Social Responsibility
My heart beats with the pulse of the yoga community in San Francisco. That city holds one of my tribes that I love so very much. The truth is, they are ahead of the curve regarding the effects of COVID-19, that we are only beginning to feel here in Encinitas/Cardiff, aka “the bubble”. I've been quietly observing what's been happening - slow to react publicly how I am feeling and what I feel is right in this moment in time.
In my heart of hearts, I do not feel comfortable asking anyone to come to a yoga studio for a bit of time. It's my own personal preference that I hold with deep intention and intuition.
Therefore, after tomorrow morning's Sunday morning church, I’m pausing all my public teachings, through the end of this month, while my family and I are still healthy, and before the worst and potentially far more dire ramifications of COVID-19 affect San Diego, our yoga community, and the rest of the country. I will be watching and listening and will decide what to do after March 30th.
If you ARE coming to Sunday's class please:
Register early as we are minimizing how many people can attend
Bring your own mat and props
Sanitize your hands
DO NOT ATTEND if you are sick or have a cold
I don’t take this lightly. This is the first time in 17 years of teaching I’ve taken any sort of pause, in anything! And honestly, maybe that’s what this world needs. An “internal dristhi”, a home gathering, and a deep pause, as we ask ourselves important questions about our life, how we love, what this practice really means, how we show up in the world, what social responsibility means, and what YOGA really is.
My decision has not been made out of fear but one of concern and care for this community, my family, and myself, along with the role I play in creating space for peace and love, amidst a chaotic and stressful environment. There are many things you can do right now to care for yourself. I know you've seen them all online:
Take care of yourself in all the ways
Love each other in all the ways
Show up and be open
Pause and reflect
As you surely know, the directive to avoid any/all public gatherings, both large and small, is becoming more and more imperative. You may not feel it here in our bubble, but I can assure you, it’s coming.
I encourage you to continue your practice any way you can, even if it means a pause in your day to breathe. Meditate, pray, ground, and move your body. Be in nature if you can. Find gratitude, cultivate forgiveness, take this time to heal, and cherish the small things. Be kind … there are others suffering worse than you. Remember the definition of yoga: to unite, to union, to yoke and bring together. We adapt to extenuating circumstances by way of presence, connection, and community. And now, that needs to look different.
I am unsure how long it will be before I return to teaching … I am taking it week by week. I will be in full communication with the studios, so I hope it will not last long. As Mark says: “Hopefully this fearsome demon will pass by quickly, and we can resume normal programming soon. But the story is changing by the minute.”
If you’d like to continue practicing with me, there will be a few ways to do so. I've tried to offer up options for those individuals who cannot afford to pay anything and those who can. Remember to do what you can, how you can, and practice makes more practice.
1. ONLINE FOR FREE:
I will be offering a short meditation and movement practice on Instagram and FB every morning. It's really a look into my own practice but at least it brings community together which is what we all need.
2. PAID FOR RECORDED ONLINE CLASSES:
It's my own channel - DanaDamarayoga.com. I haven’t been populating it so much, but I will be beginning Monday. This helps support the community virtually as well as keeping a steady income for my business and flow of income.
This option is $18 a month or $180 for the year.
3. ZOOM CLASSES:
Zoom classes are limited to 18 people online and I will host from my living room. I can see you via the computer and watch your every move!! I'm asking for a minimum donation of $11 for each class. When you register via Eventbrite, you will receive a Zoom link to participate. All you need to do is set up your mat and be prepared at 9:00am M/W/F/S.
4. ZOOM PRIVATE SESSIONS:
private yoga, and coaching/astrology sessions: all online. And again.
5. 3RD PARTY PE-RECORDED YOGA CLASSES:
I have a bunch of classes online via YogaDownload.com, I’ll also be looking into some (safe, outdoor) pop-up classes, Livestream options, and maybe like Mark Morford suggests, “by way of smoke signal/carrier pigeon/SOS homing beacon.” I love you Mark.
Stay safe, love your family, do what’s right, pause and reflect. This is history in the making. Let’s make it a powerful time of love, gratitude, kindness, and care.
Love and grace,
DD