Thanks so much to those who took a moment to complete my recent survey. Your responses and suggestions have been really helpful.
This is a five minute read. Bear with me!
As you probably know, I have an agreement with hubby that there needs to be a minimum number of participants for each class to be viable. Particularly in winter, when the electricity bill soars due to heating the yoga room.
But also, you've all been subjected to the challenges we've faced since the end of February when my mother-in-law's health took a downturn. Your understanding and support during this season of her life meant so much to us both, thank you.
Mum died peacefully on 12th May. Many of you know that Greg and I spent the previous three months taking half weekly turns staying with her in Whanganui. It was such a precious time that I'll always treasure. And I was honoured to be with Mum as she died.
Here's a photo from this last January where we shared our birthdays.
Then, on 31st May, my 14 year old nephew died in his sleep.
Lurking in the background since November, sometimes rearing it's ugly head, I've had my own health issues. Due to the need to prioritise Mum's care, I've placed this on the back burner until the last couple of weeks.
A CT scan, colonoscopy and gastroscopy have resulted in a clean bill of health in terms of potential 'nasties'. So that's been a massive relief. Still haven't got to the bottom of it, but at least, going forward, I feel reassured there is nothing major to deal with.
I'm sharing this with you so I can, in some way, address the impact of the irregularity of classes on you all. Particularly the newer folk who, possibly, were not aware of my need to prioritise family and self.
My message to you all is thank you.
Back to the survey ....
Of the people who responded, all were happy to stay on the weekly group text message that reminds you to book a class if you're keen. There is no need to reply to that message. In fact, I actually put my phone on 'do not disturb' once the message is sent. Otherwise my phone beeps with the bookings! Just let me know if, in future, you'd like to be taken off the group list.
Some folk mentioned the possibility of weekend classes and a relief teacher, for when I am not able to hold a class. On both counts, I'm afraid I cannot do that. Being a 'home occupation' my resource consent only allows for week day classes, led only by me.
I'm assuming the responses (they are anonymous) that mentioned week night classes other than Yin Yoga on Thursday nights, were from newer folks who are not aware of our schedule. So here it is:
Tue 9.30am Gentle Yoga (90 min) This class is suitable for anyone who finds strength or mobility a challenge, is recovering from illness or injury, needs to have (as the name implies) a gentler practice, for whatever reason.
Tue 6.00pm Vinyasa Yoga (90 min) Ideally, folks who come to this class have some practice under their belts. Having said that, if you have a moderate level of fitness, I am able to work alongside newcomers to bring them 'up to speed' in terms of safe practice and development of modifications to suit each 'body'. So please don't rule it out if you prefer an evening class, but are not sure if it's right for you. We can work that out together.
Thu 9.30am Vinyasa Yoga (90 min) Same as above.
Thu 6.30pm Yin Yoga (60 min) The room opens at 6.00pm for anyone who would like to come early and have half an hour of quiet time before class starts. Winter, I believe, is a delicious time to try this completely floor based class. In an hour, we only practice 5-6 postures, with a focus on breath and release. It is more about joints and connective tissues than muscular effort. It is a quiet practice that, in a candlelit, warm environment, lends itself to blissful relaxation.
I completely understand that many of you have umpteen responsibilities and variable schedules, making it a challenge to be able to commit to a regular class. I have absolutely no judgement on that. But because we are a small studio, with limited capacity, it does mean I don't enjoy the economies of scale that a larger studio has.
On the upside, however, there are significant benefits of being part of a small group practice. Including individual attention when required. And if I say so myself, a beautiful environment. Perhaps importantly in this post-COVID environment, a high level of trust that your fellow classmates respect and honour the need to only come to class if they are well. We have vulnerable students who have confidence that they are safe when they're with us. That's invaluable.
I haven't promoted classes since 2020 as it felt more appropriate to maintain a known group of people. But, of course, there is a natural attrition factor when people change jobs, move away, or like me recently, have a change in priorities for family reasons.
Now that I've received your responses, however, I feel comfortable doing a bit of a marketing nudge (not that I'm particular au fait in that area) to see if we can boost participation to a point where our class schedule is more regular and reliable.
Here we go, perhaps an incentive (?), if you would like to invite a friend to try a class, both you and your buddy can have that class for free.
Lastly, one of our people has a very good friend, a young mother, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She needs access to a (currently) unfunded drug. So I propose that next week, I'll donate all your class fees, and invite you to drop some cash into a bag I'll leave outside the Yoga Room. Yes, I know I've been banging on about paying power bills, but ...
Yoga = Unity
Namaste
Jeannie
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