Everything is subject to change
How I opened my mind to online yoga classes
The words, “Everything is subject to change”, were printed on the schedule for a festival I was at on the Arran Islands a few years ago. Printed in bold, under the list of gigs and times slots, were the words EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. I thought it was brilliant.
We don’t see this kind of disclaimer for events. We expect certainty and predictability. We like to know what’s ahead and we're irritated if things are changed. But really, we should mentally put this disclaimer on everything in life. Because nothing is certain, and every single thing can change.
We are all experiencing this now. Everyone’s lives and plans have changes. Each one of us is faced with change and we all have the same options. We can embrace the change we’re facing or we can resist it.
Ram Dass said “Without remaining open to change, we cannot remain open to life”.
I read this and still chose to resist change. I was resistant to online yoga, zoom and all the bits of technology in between. I had an opinion that online offerings were not good substitutes for classes. I decided I would not be getting involved.
I had the opinion that is was all just more noise, and that we are moving further away from what it means to be human. Moving away from being out in nature. From living lives in community. I felt that this time of isolation was an opportunity to go back to simple, basic times. Zoom did not mesh well with this image.
I was resisting the change that was happening around me. Projecting an idea onto something. Holding on to the past with nostalgia. The reality is things are changing. And embracing change does not mean we have to hug it and love it. We can still have our opinions and beliefs. But we must give it a chance; be open to change. Be curious. Open to possibilities and new ways of doing things. At the very least, testing out the new way and then deciding. Who knows, we might end up hugging it.
I gave change a chance last week. I joined a meditation and mindfulness group through zoom and I did some online classes. I loved them. They gave variety in my day and I learnt a lot from teachers that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to hear. I listened to insights from others about this shared experience. I felt relieved when I heard musings about things I was experiencing too. I enjoyed doing yoga in my apartment guided by wonderful teachers through my speakers. Relaxed and on my own mat. In my own space. It was leisurely, peaceful. And a special, intimate time I got to spend by myself.
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These online classes will be some of my fondest memories of this isolated time. So now, instead of labelling these offerings as noise, I applaud the teachers who got on it quickly and began to offer this to the community. In a time when the practice of movement, breathwork, meditation, stillness and compassion are needed most. I’m grateful to zoom. I’d actually like to hug zoom.
My family who live close by helped me loosen my grip on resistance. They were inspiring and helped me give up my tech fight. My friends and yoga community, who asked me about online classes, were encouraging. This all really helped.
My opinion has changed. I still don’t believe that online community can ever replace real community. And I believe that the more time we can spend in each other’s company the better. But I also believe in the sanctity and beauty of the place we each call home. I believe that sometimes we want or have to stay at home and technology can offer a bridge to the outside world in these times. I believe in the beauty of creating a ritual and a sacred place that you can go to anytime in your own home to practice.
When we resist change, we contract. Our outside world has become very small but we can try not to make our opinions and beliefs small. We can find space within to be open to everything that this time has to offer. The good and the bad. We can open hearts and minds to it all. The world is changing; we will be stepping out into a new earth after this. Everything is subject to change and new ways of being are waiting to blossom.
I’m offering complimentary community yoga to my TwoFifty Square gang and to anyone else who would like to join. The classes are via zoom at 19:30 – 20:30 on Monday and Tuesday. Same as my usual times at TwoFifty Square. The BROGA option is for everyone (unprecedented times means the ladies are welcome to BROGA online). This class is great if you are new to yoga. The Masterclass on Saturday (this is a paid class) is for those looking to deepen their practice during this time. Click registration button below.