By Catherine Weston

A few months ago the world came to a standstill and life was paused. The lives of everyone changed in a way we’d never known.

With mixed emotions and the carpet pulled from under our feet, we all had to find our own anchor from where we could begin to understand what was happening and the impact it had on us personally as well as those around us.

At the start of lockdown, there were those that stepped straight into the driving seat and held space for family and friends, giving support and being strong for those that needed it. At the other end of the scale were those that kind of retreated, needing time and space to process what the hell was going on and get a grip on things.

I remember my last “in person” class very clearly. It was just a couple of days before the official lockdown was announced. Walking through Soho’s streets felt eery, shops standing empty on Oxford Street. Restaurant staff giving away fresh salad and veg they would be unable to serve.

I had four students in that last class and it was apparent we were all sharing a deep sadness.

Within days social media was full of live classes and “Zoom" became the new buzz word.

From a teaching point of view I had to come to terms quite quickly with the fact that plans I’d made for the weeks and months ahead were just not going to materialise. Retreats, workshops and trainings I’d written all postponed. Using the tool kit that is ‘yoga’ I set up a virtual timetable of live streamed classes from home and worked with the studios I teach in to offer students space and support to help them through this uncertain time.

This was a new learning for everyone both teachers and students alike. It’s amazing that we can still connect the way we do through technology, though teaching in this way certainly isn’t easy. As well as relying on the basics, like a good internet connection, there’s the whole issue of working around family members also working from home, home schooling, doorbell ringing mid class and doing your best to ignore it, neighbours…..the list is endless.

Initially I put so much pressure on myself trying to create the perfect experience for students, the sound, lighting, environment, class content - would students get bored?! My head was full.

When teaching in a studio, a teachers role is to invite students to explore an individual experience in a group environment. Livestreamed with people already isolated from friends and family, that needed to be turned around creating a group experience for the individual. I felt connection and togetherness was really important for support and I hope that my intention landed well.

Looking after myself was important to ensure I was physically and mentally able to serve students as well as I could. I needed to stay motivated and inspired. I’ve been practising yoga for 30 - 40 minutes before my early morning classes to get out of my head and into my body. Teaching in this way means sometimes demonstrating more than in person, and the body needs to be warm to prevent injury. I’ve been drawing and writing and enrolled in some courses. I’ve continued to do dance and pilates classes, plus my friend teaches a fun class called Front Room Disco and it’s been great. We have fixed smiles on our faces throughout! I’ve taught musical theatre to my granddaughters, which I loved as much as them and the eight year old has been setting up her own Zoom yoga classes teaching family. Saturday and Sunday evenings were dedicated quiz nights and all in all these things have kept me upbeat for most part.

Before lockdown there would be days when I was out of the house for extended periods of time, hanging out in coffee shops between classes. Lockdown has made me realise how much I miss spending time at home. I’ve really enjoyed making decorative changes indoors, doing jobs in the garden. It’s definitely been better for my overall wellbeing and I’ve made a conscious decision to give myself more space for me as we begin to enter a new normal way of life.

In these coming days and weeks, studios will gradually be reopening their doors. Studios have worked extremely hard to create a safe environment for students. Class sizes in person will be limited to stay in line with the social distancing rules and classes will be livestreamed alongside for those students not able to attend in person. There will be excitement and anxiety rolled into one for many. Never will our personal boundaries have mattered more so, respecting the space and feelings of ourselves and others so that the experience for everyone is a good one.

Let’s all be kind, compassionate and appreciate being able to take these next steps into what is still unknown.

Life in Lockdown - A Teacher’s Story