Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces

20hr Berlin Trauma-informed Facilitator training from Legacy Motion

for all body workers, including yoga teachers and Alexander Technique teachers

hosted at English Yoga Berlin

When: September 8th to 10th, 2023

This training is more than an education, it is a practical learning experience to
transform your offering and the spaces you occupy.
This experience will offer you immediate tools, methods, and
interventions to instantly cultivate a more trauma-informed approach in
your current studio, classes, business, organization, and/or offerings.
It is an integrative and holistic approach to discovering the connections
between empowerment and resilience through personal exploration,
invitational language, safe space creation, supportive solutions, and
facilitating choice-making.

What is Trauma-Informed?

Trauma is an experience shared by all; whether you have experienced it
firsthand or know people who have experienced it, it is something we come
into contact with any time we work with humans. It is our responsibility to
know and understand the impacts trauma has on individuals and
communities as well as how behaviours manifest and how we can work
alongside them and support people in every field and industry. This training
gives you foundational tools and insights into what it means to be human and
interact with others in a way that promotes safety, dignity, and belonging.
Trauma-informed means taking into account past trauma and the
resulting coping mechanisms when attempting to understand the
behaviours of those we are working alongside. It means bringing empathy
and compassion to every interaction and creating a safe and accessible
space for all.

During this training participants will discover:

● How trauma anatomically affects the nervous system
● How to identify trauma symptoms and trigger responses
● Tools to promote biological resiliency, self-regulation and resolution
● Protocol and best practices in the field
● Invitational language
● Community building and outreach methods
● Ahimsa and the importance of self-care
● How to create a safe space
● Teaching methods for classrooms, yoga studios, healthcare
practitioners, etc

In order to earn your Certificate of Completion, you must be present
for all training days and complete all written assignments by the
scheduled due date. These guidelines for completion are to ensure
that we are building a safe and robust community during this
transformational learning experience.

Who is this Berlin Trauma-informed training for?

~ Suitable for – Yoga Teachers, Body Workers, Coaches

This 20HR training is foundational training, offering you the methods and
interventions to instantly cultivate a more trauma-informed approach in your
current studio and offerings. For yoga teachers and those in the health & wellness
industry, this training will allow you to understand the physiology behind trauma
and how to facilitate safe spaces for all.

~ Suitable for – Mental Health Practitioners, Community Social Workers,
Psychologists

Professional training for those in the mental health or health care industry to
incorporate the body and movement-based practices into your offerings and
work. This training will allow those working with members of the public to
understand the physiology behind trauma and how to work with individuals in a
safe manner for all. This training will allow you to understand trauma from a
bottom-up approach, allowing us to understand the body and how it is affected
during certain circumstances and events (mentally, physically and emotionally).

~ Suitable for – Human Resource Professionals, Managers, Business Owners.

“Trauma is an emotional injury that affects performance and well-being.”
Integrating trauma-informed principles into an organization means operating
from a place of understanding trauma, and recognizing the negative effects
of the trauma within the organization and in the communities it works within.
As a business professional, understanding trauma’s impacts on the workforce,
and how to approach organizational processes from a trauma-informed lens,
means mitigating the harm that is so often perpetuated through a
misunderstanding of human behaviour. It means creating a safe and
supportive work environment for all to thrive.

How to register?

Follow this link to look at prices and registration process:

Find out more:

Click here to find out more details about our facilitator, the modules studied, the time table, sliding scale prices etc.

Retreat on Yoga and The Alexander Technique

Email Pinelopi : pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Friday June 16th, 2023 15:00- Sunday June 18th, 2023 14:00

Yoga and the Alexander Technique are a powerful combination that can improve body awareness and break ingrained habits that affect our movements. The Alexander Technique provides small adjustments to improve coordination and overall body function, while yoga enhances strength and flexibility. By integrating these practices, individuals can move mindfully and reduce stress and tension in their bodies. Practicing yoga with the principles of the Alexander Technique can help individuals move more efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain in everyday life.

Where?

Rosenwaldhof– This retreat on “Yoga and the Alexander Technique” will take place in a beautiful place in Brandenburg, 1.5 hours South-east of Berlin, on the river Havel, surrounded by nature.

