many wonderful experiences were had, so much growth shared. I have loved teaching classes to my community and offering healing arts sessions, teaching classes and holding space for yoga teacher trainings with my dear friends at ShivaShakti School of Yoga, taking part in trainings with ShivaShakti for my own growth and ability to share, and witnessing the way in which the Divine brought together so many beings filled with light and love to grow together to help make the world a better place through them. I am so grateful for all of it. This time has been a gift, and now it is time to evolve and to make my offerings in new ways. So, as I have said, BLISS CONTINUES ON. It is simply a shift from a physical space to a virtual one at this time. I have offerings available each week/month that I hope you will join me for if you should feel called. During this challenging time, it is this practice, the practice of yoga in all its many forms, that has held me, even when things have felt like they are spinning out of control, which at times has been the predominant feeling. I highly value these practices and know that they are of great benefit, especially at times such as these, and I look forward to continuing our practice together with any and all who wish to join us along the way to support you in your own balance and growth.
With much love and gratitude
