Kia ora koutou Our Yoga community.
We've all had a somewhat tumultuous time these last (nearly) three years, never knowing if we're up or down from week to week.
Personally, I've decided that it is time for me to commit to getting back into a much needed routine of sorts. It's how I thrive. But, oddly, the thing that I know I most need for wellness, i.e. yoga, is the hardest thing to commit to. My own practice is sadly lacking ... and I feel it!
Some of you have probably experienced disappointment when you've received a message from me cancelling class, especially at the last minute. We all have lives, and you could have accepted an invitation or booked somewhere else if you'd known earlier. I sincerely apologise for that.
As you're aware, I have an agreement with my husband for a minimum number of attendees, especially throughout winter when the power bill doubles in order to heat the room. Fortunately, the weather seems to be improving (touch wood!) so that won't be an issue for much longer.
It has made me think, however, about our collective commitment to practice. I have gone back and forth trying to decide whether to write to you all about this subject. My concern is that I don't want anyone to feel like I'm guilt-tripping or sulking about cancellations. I promise you I'm not. But it has made me think.
Firstly, in regards to commitment, I make a commitment to all of you to offer you practice in, what I hope, is a beautiful intimate space. A space where you are not crowded, and where you get my full attention, as opposed to large groups of random people turning up with a teacher demonstrating at the front ... not watching or assisting. That style of class certainly suits some people (and teachers), but it doesn't suit me. And our grandchildren are banned from entering a space that they think would be a great rumpus room!
Of course, there are benefits to smaller classes. As mentioned, attention to safe practice is a priority for me. But also we are practicing with a group of people who are known to each other. We have built a level of trust that I value very highly.
There is, however, a downside. And that, as you know, is that if people are busy, unwell, whatever it might be, sometimes classes have to be cancelled. In recent times, that has been quite often.
One of the things I've really appreciated is that if someone is unwell (or their whanau), then they choose to cancel their booking. That is a considerate and respectful decision in my opinion.
Lately, however, we've had some very last minute cancellations for reasons that are not to do with health or urgency. Because of our small community, that tends to have an immediate impact on your fellow practitioners and me.
This is the bit I've questioned myself about saying, because I don't want to cause offence. But I've decided it doesn't hurt to speak my truth and ask the following question:
If you had a doctor's appointment, hair/nail appointment, or a prepaid booking of any sort, would you prioritise that over 'whatever' is causing you to cancel your yoga class booking? In other words, would you say no to 'whatever' it is that has distracted you those appointments?
I guess I'm asking you to consider how important your practice is to you.
Obviously, for some it's low in the rankings of priority, and that's absolutely fine. I'm not here to tell you that it must be as important as a doctor's appointment. Crikey, they're as scarce as hen's teeth, so I'd definitely cancel a yoga class booking if I managed to get one when needed.
But, for me, yoga is more important than some other things. It is not only part of my physical health, but it is also part of my mental health wellbeing, so I'd reschedule a tradesman, say no to requests to work longer (unless it would result in catastrophe), etc. It's different for each of us and I respect that position.
Please consider though, because we are a small community, that your decision to cancel your booking last minute does have the potential to impact others. In other words, will the world end if you say no or negotiate to do the 'whatever' at a different time?
Gosh, this was hard to write. I feel like a bossy teacher! Please receive my message knowing that I'm doing my best to be tactful, yet direct.
Nga mihi nui
Jeannie