Everything feels especially hard right now, right?

The simple task of feeding the dog feels like it sucks all the energy out of me. (Don’t worry. I am not neglecting the pets.)

Nothing has felt easy in 2020 and I know that’s the case for just about everyone.

I entered 2020 thinking this was my year to slow down and minimize the hustle. Turns out the hustle in 2020 had to increase dramatically. Sadly yoga studios shut down temporarily and permanently. I was laid off twice this year and I have been left wondering what’s to become of my yoga teaching career.

While I’ve been left feeling very unsettled, it’s been an odd and sometimes fulfilling process. I’ve developed special classes, series offerings, and long-form programs that have fed my desire to teach in clear a manner while also cultivating a special sense of community all through the power of Zoom.

I’ve spent the last few weeks scratching my head thinking “What do I do now?” Teaching weekly drop-in classes at a handful of studios has been my staple for over a decade, however, as mentioned above, studios are downsizing their schedules and closing their doors permanently. Twiddling my thumbs until a studio reopens to in-person classes and offers me a robust teaching schedule feels like terrible use of my time.

My options feel limited.

That is unless I lean heavily on myself. Expanding and diversifying my own offerings feels like my strongest option at this time.

Even though it’s not easy, I’m going to stick with it. I’m going to stay steady, focused, and remember I’m doing something worthwhile. I have something valuable to offer those who are interested. And as long as folks are interested, I’ll keep doing this yoga teaching thing.

I’ve said it time and time again, I do not want to run my own yoga studio. And I think what I actually don’t want is to be responsible for a space - rent, utilities, maintenance, shoveling snow in the winter. With the broader acceptance of virtual yoga classes, it now feels right. The overhead is different - website hosting, recording and audio equipment, Zoom subscription - but the undertaking feels doable.

It’s not going to be easy. Nothing feels easy right now. But sticking with it feels easier than stepping away from a career I’ve spent so long developing.

To be continued.