Here we are, friends. We’ve completed one full week of the stay at home order here in Minnesota. This also marks three full weeks since I’ve taught an in-person yoga class. It feels like it has been both an eternity and a split second. Each day bleeds into the next and time feels like it has no true measurement.

In the past week I’ve gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. After I was laid off from my primary teaching gig I was initially okay. I wasn’t exactly shocked by the company’s decision. However, shortly after the announcement, I dropped into fear and anxiety. I’m grateful there’s safeguards like unemployment and a stimulus package in place, but the reality that my employer of over ten years is no longer my employer has felt heavy. The support from students with online classes instantly gave me hope and reassured me that everything was going to be okay. And then the process of filing for unemployment benefits and shopping for health insurance dropped me back into dread.

As I’ve mentioned before, and I will continue to remind myself, I am not alone.

The world is in a terrifying crisis and if shopping for health insurance is the worst thing I have to face in a day then I’d say I’m doing really well.

During our unusual circumstances I have learned a lot about humans and businesses. Take my former employer as an example. Although owned by a large private equity firm, they either didn’t have the funds available or couldn’t reason with making cuts elsewhere to maintain their staff. Of course, I have zero idea what it’s like to run a business on that massive scale. I can’t blame them for choosing to layoff their staff. On the flipside, from the information I’ve gathered, a lot of local, independently owned studios continue to pay their teachers during these chaotic times. They have adapted to online classes and are supporting their communities. Some studios have even told me their businesses are doing better now with online offerings than when they only offered in-person classes!

I’m also impressed by companies like Lululemon who just announced that their employees will continue to receive pay through June 1st. That might say a thing or two about the clothing brand’s profit margins, but it’s nice to know their money is going toward supporting their staff. Lululemon is even providing $2 million in relief for studio owners who are in their ambassador program.

Sadly, I continue to be faced with people and businesses looking to take advantage of those who are feeling lost during these times. Every few days I receive an email or social media message from an acquaintance or complete stranger trying to list my class offerings for a fee or a percentage of the the money I collect. Don’t get me wrong. A lot of these offers are from well intentioned entrepreneurs and I realize everyone is trying to make a buck. Just please don’t prey on those who are down on their luck and searching for a job, community, their next endeavor.

For me, I’ve enjoyed the freedom of working for myself. It’s not easy. By no means is it as financially stable as working for a big company. But the ability to teach classes that feel right to me as an educator has been glorious.

A good friend and regular student of mine asked me after practice the other day, “Are these the types of classes you’d prefer to teach?” Heck yes! I no longer teach under the guidelines of a brand and can run wild with my own style. It’s been rewarding and refreshing.

At the same time I am honored and humbled by the local studios that have supported me. Samadhi and Rise Yoga have been grounding forces that continue to remind me why yoga studios are important. Online, pre-recorded classes are great. You can take a class with hundreds of excellent teachers on YouTube whenever it is convenient in your life. However, nothing compares to the familiarity of a certain teacher, a space, the people you share that space with.

When you can, support the businesses in your community. Take an online class at your local yoga studio.. Shop at local grocery stores if they’re convenient. Order books from your local bookseller. Consider how you can help out those around you. Remember, we’re all in this together.

Be well and stay safe, everyone.