Theresa Shay, founding director of TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania, said going from teaching yoga in the studio to an online format was a learning experience. But she and the other yoga instructors at the practice knew how important it was to continue to hold classes during this time of change.
“Making changes requires a lot of energy and every aspect of our lives has required change in the past weeks. Therefore, we’re needing a lot of energy to adjust our lives and navigate the newness,” said Shay. “We have to keep replenishing. Staying active, staying connected to our deep breath, keeping the mind calm all contribute to our wellness.”
The nonprofit yoga practice moved classes previously taught at its three studios in Bellefonte, Boalsburg and Spring Mills, online through the use of Zoom, with the perspective that it needed all the levels represented, from gentle yoga to advanced practices. Instructors have navigated technology in order to stay connected to students, but it took some getting used to.
“At first, teaching was extremely awkward,” said Shay.
She had a lot to learn, from how to set up a Zoom meeting to how to get the camera and microphone working. She also lives in rural Penns Valley, where even having a strong enough internet signal can be an issue.
She started by using a hot spot in order to connect, but this caused a problem when both she and her husband were trying to get online for work at the same time. Finally she was able to get a satellite connection — “basically our only option” — but even that is a less-than-perfect solution (storms can lead to service interruptions). Besides the basic technical struggles, there were also some trial and error hoops to jump through. It was sometimes frustrating, but conveniently, she is an expert at being calm.
“When I first started teaching online, I would stand up and my head would be cut off, and I couldn’t deal with it, so I just ignored it,” said Shay. “I also had to figure out how to place the microphone since I was moving and facing different directions as I taught, and how to set up my computer screen so I could see the students in their little Zoom boxes. Through all of this, I wanted to be able to hold on to the calming presence that students seek when they come to class. So I was having to focus, breathe and relax using every yoga tool I’ve ever been taught. It has gotten much easier.”
She also had to learn how to teach without people being there to interact with.
“At first it was like teaching into a black hole — no bodies present, no hands-on assists, no walking over to help a student — basically teaching without any interaction. Everyone has their microphones off and some students even have their cameras off, or they don’t have access to a camera so they are just a name on the screen,” said Shay. “I have had to learn to share my gift of yoga and trust my teaching without taking any cues or reinforcement from students.”
But by the end of class she usually can tell that her students were in the same place with her throughout the whole experience, even if they were far away.
“At the end of class they come to the screen with huge smiles on their faces and look so much more relaxed. So I have learned to trust it and teach from the deepest place inside me,” she said.
People can learn more about the practice of TriYoga and what they have to offer at PennsylvaniaYoga.com and through the TriYoga International website, of which the local group is a chapter, at triyoga.com. It offers a free trial class for new students and memberships that accommodate both those coming regularly to those who want to drop in over a series of months.
And while Shay misses the in-person interaction with her students, she has enjoyed the short commute that comes with teaching online. She only has to walk outside of her home to get to the “out-building” she uses for teaching. From there, she has been able to practice yoga while she watches spring arrive.
“I feel the elements, hear the birds, see the plants and one day I even saw bear poop. It’s peaceful coming and going every day and I have many new hours in the week from not having to drive around Centre County to teach at the three different studios,” she said, noting it’s all in an effort to help others find clarity in this difficult time.
“We have to be established in the present moment of our life with gratitude, to not worry about what the future holds but live ourselves into the future, and we need our wellness routines to fuel us, provide perspective and clarity, and ultimately keep us healthy on every level,” said Shay. “We know the signs of being out of balance — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. With uncertainty of what lies ahead, sustaining, returning to, or establishing healthy routines like being active, eating a healthy diet and staying calm will serve us, our families, our communities and our planet today and in all the days ahead.”