What is included in the “Yoga and Alexander Technique” retreat:

  • Three Hatha Yoga Sessions
  • Meditations
  • An introduction to the Alexander Technique with Jörg Aßhoff
  • Mandala stone painting
  • Mindfulness Walks
  • Delicious vegetarian/ vegan meals, tea, coffee and fruit
  • Fun awareness games
  • Bonfire, star gazing, and perhaps even swimming (if weather permits)

Prices:

The full cost of the inclusive retreat is 306 –  426€ (depending on your accommodation preference)

Accommodation options plus delicious food:

  • Shared double room with private bathroom
  • Single room with shared bathroom
  • Single room with private bathroom
  • camping with shared bathroom

Please note that payments to Pinelopi for the tuition (200€ incl.19%VAT) and Rosenwaldhof for lodgings and food (136€-226€) will happen separately .

Early registration discount:  Tuition to Pinelopi costs 155€ if you register for the yoga retreat before May 1st, 2023. To reserve your space, please send an email and deposit 50 Euro by bank transfer or paypal.

*The deposit is fully refundable if a cancellation occurs before May 15th, 2023, and 50% refundable if cancellation occurs before May 25th, 2023. After which no refund is possible.

Since space is limited, register early before the spots fill up!

For more details, please write to:

pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Worried about canceling due to corona?

I completely understand. You could purchase a “Reiserücktrittsversicherung” (travel insurance) or “Seminarrücktritts-Versicherung” that can reimburse you in case of sickness. In the unlikely case that I get corona and am unable to come, you will get the tuition money back and can still go and enjoy Rosenwaldhof, the lakes and forest, and the wonderful food and accommodation.

About the teachers:

Beginning her yoga journey in 1999, Pinelopi completed a 600 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course over a period of two years in Valencia, Spain.  For the last decade, she has worked as a full-time yoga teacher in Spain and in 2010 she founded English Yoga Berlin. She studied Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff, and “Injury-free yoga” applying the Alexander Technique postural alignment to all yoga poses with  David Moore.  She is also an Alexander Technique teacher, and has recently graduated from Jörg Aßhoff‘s school in Berlin. Her workshops and retreats are inspired by Tara Brach‘s teachings.

Joerg Aßhoff –  is an experienced Alexander Technique Teacher with a 30 year working experience. He is now the director of the Alexander-Technik-Schule in Berlin, teaching the next generation of Alexander Technique teachers. His expertise includes teaching at the University of Performing Arts, Community schools, and speech therapy schools. He practices Zen meditation since 1990 and studied with a Japanese Zen master for a long period of time.

How to Set up an Ergonomic Workspace

An online workshop with important tips for employees working from home and in hybrid work environments

Ergonomic Home Office Workshop Benefits :

  • reduces back pain
  • demonstrates diy/cheap changes to office infrastructure
  • prevents repetitive stress injuries
  • uncovers/improves typing habits
  • improves eye care health
  • explores work breaks’ efficiency

Testimonials:

We offer a variety of health and wellness workshops and this session got the most engagement and positive feedback this year! Pinelopi goes way beyond the ‘typical’ and offers practical tips, unbiased product recommendations and plenty of hacks for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their home office. Highly recommended!
Ava Hegedus – Head of Culture and Workplace at Uberall GmbH

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Read more testimonials from people and businesses who have already received the workshop.

Workshop Details:

This workshop is given in two sessions, each an hour and ten minutes long, recommended between a day and two weeks apart.
SESSION ONE: posture, infrastructure, quality of breaks, short stretching session
SESSION TWO: wrist care, eye care, general environment, questions
After the workshop, employees receive a detailed summary to customize their home office

Schedule and Pricing:

There is limited workshop availability.
350 Euro for a group up to 12 people
+ 5 Euro for each additional person

Request the workshop for your company:

Please write an email to discuss further details and dates for your company or to request the workshop for the general public. If you prefer an on-site workshop, that is also possible.
pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Why this workshop and not just business classes?

I have given many business yoga classes that help employees reduce stress, stretch out stiff muscles and improve their breathing. Although these classes have been very valuable, I realized they were not enough. As soon as employees return to their desks the “hunched over habits” take over and the muscles stiffen up within two to three days, restricting their breathing, and decreasing their sense of well-being. Whats more, working conditions worsened as the pandemic forced many people to move to hybrid work and home offices. As a result, I developed this ergonomic home office workshop to help employees understand how to create healthy computer habits and to give many creative ideas of how to set up their home office.

About the teacher:

Beginning my yoga journey in 1999, I, Pinelopi, completed a 600 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course over a period of two years in Valencia, Spain. For over a decade, I have worked as a full-time yoga teacher in Spain and in 2010 I founded English Yoga Berlin.

