YOGA TODAY
as well as individuals by name, feels authentic and normal as it would happen in class. Suggesting that students make themselves visible on screen so the teacher and other students can see and feel the energy that we are participating together in class with is also important. I like to know that the teacher is interested in form and safety, not just teaching to a blank screen. At that point, anyone could just go online and practice to the multitude of online classes. That is just not the same to me. I still like and want the account- ability to the yoga studio and the teacher and myself with a scheduled class as part of my routine. That all said, practicing in a room by myself gives me a better chance to check in with myself. I can hear my breathing and take stock easier of where I am without the distractions of others around me. I find I have also been more willing to progress in moves (like tree pose) since I have been at home. In class I would not want to fall out of balance and would only place my foot on my calf. I can now confidently place my foot above my knee and if I lose bal- ance, I lose balance. I feel I will now make that same effort when we eventually can go back to classroom practice. --Carol Boyd Closing Thoughts It is a privilege to be able to teach yoga, but even more of a blessing to have students who are willing to go
#1. With zoom I do not feel the group en- ergy and it is harder to follow. #2. It takes more energy, and, #3. It might be harder for new students to follow at first, but after a few lessons we get the hang of it. --Jim Goldblatt Zoom yoga is great! Yes, it’s not the same as being in a class and seeing everyone in person. But it is much better than noth- ing! Also, it’s easier to see you because I’m not looking through or around other bodies. The zoom yoga class has become a special time of the week for me. --Margaret Hadley …I figure it’s got to be hard teaching to a screen of Hollywood Squares instead of a live class of people. I feel accountable during the classes that you or other students could see me if I slack off. So I try not to. It is also nice to see the folks I know from Blue Heron are in each class. It helps to maintain a sense of connection. --John Holland Although I miss the energy and cama- raderie that being in class together with teacher and students brings, I feel my practice has continued to evolve with les- sons over Zoom. Having a teacher putting forth the effort to bring the community together on Zoom is key to me. Checking in with students before class as a group,
the extra mile to keep up their prac- tice via virtual yoga sessions. There is no disputing that live stream classes take more energy and commitment because one is accountable to oneself more than anyone else. There is also no denying the fact that the commu- nity that is created in a yoga room is like none other, it is vitally important to the health and well being of all. If you are shying away from the online classes, give one a try, not just for you, but for everyone in the virtual room. We are all in service to one another at this moment. Even if you need to do the ‘invisible’ pose, show up and shine your light into that virtual space. Give your love and stay well. Peace and blessings. Claudia Neuman MSW, E-RYT 500, YACEP Para Yoga influenced Hatha Claudia Neuman, MSW, E-RYT 500, YACEP, was born in Los Angeles and began teaching in 1982. Her formal Yoga training began in 1984 at Yoga Works in Santa Monica with Rod Stryker & Eric Shiffman and many others. She is cur- rently working towards her certification in Para Yoga with Yogarupa Rod Stryker. All of Claudia’s classes are available via live stream, visit: www.alignwithgrace. com for her schedule. See also her ad on page 34.
What Students Have To Say About Virtual Yoga ...continued from page 25 I also have found that Zoom classes have strengthened my home practice. I have faced that I need to dedicate a real space at home, get the props organized that I use, and generally shift my thinking from yoga as something I do in a studio to yoga as something I do at home. I have found myself in longer and more challenging home practices, since this is just the way things are now. When we are able to go back to the studio very safely, it will be interesting to see whether there is demand to continue Zoom for “hybrid” classes. I would not be surprised if some people want the option to be at home. One very small tip for students - it is help- ful to go into your settings and silence all of your (notification sounds). While they don’t disturb others since the students are muted, it is distracting to realize that texts and emails are piling up during a class. --Patricia Brannan Tips for online live yoga classes: #1. Place your mat far enough away and sideways so your teacher can see you and your form. #2. Try to use two monitors Comments about Zoom vs. Live studio practice
Are you a psychic medium? Are you clairaudient?
Do you receive vocal messages?
Many people hear voices or receive vocal messages. Some people are able to channel these unusual experiences in a healthy productive manner, while others find these experiences to be distressing and feel the need for psychiatric care. We hope to gain insights from people who live comfortably with these kinds of experiences that may be helpful to others who find their experiences to be challenging and stressful. Our ultimate goal from this National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study is to learn how to be more helpful to people who struggle with their voices. • If you have these kinds of experiences, we are very interested in working with you in a paid research study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine where we are trying to learn about how these real experiences occur in the brain. If you have psychic abil ities, please contact us so we can determine if you are eligible. People between the age of 18-65 you may be eligible to participate. • The study includes interviews, cognitive testing, EEG recording, and an MRI brain scan. The study involves making 3-4 visits to the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center at 55 Wade Avenue in Catonsville. We have made changes to approaching scientific research during COVID-19. One of these response measures is to move some research assessments online. Depending on your available technology, we can make arrangements for you to complete some assessments remotely on a laptop, tablet or cell phone in order to reduce number of visits to our research center. That said, we have taken many steps to ensure the safety of our research volunteers and staff during any required in-person visits. • Each visit is likely to take 2-3 hours, with payment of $20 per hour. *During COVID-19, these visit durations may be reduced
For additional information, please contact: Sharon August at (saugust@som.umaryland.edu, 410 402 6057 ) https://www.goldcanslab.com/participate
The research is directed by Dr. James Gold, Ph.D (Email: jgold@som.umaryland.edu , Phone: 410 402-7871).
PATHWAYS—Fall 20—27
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