Through the ups and downs of this time, many of us have learned that things are always uncertain and ever changing. This is true, always.

 

As you know, I have been cautious and thoughtful about how and when we are gathering in groups. Most recently, I have been in conversation with Public Health experts to determine safest opening protocols. We know that some of you don’t feel ready to join us in person, and that is why we are maintaining a full schedule of online classes.

  

So…we are tiptoeing in to being in groups, beginning with a few limited size classes starting Aug 16th. We have a highly vaccinated community (93% of 290 responses to our reopening survey), solid Covid safety protocols (see below), and a thoughtful community that supports each other with care.

 

One of the tenants of yoga practice that has been guiding us throughout this past year and a half has been Ahimsa (non-harming). We will continue to practice non-harming and care for our community as we give space and wear masks. If you are not vaccinated against Covid-19, please consider getting vaccinated as an act of community care and Ahimsa. If you are unable or unwilling to be vaccinated, consider continuing to practice at home online with us instead of coming into the studio as an act of caring for our greater community.

 

I wanted to take a few minutes to clarify a few things regarding our Covid safety protocols. Remember that this is an ever-evolving situation, and that protocols and recommendations may change. I am committed to safety and consistency for our staff and students, and know that county, state, or federal public health recommendations may adapt over the coming weeks and months.   

• Masks: With rising cases in our region and more transmissible variants of Covid-19 circulating widely, and with the recent recommendation of Pierce County, Washington State Department of Health, and the CDC for masking in indoor public settings, we will be requiring masks indoors for all, regardless of vaccination status. Masking in indoor public settings helps to protect everyone, including those that currently aren’t able to be protected by the vaccine such as children under twelve, and those who are immune suppressed (or those that have vulnerable or unprotected folks at home). At Source Yoga, we have always stood for not just our own individual well-being, but for the well-being of our community. Current masking recommendations are a simple action we can all take to protect those in our immediate and greater community that are most vulnerable. 
• Class limits/physical distancing: As we reopen, we are currently limiting class sizes in order to allow space for physical distancing of at least 6 feet. In each studio, we have markings on the floor to indicate spacing.   
• Preregistration: We will be requiring all students to continue to preregister for their classes, whether online or in person, especially as space in studio will be limited. If you preregister for an in-studio class and are unable to attend, please cancel your registration as soon as possible to allow others to register in your spot.    
• Ventilation/Air Purifiers: We now have an external HEPA air purifier at each studio. To increase ventilation, at UP we will keep both doors adjoining the studio/lobby area open, and at the North Tacoma studio, we will keep the back exterior door open.  
• Props: BYOM(mat)! If you are able, bring your own yoga mat. If you don’t have one, we will loan out mats, but we ask that you assist by spraying and wiping down borrowed mats and leaving them flat on the studio floor for us to roll up once dry. You are welcome to bring other props as well. We will have blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters available for your use. Consider bringing a towel or pillowcase to cover a borrowed bolster or blanket.    
• Hybrid classes: Some of our classes (only at the UP studio) will be set up to be simultaneously livestreamed for those students who prefer or need to continue from home. We welcome you to join us in practice where you are most comfortable and will be excited to see you in the studio or on the screen! 

 

As one of our teachers (and Public Health Educator), Bonnie Loghry wisely shared with me “Our work is to do the very best we can with the information we have, in alignment with our belief systems and I believe that we are.”  

 

I am looking forward to connecting with you in studio or online in the coming weeks. 

With care,

 

Erin Joosse (she/her)

Source Yoga 

Studio Director