Yesterday is what I call “Day 3” because it’s the 3rd day the studio has been closed due to Coronavirus.
With the studio closed, my days are mostly wide open. Yes, there is plenty to do — figuring out a plan to keep the studio going while we are avoiding physical contact, to learn online technology so I can teach virtually, and to do things that help me adjust to the changes.
I love the flexibility of my job (no pun intended). I teach according to a set schedule of classes and private lessons in the mornings and evenings. Then, in the middle of the day I’m free to work on other things like marketing, planning, bookkeeping, or just taking a walk or doing my own yoga practice, etc.
Teaching grounds me and centers me. I am at my best in that scenario. I’m strong, clear and confident when I am working with people. Without the established routine of showing up for scheduled classes, I am off kilter.
On Day 3 of my experience in coronavirus-land , I was not deliberately aiming to create my “schedule.” It made me nervous not to know what to do and when.
I spent some time on my yoga in the morning. Lunch. And then, I drove over to what I call “my spot” or “my place.”
Once-a-week at lunch I visit a thrift store that raises money for scholarships and nonprofit work.
Grace and Jackie manage the shop, and they have become like friends. Especially Jackie. Her booming personality hits me when I walk in the door. “Hello, hello, hello, Leah,” she greets me. She asks me how I’m doing. I have learned to say “Good!” no matter what is happening with me. I ask her the same question and she sings out “Alright, alright, alright!” Jackie models positivity, and I reciprocate.
It feels good to be there.
This week I went on Wednesday instead of my usual Tuesday. Pulling into the parking lot, I see the dark store and a “closed” sign in the window. I am disappointed.
But….then I had an “aha!” moment. My 10-minute weekly visits to the shop are part of my routine. I never planned it that way or put it on my calendar. The every-Tuesday thing evolved over time.
My way of establishing routine, scheduling, making lists and plans and to-do’s has to emerge on its own. With this panic over the pandemic, I’m tempted to enforce a routine on myself, to make calendar entries and lists. While that works great for some people. Not me. Not me. I need to settle down. It takes time and at first it looks disorganized — a bit like I’m meandering.
My friend, Amanda, told me that she is trying to “find a rhythm” in this new situation of Coronavirus distancing. I like her descriptor.
Right now the rhythm feels more like dissonant, improvised jazz. While it’s not my favorite genre, it is an example of how things can/will organize themselves if I settle, listen and pay attention.
(Will somebody remind me I said this? I’m sure I will forget this at the most inopportune time when I need it the most.)