YOGA BLOOPERS
Okay, "bloopers" is a hook of sorts. I certainly don't have bloopers on video (other than my own). But a day or so ago while processing some difficult information, I was looking for some levity and comic relief. So I had a think back over the past couple of years, mining the strange world of Zoom yoga for some choice moments of hilarity and weirdness.
Here are "snapshot" descriptions of some of the goofier moments that have occurred in the yoga zoom room during the past 2+ years.
—That time I was teaching a virtual meditation at the beginning of class. My dog, Tiko, was curled up by my side. I sensed him get up. And then heard the unmistakeable sound of a dog repeatedly retching. On my mat. So I kept leading the meditation, hoped my fancy headset was blocking out the sound. Found some wipes. Cleaned it up. Sat back down. Gave the pup a pat. Carried on.
—That time (ok, this one happens often and brings me much delight) when I peered at my Hollywood Squares of yogis during half moon pose to see the beautiful close up of the bottom of a foot taking the whole square, front and center.
—That time someone unmuted themself by accident (this too does happen on occasion) and because my sound was turned down on the computer I didn't hear anything during the class, but it came out loud and clear in the recording. The unmistakeable sound of a very small kiddo belting out her or his favorite song. I'm guessing it was bath time on the other side of the wall. By all accounts, it gave everyone in the class some well timed comic relief. (and kudos to the parent who kept practicing).
—That time (and I'm not trying to either out or shame anyone here) that I happened to look up into the screen to see that my student had wandered away and was, I believe, kneading bread on the counter. Hey, I get it. I did the whole covid sourdough thing for a time and when it's time to knead, it's time to knead. No judgement here!
—That time when I looked up to check the screen and get a sense of whether people were following what I was saying but 12 little squares held people who appeared to be doing....jumping jacks??? My clip mic had died and apparently nobody could hear a thing. My volume was turned down so I couldn't hear them trying to tell me this. They collectively unmuted and talked with each other, and decided to make the biggest gestures they could to get my attention. It was actually adorable. I wish I had a photo. (They did get my attention and I reverted to the laptop mic and carried on.)
—And finally, that time I was again checking in (to make sure nobody was doing jumping jacks) and noticed one student had left the frame. That's not unusual given changes in position, but I chanced to see someone else wander through the room. Wearing only a towel.
At least I think there was a towel.
I didn't have my glasses on.
I can't be certain there was a towel.
How about you? Any Zoom moments of note that you wish to share? Tell me your stories!
As for this photo, some of you know that Friday is my day off and when, if the weather is good, I head deep into the White Mountains to hike. This photo was from 2 weeks ago when a friend and I did the Zealand Bonds Traverse in the Pemi wilderness, 19.8 miles, 5 peaks. It was a phenomenal, dramatic hike. This shot was from Bondcliff. I could not make myself get closer to that edge but I may have opened my mouth to scream into the abyss.
There were a few startled witnesses (I apologized) but primal screaming into the abyss was the most therapeutic thing I've done in some time.
I'm just glad it wasn't captured on Zoom.
See below for info about the upcoming INTRO series, EMBODIMENT series, and a new class with Erin McCabe.
Love,
Leslie
