If you had asked me a year ago if I wanted to try teaching yoga online, I would have said: of course not, that wouldn’t be yoga. There is no energy felt as powerful as when you share with others, synchronize with others, vibrate the same.
And then I remembered that I started doing yoga with DVD’s. As still a student, I had no money to pay for classes in studios and I was very new at it. So I managed for more than one year to practice following the screen. Same class over and over again until I knew it by heart.

Then facebook happened, and youtube, and twitter, Instagram…and for the one’s who know me, I still don’t enjoy social media. But I have made my peace with it and do my best with what I feel comfortable.
When staying at home due to pandemic began I felt live stream classes with clients was going to be temporary, a two month thing until things “went back to normal” but time passed by and teaching with videos was not only my only option but also what kept me motivated and sane.

Now, I have moved countries, many of my students have moved too and I am thrilled to still see them or know that they can see me and enjoy a yogasana practice. I feel blessed to have the resources to reach people and share with them.

So yes, it’s not the same. But here is something to think about: (my opinion only based on my experience)

What you are missing:
* The touching. I recently found out about the consent cards they are using in studios for adjustments. I am sure there are people that doesn’t feel comfortable when adjusting with hands. But for me, going to my teacher’s class was all about eye contact and hand adjustment. Sounds weird maybe but that was my experience; I looked at my teacher and saw a deep ocean in his eyes and whenever he adjusted me it was barely an indication with part of his hand or fingers and I knew exactly what to move and where to feel the difference. It made my experience much more enriching. I Also believe in healing energy, healing hands. And when touching in a still or restorative pose adds that love that your body needs to nourish itself.

* Meeting new people and making yogi friends. Your friends are ok, but your yogi friends share a special interest, a particular interest. They understand what you feel because they also feel it. And when you finish your meditation or yogasana practice, there is no ego, only being present, the only thing to share is love and kindness. That environment is not easy to find.

* A temple. Not for everybody, but for many, they prefer to go to a designated place for your practice. Many find convenient to have that place close to their work place, home, children’s school, etc. Being in a yoga studio can give you that relaxed mood just by being there.

* Props. Although I always recommend to bring your own mat, sometimes its easier to not worry about the tools you need for practice. Yoga studios usually have extra mats for rent or free use. And if they are well equipped, they will also provide blocks, bolsters, blankets, chairs, ropes, etc.



What you are gaining:
* Freedom of schedule. Being home your departure and final destination of everyday, we save time by not needing to go to any distant studio and experience traffic. Just plug in the device, look at the screen and allow yourself to be guided whenever is convenient for you.

* Choosing your style of practice, instructor and length of class. There are many platforms very well known that have plenty of options to choose. There is collaboration among many instructors, the classes can be short or standard duration, specific topics, for all levels, etc. And if you are one of those who likes following one instructor only, then you already know what you are signing for and still enjoy your favorite teacher. I’m sure most of today’s yoga instructors are teaching online.

* Be wherever you want to be. I remember that whenever I was traveling or away from home I was somehow upset for missing my yoga lesson. Now you know you can always find a small corner with WiFi to place your mat and practice.

* Make your sacred temple. Be creative and design a spot where you can immerse yourself in the mood for relaxation, self awareness and peaceful mind. You’ll be surprise how much you can add to your practice when you set the right environment. A soft light, candles, incense, bergamot oil, my earplugs to isolate from any noise and a herbal tea for after class is my formula fo my yoga and meditation corner.

* Less investment. Not only the class is cheaper but also consider the extra expenses when driving to a studio. Even if you buy own yoga props the yoga lessons will be cheaper in the longterm, plus it is better to use always your own stuff, not only to be hygienic but because they have your energy.

* Share your experience. Unless you want to be alone, practicing with friends or partner can be a very nice experience. Remember yoga is a self practice you can do together. That energy you