Online/Offline

#socialdistancing is trending. For good reason. We are protecting the risk group and the next generations. It is challenging. We are all adapting to these changes.

I'm an IT consultant for those of you who don't know. And a real nerd at that. I read code, computer language, I talk to computers. And I love it. Computers do not have feelings, unlike us humans. They do as they are told, they cannot question why. If there is a bug, as a programmer, you know you did something wrong (or maybe it was the other programmer ) because computes cannot think for itself. And you know what I like best? Finding out where it went wrong. I go deep in the code and go over and over just to find out what is wrong with it and fix it from the source of the problem -  a mechanic as you might say. I like to do the dirty work. Ok enough about me. So this computer stuff is quite easy for me. But I always thought it missed the human touch. I didn't want to be teaching online because there is no power of touch which transmits a lot. In these times, we have to be creative in finding ways. We are humans, we were built to be that.

It can be overwhelming in the online world. So much resources, it takes a while to know how to approach it. I try to use it and not be used by it. But yeah I also know myself I tend to give 150% and put everything in more. But I also know I do eventually find the balance.

This week I give some suggestions in online consumption. Shameless plugging for my friends.

For those of you who are interested in chanting Shantala Shriramaiah from Veda Studies has a lot of online classes. She's also in YouTube and SoundCloud. I like using her sound recordings to chant with. 

Luke Jordan my teacher, is hosting online daily chanting from Monday 23 March. Details are on the Facebook Group.

Sanatana Yoga is a digital online magazine, a fairly new venture from my friend Sophia French. The magazine features current topics and issues written by experienced practitioners and teachers from India and all over the world.

No coffee, no prana. And for me the best coffee come's from Alfio - Cafeat8. Online shopping since he cannot be in the Antwerp Market.

YouTube is filled with resources for Ashtanga knowledge. I think my favourite is Purple Valley.

I keep working on my online content on my Instagram and my YouTube channels. This week I worked on 5 topics you can find in this playlist. My IT colleagues has said I have to be more chatty on my videos, I will try harder. However I continue being who I am also, a nerd, who loves to deal with the details, find out where it is going wrong and fix it from the source of the problem, a mechanic, I'm not afraid to get my face dirty with grease.  

I will also host online mysore class on Zoom to practice with me, I do not really intend to teach, mostly just to provide a space to share the energy. Monday to Friday 7-10 CET. Even in an online environment I will do my best to provide an intimate and safe space for you to practice. If you have troubles getting into zoom, ask me, let me the mechanic help you. 

So, with all this being online, also enjoy this time and space to be alone, find the comfort of being with yourself and enjoy it. Take walks, enjoy the sunshine, and enjoy conversations in your head. Dance, sing, be. Draw, color, paint, write, cook, play, clean, study. Enjoy being with the kids, even if they drive you crazy. Have you heard the church bells, the birds, the neighbours radio? My friend said she saw stars, someone said they saw the buildings and appreciate them more. Enjoy the loneliness, for luckily and unluckily it won't be like this again. 

Always be kind. We are all in this forgive my language 'shitty' situation. We're all in this together. We make the most of it. And we come out better, stronger, wiser. A big virtual hug to all of you. I'm at your service, let me know how I can help in these times. I'll see you online!


Love always,
J