I, then, deepened my knowledge through studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Meanwhile, I also studied with David Moore and attended several of his “Injury-free yoga” workshops of how to apply the Alexander Technique postural alignment to yoga poses.

In January 2023, I completed a 1600 hour three year training with Jorg Asshof in the Alexander Technique.

My ergonomic consultations are based on my knowledge of anatomy, alignment through the Alexander Technique, and a deep understanding of the body and mind’s needs through yoga.

My meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach and especially the RAIN meditation.

Free Semi-Supine Audio Guides: Directions

Thinking the Basic Alexander Technique Directions through the semi-supine audio

In this free semi-supine audio guide, we explore thinking the basic Alexander Technique directions and observe what kind of effect they have on our selves. These directions are:

  • Let the neck be free.
  • Let the head go forward and up (explained in the guide).
  • Let the back be long and wide.
  • Let the arms and legs be long.

Would you like to listen to more semi supine audio guides? Then you can click here.

About the Author:

I am Pinelopi and I am an Alexander Technique Teacher in Berlin. My training was 1600 hours long with Jörg Aßhoff over a period of three years and three months. I love giving Alexander Technique classes and uncovering deep habits. My favorite moments are when a student discovers new ways to use themselves and an “A-ha” expression lights up their face! If you want to book a class contact me.

Yoga and the Alexander Technique Berlin

We carry our habits everywhere. If we tend to stress our neck before we lift our arm, we will do that regardless whether we are reaching for a box or bringing our arms up into the Warrior pose. The Alexander Technique looks into these deep habits and gives you small impulses that make a big difference in how to access a better coordination with your body as a whole. In this Yoga and the Alexander Technique course we will look at ways we enter yoga poses through the lens of the Alexander Technique, with the intention of uncovering deep habits.

How does the “Yoga and Alexander Technique Berlin” Course work?

Each class will consist of:

  • this course consists of four classes
  • beginning with ten minutes of the semi-supine with hands-on impulses
  • yoga poses
  • looking at how to do the poses with an Alexander Technique lens
  • 10 minute guided relaxation
  • space for questions and comments (optional)
  • this is a studio only class, it will not be streamed online

For Whom?

This course is for anybody who is interested in yoga or who is interested in the Alexander Technique. It is designed in a way that you can participate, regardless of your level of experience.

What to bring?

Mats, blankets and chairs are provided at the studio. For hygiene, it is best if you bring your own equipment, but you are welcome to use ours too!

When?

Every Thursday 8pm starting on March 9th to March 30th, 2023.

Duration: 1hour and 15 minutes.

Price: 40 euro if you sign up for the 4 classes, 14 euro if you want a drop in class.

Where?

English Yoga Berlin Görlitzerstr. 39 – Berlin

How to Sign up?

About the Teacher:

Beginning her yoga journey in 1999, Pinelopi completed a 600 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course over a period of two years in Valencia, Spain.  For the last decade, she has worked as a full-time yoga teacher in Spain and in 2010 she founded English Yoga Berlin. She studied Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff, and “Injury-free yoga” applying the Alexander Technique postural alignment to all yoga poses with  David Moore.  She is an Alexander Technique teacher and has graduated from Jörg Aßhoff‘s school in Berlin.

Meet our Hatha Yoga Substitute

Christina Karafyllidi

Some years ago I met Christina Karafyllidi: a dynamic, eager, fun, fresh yoga teacher. She impressed me with her honesty, thoroughness and wish to learn. She soon became my official substitute. But who is Christina and what is her background? Here is a small interview to get to know her better.

So Christina, let us get straight to it.  What can you tell us about  your yoga background?

Making these sorts of introductions always feels a little forced and rather terrifying, I’m sure you know what I mean! On the other hand, it’s important to me that you know who I am. I was introduced to yoga as a college student in Greece. I started my yoga Journey in 2015 by practicing Vinyasa and Acro-Yoga. Over the years, I also enjoyed Asthanga and Nidra Yoga and in 2020 I completed my Yoga Teacher Training of 200hr (RYA) at Aadi Yoga School in Risikesh, India.

It was clear to me that I wanted to learn more through becoming an apprentice, and so I approached you, Pinelopi, and got to know Hatha Yoga.  I, also started teaching private classes and group classes in parks.

