How do we manifest positive change so that we all move forward together?

IN STUDIU

Days have a funny way of slipping and sliding into the next when you are at home positive. I am now officially no longer a covid virgin. I am so grateful to my Yoga Garden team for holding the fort and being so on top of it while I stay at home and putter around cleaning, cooking, attempting to be productive while, I just want to sleep.

Today being a beautiful bright sunny day, I sit and write this blog.

What is important right now? The most important things are to be open to being alive, to being united, and to see what it is that is changing, where do we stand in that change? How do we manifest positive change so that we all move forward together?

For sure this is easy to write, and so very challenging to do. It takes a community of like minded folks that encourage the changes, because we aren't all strong at the same time, and we aren't all able to do the same things.

I GENUINELY SEE HOW THIS PANDEMIC HAS CREATED MAJOR CHANGES IN HOW WE SOCIALIZE, HOW WE BEHAVE, CONSUME AND WHO WE TRUST.

It has been very hard for me as Christina to trust the process of YG growing because right from the beginning there it was looming over us THE PANDEMIC. And if you are reading this, it has affected your life too, not necessarily in the same ways that it has affected me, but yeah we have all been in this together.

Successfully we have also been divided. We have been separated first from each other so as to not spread the virus, then we've been distanced by uncertainties, and insecurities. Finally we have been totally alienated by our very own beliefs.

Running a business in a time when things are open and closed. When people are afraid to gather, when inflation is high, salaries aren't rising but the gas bill is and so is your rent... well it is challenging. Yet to be fair, I am able to truly count my blessings, and to see that we got through it together.

YOUR ATTENDANCE, PARTICIPATION, ALL THE HARD WORKERS AT YG, AND ALL THE PEOPLE WHO KEPT SHOWING UP...

ALL OF THIS IS HOW COMMUNITY BEGINS, FLOURISHES, AND BUILDS MOMENTUM. I AM AFRAID THAT I COME OFF AS UNGRATEFUL, OR NOT APPRECIATIVE ENOUGH OF ALL THE TREMENDOUS EFFORT IT TAKES TO JUGGLE OUR SCHEDULE, OUR POSSIBILITIES OF SHOWING UP.

THANK YOU. I bow to you all for making the decision to show up regardless of how you feel (sad, burnt out, upset, busy, anxious, stressed, broke, frustrated..excited, light, joyous, compassionate, silly, and alive) I also thank you if you wanted to come but felt sick and didn't. Thank you for coming to Yoga Garden.

Since this Pandemic began, I too have changed. I am feeling how the way I process, react, and envision is different. I have very little tolerance. I want change to happen quickly, I want justice yesterday. I want inclusivity in all forms since I can remember.

NOW I HAVE THIS PLATFORM OF YG THE GORGEOUS STUDIO, AND YEAH, THE REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE WHO COME DOESN'T ALWAYS FIT MY IMAGE.... OF INCLUSIVITY. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE FAILED HERE. I WANT THIS TO CHANGE SO INTENSELY AND I DON'T KNOW HOW. I DON'T KNOW TO MAKE THE STUDIO NOT BE EXCLUSIVE.

In terms of pricing, I know that we have covered all aspects, the prices have been fair, and accessible to all ranges. I have been strict about not having the multi sport card in our studio, because I don't want to include a middle person to bring people through the door.

Community is built by those who want to be there, and contribute to the possibility of change, of taking care of themselves preventative medicine as we say. I don't know how to encourage more diversity in the studio.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, AND YOU HAVE AN IDEA PLEASE COME TO THE STUDIO AND SHARE SOME INSIGHT.

I know that one of the greatest challenges I face here in the Czech Republic is the lack of inclusivity. Things are very structured, filtered, and there is a hierarchy that I am fundamentally not okay with. I know that people feel uncomfortable with my opinions, or views. I also know that many people share my worldview

The yoga people I follow all support what I am saying. Their entire platform is based on justice, inclusivity, diversity, and being accountable. These teachers inspire me, and motivate me to be a better practitioner, as well as leader here at YG. I haven't found the thread yet though. When I wrote about body shaming in the summer, so many people thanked me. Yet if I write about racism, I don't have anyone say anything. Meanwhile it is safe to say we live in a very racist society. Facing our demons, and being uncomfortable about our views is very much how the practice of yoga works too.

When we step on the mat, we are all going through so many different thoughts, emotions and realities. So many people are preoccupied with feeling fat. Others are stressed by their partners, kids, bosses, parents, friends. Some people are healing from covid, others from cancer.

THE FACT IS THAT WE ALL HAVE “BAGGAGE”. WE ALL HAVE THINGS THAT NEED TO SHED, NEED TO EVOLVE AND BLOSSOM. IF WE DON'T OPENLY TALK ABOUT THIS, IF WE DON'T OPENLY INCLUDE ALL TYPES OF BODIES, SHAPES, ABILITIES AND DISABILITIES IN A CLASS THEN YEAH, I FEEL LIKE I AM DOING SOMETHING WRONG.

Thing is, if you step out, you will see people from all over the world, people with various abilities and disabilities. Those people might not be interested in Yoga Garden, might not know about us yet. Might not be convinced

I want to extend my hand out to you, all your family members, get them to come! Either way you see it, there is great tea, always the possibility of a warm shower, and the class? Well that is the cherry on top right?

WE HAVE PLENTY OF CLASSES TO CHOOSE FROM. WE HAVE A MAGNIFICENT TEAM OF TEACHERS THAT IS ALWAYS READY TO CHILL BEFORE AND AFTER CLASS. THE SPACE ITSELF IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE WHEN IN BRNO.

Let's all step on our mats MONDAY FEB. 14th Lovers Jam 19pm with Anton. Come with your loves, come without, there will be love! There will be flow. And you'll heart the beats!

Full moon just a few days later, with Andrejka and DJ De you'll be so happy you showed up!

Stay safe, keep washing your hands, cracking smiles and being brave!

C.