Before the world went into isolation, 65 of us from around the world became OneDanceTribe at the Garrison Institute in Garrison, New York. We danced in a bubble of community with many different movement forms: Soul Motion, Azul, Open Floor, Dance of Liberation, TranscenDance, 5 Rhythms, and Let Your Yoga Dance. I could literally feel my immune system getting stronger and healthier by the minute.
And then we parted, many people flying home to countries or towns that are now locked down.
I returned to the Berkshires, where I soon discovered that my place of work, Kripalu Center, was closing its door for six weeks—a good call to keep guests and staff safe. My first thought: “There goes my teacher training and lots of classes and workshops during March and April! EEEP.” Second thought: “How can I best use my time these next six weeks?” Third thought: “I want to write to the people in my world and give them a little gift of comfort at a scary time.”
In seemingly no time at all, my country has plummeted into economic chaos and fear. Whenever I am assailed by a dry cough, I can be momentarily alarmed. Although the experts may say otherwise, I am still certain these six days of dancing with kind, inspiring, supportive, wonderful people have made me healthier. And—at the same time, I am now self-isolating, just in case. For a gregarious introvert, being in solitude is not a bad thing, even though sometimes, when not talking on the phone, I feel I’m truly alone on the planet. No one seems to be out on my street except for me and my neighbor’s dog, Alex!
Meanwhile, have you been receiving emails telling you what to do to counteract the coronavirus, only to realize days later that said posts are a hoax? At this time, I have primarily put my faith in Dr Anthony Fauci, top infectious disease expert in the USA, along with the work of gentle yoga and Let Your Yoga Dance.
To that end, here are three free gifts just for you to help negotiate virus concerns:
The first, Moontides, is a gentle, moving yoga class dedicated to the lunar energy, in which I chant an ancient prayer, then guide you in the Moon Salutation, followed by a slow-motion prana/qigong experience for self-healing, and finally a lovely relaxation.
The second, Power & Grace, is a dynamic class dedicated to solar energy. With my friend and colleague Devarshi, we guide you (with live drumming in the background) in variations on Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation, followed by a kosha relaxation that is deeply nourishing.
For both gifts, go to store.letyouryogadance.com and add both to your cart. At checkout, you’ll see the cost is $0 for the MP3s (not the actual CDs). You will be able to use these MP3s whenever you wish to calm a worried body, anxious brain, or sorrowful heart—or if you simply wish to enjoy moving your yoga with me!
The gift will stay at $0 until March 26.
Lastly and most important: Please be safe, take care of you and yours, let your yoga dance whenever possible, and get outside to let Mother Earth work her magic on you.
Megha Nancy Buttenheim, MA, M.A., E-RYT 1000, is CEO and founding director of Let Your Yoga Dance® LLC, and author of “Expanding Joy: Let Your Yoga Dance, Embodying Positive Psychology”. An expert in experiential education, Megha is a long-time teacher-trainer at Kripalu Center, where she has trained thousands of people in yoga, health, movement, and meditation. letyouryogadance.com