In September 2021, I started teaching at English Yoga Berlin as a “cover” teacher for you. You are probably the most inspiring, supporting and authentic person for me.  I am so grateful to your trust in giving me this opportunity to take care of your students when you are not able to teach.

Have you also studied something else other than yoga?

Yes I studied how to be a pre-school teacher in Greece. At the moment, I am doing a masters in Art Therapy and in the future I intend to link art therapy and yoga. Both of these require kinaesthetics, focus and paying attention to the present moment.

So what are your hobbies… besides yoga?

I consider myself a real book worm. I am also a music fanatic of many styles and a huge fan of Nature & Bouldering. ………. and a bedroom/kitchen/train station kind of “dancer.”

What are the things you care about the most when teaching yoga?

What I care about the most is Ahimsa: nonviolence. The purpose of Ahimsa is to meet the student and yourself exactly where one is in this very moment. Regardless of one´s individual challenges and aspirations, Ahimsa empowers you to move forward, one step at a time, one day at a time, one breath at a time, towards a greater experience of health, happiness and wholeness.

I, also, care greatly about creating community well-being and inclusivity in my classes. It is important for me to create a safe, welcoming space for all bodies, ages, abilities, genders, and shapes. I encourage people to listen to their own bodies and to trust their own process. Everyone has a different kind of connection to their body, so I encourage students to stay away from comparisons and ground themselves in their present moment.

What would you say is your biggest wish through yoga?

My wish is for us to rediscover the wisdom and power of our bodies, develop a tender relationship to our thoughts and emotions, and live in ways that nourish us, each other, and the planet.

What would you say is a yogic illusion?

The non-slip yoga mat! It is a mythical creature and it is proving to be a futile quest!

What are your personal struggles in yoga asanas?

I still feel uncomfortable with some arm balances and a bit scared of some inversions.

What do you not like in the modern way that yoga is presented?

I do not like when people consider yoga just a work out and focus only on its physical aspect. When people do that, they go against the true meaning of yoga which is about uniting the mind, body, and nature.

Thank you Christina Karafyllidi! We are so happy to have you on board!

Pinelopi has been a Hatha Yoga teacher since 2008. Her yoga Kreuzberg Berlin classes are open for and welcoming to beginners. She offers Berlin business yogaprivate yoga classes for people struggling with chronic pain, yoga courses, retreats and workshops.  She completed Leslie  Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy course and is training to become an Alexander Technique teacher.

2022 Hatha Yoga Changes

As 2021 approaches its end, we would like to thank you for your commitment, your presence and your part in our little yoga community. Each one of you brings their own special light and care to our classes and this is felt by all. Thank you!

Despite the challenging year, we have held together as a studio. We are proud of us. And, in considering our community’s changing needs, we are bringing some Hatha Yoga changes to our old schedule and pricing model starting from January 2022.

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Tuesday becomes Alexander Technique day.

Due to the increased interest in people receiving Alexander Technique lessons, Tuesday afternoons will be dedicated to giving five Alexander Technique private lessons each week.

Hatha yoga day is Thursday.

On Thursdays we will continue to have a 6pm hybrid class and an 8pm in person class (computer-free).

  • Hatha yoga will follow the 2G plus model from January.  This means that people attending the studio must be vaccinated or recovered against COVID-19 plus show a 24 hour negative test. 

Hatha yoga will now be offered in 6-week modules.

Over the years, we have noticed how people need to take small breaks from the weekly continuity of yoga. In this new format, students get to commit for six weeks and then renew their commitment consciously after a small pause.

  • Instead of monthly subscriptions, we will be moving to a six-classes package format. 
  • After the six weeks of yoga, there will be a two week break, before the next six classes package begins again. 
  • These pauses will also allow for other exciting things to be offered, such as yoga retreats and workshops!

You can repeat any of the six yoga classes online.

All six hybrid classes will be recorded. Each recording will be available for 8 weeks (the 6 weeks of class + the 2 weeks of pause) This way, you can repeat your favorite class any time during the six active yoga weeks or the two weeks pause in between yoga packages. In the case that you need to miss a class, you can also easily recuperate it online by clicking on the link of the class you missed. 

  • When the next course begins these recordings are no longer available, and the new ones become available instead.

Bye bye 5er cards

To create clear and easy accounting for all, as of January there will be no more 5er cards. We will now only have 6 week modules and drop in classes. 

Q&A: What about the online students?

No problem! You can continue to attend online if this is your preference. The six week package online costs 40 Euro. An online drop-in costs 10 Euro. You too will have access to all six class recordings for the same amount of time as the studio students.

