After Monday’s announcement from the government there was never any doubt in my mind as to whether I’d start live-streaming classes. Right now we need yoga; more than ever we need to feel good in our bodies and to clear some space in our minds. I was unsure how effective the technology would be but thought heck, let’s give it a go. 

Now, a week later, as I reflect on the past week, I feel so grateful that we have the opportunity to connect in this way. At this horribly challenging time I knew the livestreamed classes could help people physically and mentally but I had totally overlooked how much it would bring people together. Yes, we’re all in our own separate houses, but my goodness it feels to me like we are all together. And the value of human connection is huge. 

This morning I sat in my living room in front of 32 smiling faces on my screen. We waved, we laughed at our pets getting in the way, we had a glimpse into everyone’s worlds and then practiced together as one. There were people in that class that I haven’t seen for years because of location, but now I find myself in a position where I can reconnect with them again. This makes me so happy. 

Yoga means union. It unites us. And through shared experiences like a livestreamed yoga class we realise that we are all in this together. We are a community and we are not alone. We are all one. 

Written during the Covid-19 lockdown on 22 March 2020