My “Yoga Era” may be drawing to a close. Today I made a difficult decision for the benefit of my well-being and paused my Satoyama Yoga classes indefinitely.
Unfortunately, my herniated discs are not healing easily. Even when I take great care to avoid poses and movement that hurt, I still end up straining my back.
It’s going to be a big change in my daily life! I have been leading yoga sessions ever since moving to Kamogawa in 2015. At first weekly I offered weekly classes and for the past five years I’ve met with students daily.
I considered approaching my class differently. I could shift focus away from asanas towards pranayama, meditation, and the more philosophical aspects of yoga. Or I could be like normal teachers and lead the movements without doing them myself. I know from previous attempts, that that never quite works over Zoom.
So after discussing options with my class yesterday and hearing all of their ideas and their concerns for my healing, I decided to just stop. I made the announcement this morning. Then I cried my way through the practice that felt like it will be the last one together for a long time.
Satoyama Yoga friends,
After nearly a decade of practice together, I need to share some important news with you. Satoyama Yoga is going on hiatus and classes are paused indefinitely from today.
Since March, I've been dealing with a lumbar hernia that makes it difficult for me to teach effectively and safely. Although I have been taking breaks over the last few months, each return to class increases my pain. To give my body the best opportunity to heal, I've decided to step back from teaching for now.
This wasn't an easy choice, as practicing with all of you is such a meaningful part of my life. Your dedication and energy are a constant source of happiness.
While classes are paused, I'm exploring ways to continue supporting your practice and mine. You may see some materials—perhaps podcasts, cat reports, or guided practices—released in the coming months as I find new ways to share yoga.
Thank you for your understanding. I hope to reconnect with you all in whatever form feels right when the time comes.
With gratitude,
Kristen
里山ヨガコミュニティの皆様へ
2015年から約10年間、皆様と一緒にヨガを続けてきましたが、大切なお知らせがあります。Satoyama Yogaのクラスを一時休止し、無期限でお休みさせていただくことになりました。
腰椎ヘルニアのため、効果的で安全な指導が困難な状況が続いています。身体が最善の状態で回復できるよう、今は定期的なクラスから一歩下がることにいたしました。
皆様と一緒に練習し、指導することは私の人生にとって大変意味深いものでしたので、この決断は簡単なものではありませんでした。皆様の熱心さとエネルギーは、いつも私にとって大きな励みでした。
クラスは休止中ですが、皆様の練習をサポートする方法を模索しています。回復に集中しながら、ヨガを共有する新しい方法を見つけていく中で、今後数ヶ月間にポッドキャストやガイド付き練習などの教材をリリースする可能性があります。
ご理解いただき、また素晴らしいコミュニティでいてくださって、本当にありがとうございます。時が来たときに、適切な形で皆様と再びつながることができることを願っています。
感謝を込めて、クリステン