How do I secure my spot?

Our first 6-week course will run from January 6th – 10th of February, 2022. Our second 6-week course will run from March 3rd – April 7th, 2022. If you wish to book a six week package, simply write me an email letting me know which class you want to book at:

pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

We hope these Hatha Yoga changes will be beneficial to all.Thank you all for being such an important part of our work and our studio…

Pinelopi


www.englishyogaberlin.com
https://www.facebook.com/englishyogaberlin

Sunday Yoga Class for Queers* and Friends goes back to the studio

Graphic illustration of queer yoga teacher Juli in purple leggings and pink tank top, standing in warrior II pose with a fist on the hip and the other hand making a mudra.

The Sunday queer yoga class at English Yoga Berlin has been running online steadily since the very beginning of the pandemic. It feels about time to try out going back to our lovely Kreuzberg yoga studio. But in order to be accessible to those who cannot attend in person, the class will also be streamed online. So, as of September, the class will go back to its original timeslot of 4pm as a hybrid yoga experience. The Zoom code for those who have it will remain the same.

Here are the up-to-date recommendations to reduce the spread and protect the vulnerable in our communities. Here are some precautions we like to take during our Queer Yoga class at the studio:

** Update April 2023 **
Classes will continue as a Hybrid-yoga experience. Class sizes as per usual are limited to 10 persons. Spots are prioritized for monthly students, and then open up for drop-ins as per first come, first serve basis. Please do a quick test before coming to class for courtesy of others practicing in the same room. If you’ve had contact with an infected person or have cold or flu or other unusual symptoms, even if you test negative, please stay at home. If you feel well enough, you are of course welcome to join us online.

Join the Telegram Group for last-minute updates!

Guidelines up until November 2022

The use of FFP2 masks:

It is requested that you wear FFP2 masks at the studio in all spaces except when you are properly situated at your own mat. Continue to wear the mask when you enter and exit the studio, when you walk around the space, and when you get up to go to the toilet.

When everyone is situated at their mats, you can take your mask off and practice yoga without it.

If you need to go to the toilet during the class, you need to put your mask back on as you pass the other students.

Wash your hands as you enter the space:

As you enter the studio, please use the bathroom on the left to wash your hands thoroughly.

Bring your yoga mats:

Please bring your own yoga mat to class. If, for some reason you forget, you will be allowed to use ours but you need to disinfect it before use and after use. This goes for blocks and other props that you handle a lot. FYI: Blankets are washed regularly, but not after every use.

Hands-on contact/guidance:

Hands-on contact is only permitted when both parties are wearing a mask. If you would like hands-on guidance, please indicate so by putting on your mask, and I will put mine on and disinfect my hands before coming over.

Airing the space:

When possible yoga class will happen with the windows open. When the weather gets chillier, I will air the room out every 20 minutes for 3-5 minutes. In order to reduce contamination, please do not touch the window handles yourself. Every time you feel the need for more air, please let me know and I will open the windows for you.


Juli offers Svastha Yogatherapy Vinyasa Flow yoga inspired classes at English Yoga Berlin. This queer yoga class is also open to friends and allies. Our yoga Kreuzberg Berlin classes are open for and welcome to beginners, as well as people struggling with chronic pain. Juli also offers private yoga classes one on one.

Hatha Yoga Classes Return to the Studio

I am happy to announce that Hatha Yoga will return to our Kreuzberg studio from the 10th of August, 2021 for live classes. Additionally, the Thursday 6pm class will become a hybrid live/online class again. This means I will be teaching live at the studio, while streaming it on zoom for participants who can not attend live.

Since the pandemic is still ongoing, the classes will be limited to six people in order to comply with the health regulations of Berlin. If you wish to secure your regular monthly space, please write to me and let me know which class you wish to attend.

Here are the updated regulations that we need to follow. Please take a moment to read them so that we are all ready for the return of the Hatha Yoga classes to the studio.

Register for class:

Due to the limited amount of participants, you must register for class.

For monthly students: Please inscribe to a specific class and let me know about it. Please come only to this class. If you miss a class you can recuperate on Thursday 6pm online.

For drop ins: to register for a class you need to send an email and pre-pay for it through paypal or bank account. A refund is only possible if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

For 5er cards: to register for a class you need to send an email specifying the class and sign your own 5er card. A refund is only possible if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Proof of vaccination AND show of a negative test

The Berlin regulations require that you show a proof of vaccination AND a 24 hour negative test in order to attend a class. It is required to be an official test from one of the various test centers in Berlin.

