Four weeks into the lockdown and every teacher I know is using some sort of virtual training session that has completely altered our way of life, teaching and connection.  While the jury is still out on whether we keep it up for regular client sessions, I think it is clear to the lion share of us, that this medium of connection offers a whole other world of “touch” that will not be eliminated easily.  I am planning to maintaining my Zoom subscription when the lockdown is over!

Granted, it took about 2-3 weeks for all of us to figure out the steps of wifi vs data access to the application, privacy passwords, and whether virtual backgrounds were necessary or just cute. At the start of the lockdown I received my new Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and boy am I glad it came when it did.  It allowed me to immerse myself in the most serene imagery and digital functionality while living this experience. I am using the visual captures as a creative release and a diary of sorts.  Check those out here.

That external release and calming was needed, as I literally had to be “resurrected” from death by a bank clerk’s clerical error that shut down my bank account and stopped all my transactions for just enough time to make the virtual teaching transition just a little more hurried and harried.  I decided to stop teaching Beginner Mat students after the first week and focused completely on private sessions and small group classes and my personal teacher/colleague connections with the apparatus.  Grateful for home access to all the tools and portable equipment I have collected and hidden in corners, boxes and closets.

By April 15th, the system was rolling like clockwork and teachers that were previously unavailable or inaccessible due to time, space and geography were instantly available for not only Mat classes but virtual apparatus sessions.

By the third week of April, not only did several #PilatesSisters enjoy shared sessions across multiple time zones, but more and more 1st and 2nd Generation Master Teachers began offering apparatus sessions and publicizing them via they own social media accounts.

For example, I flipped doing a cartwheel at the prospect of not having to travel to Brazil or Portugal to join an English-translated session with Inelia Garcia.  Then within 24 hours of signing up for that joy of a session, I locked down a #ZoomWundaChair class with Chris Robinson; and I am still joyously jumping that a few of the best teachers I know are welcoming the opportunity to workout together, “just because we can” in our own Zoom-connected playgrounds.

#WeGotThis

My private and group class clients have also hit their own easy, comfortable stride with their work from home as well.  No question, it has been an adjustment, but the ability to move with focus and intention and collectively stay true to the work while in this indescribably hard state of being, lockdown to a 2×4 screen and separated from each other, is nothing short of miraculous.

 

I keep saying, #WeGotThis with every post as a reminder and affirmation to myself, my students and myself again, that it is possible to make a smooth transition to a new way of moving.  It is not without struggle, but it is possible.

We are doing it.  Yes, virtual sessions have changed everything and #WeGotThis.