The use of medical masks

There will be a partial use of medical masks at the studio. You need to wear your medical mask, when you come in and out of the studio, when you go to the bathroom, and as you walk to your mat.

When everyone is situated at their mats, you can take your mask off and practice yoga without a mask.

If you need to go to the bathroom during the class, you need to put your mask back on as you pass the other students.

Wash your hands as you enter the space.

As you enter the studio, please use the bathroom on the left to wash your hands thoroughly before filling out the obligatory list of contacts at the table.

Yoga mats

Please bring your own yoga mat to class. If, for some reason you forget, you will be allowed to use ours but you need to disinfect it before use and after use. The Health Ministry highly discourages the common use of yoga mats.

Hands-on corrections

Hands-on corrections can happen only if both student and teacher are wearing a mask.

Airing the space

When possible yoga class will happen with the windows open. When the weather gets chillier, I will air every 20 minutes for 3-5 minutes. In order to reduce contamination, please do not touch the window handles and air yourself. Every time you feel the need for more air, please let me know and I will open the windows for you.

Keeping a list of contacts

We are required to keep a list of contacts for 4 weeks after each class. The list must contain every person’s full name, address, and phone number.

I am so excited to see all of you live again!

Pinelopi

Benefits of Yoga Online

Laptop on a red yoga mat, with small dog and human looking on. The human's left arm and right leg are extended. The left knee is bent.
Yoga Online with Furry Friend

If we’ve learned one thing from the past year and a half, it’s that it’s possible to work from home. Long daily commutes became a thing of the past. Will we go back to that or listen to the communities of people fighting for accessible working conditions? The world does not stop because people work from the comforts of their homes. Right from the beginning of the pandemic I started giving my yoga classes online. As I got used to it, it became habit and I almost forgot what it was like to teach a yoga class in person. Now that measures are loosening, we have the opportunity to go back to the studio. And with the warmer weather, we can teach outside. But this is not always the preference of the people who attend my classes. So what are the benefits of yoga online?

Benefits of Yoga Online

You can join from anywhere

Throughout the pandemic, a number of international students have joined my classes. They’ve joined from Glasgow, Miami, Toronto, San Francisco, Barcelona, Vienna and Amsterdam. The class time (Sundays at 18h CEST) is quite conducive to people’s schedules who join from these various cities. Most of these international participants are people who’ve previously attended my classes in person, but some are new!

From the comfort of your own home

There’s always the option to turn one’s camera off during an online yoga session. If a participant feels self-conscious, or simply wants privacy while they practice yoga, with a click of a button they can achieve it. No more worries about interrupting a class, because you have to go to the bathroom or need a glass of water. Bodily noises such as stomach gurgles or farts are also hidden behind the mute button. If someone needs to take their time with a pose, or needs specific props, or would prefer to use a chair that day, those items are more easily within reach. Your favourite furry friend can also join you!

Eliminating the commute

If a participant is already at home, there’s no need to go anywhere to join a class. All one has to do is turn on the computer and sign in to the session. The time taken commuting to the studio is eliminated. If the weather is bad, there’s no need for it to cause a lack of motivation. There are therefore less obstacles in the way to joining the class.

Reducing spread

Of course, during the height of the pandemic, we were obliged to practice yoga online. The studios were closed. But now that we have the opportunity to go back to the studio, we can still choose to practice online in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Practicing yoga with masks on causes too much restriction for breathing exercises. And opening windows regularly cools down the room too much during cold winter months. Nothing reduces the spread as much as eliminating contact. This is something we can be sure about. For participants with compromised immune systems or pandemic-related anxiety, it makes it safer to practice yoga.

There are many things lost in online yoga classes – in-person connection to community, better visibility of the yoga teacher and participants, lack of connectivity problems, etc. But there are also many benefits of yoga online that are not achievable in-person. And we still have many people in our community who are not yet fully vaccinated. For now, the Sunday yoga queers & friends commnunity yoga class will continue online.

Juli offers Svastha Yogatherapy Vinyasa Flow yoga inspired classes at English Yoga Berlin. This queer and trans community yoga class is also open to friends and allies. Our yoga Kreuzberg Berlin classes are open for and welcome to beginners, as well as people struggling with chronic pain. Juli also offers private yoga classes one on one.