Asking for consent and permission - yoga is a sacred space

I will preface saying that I have in fact taken photos of my classes specfically for the site where I am teaching (special workshops, fundraisers) but ONLY with explicit and unanimous consent and permission for any posting/use. 

I have had professional photographs taken of me in a yoga practice for what the industry might deem "glamour shots" and I was the only person in them, with explicit consent from the location. I have taken pictures of kids ONLY when all the parents and the location consented to the use of the photo in any public manner (i.e., my website). Any and all objections have (and will be) met with compliance. 

I have consented to photographs to be taken of my as an individual and in a group when asked, and even "tagged" myself on media (even when the photo wasn't flattering) to help promote the event/studio/class.

I won't belabor this post with my diatribe about generational perspectives on self-images, or safe spaces versus personal responsibility as those are opinions open for debate. What I will say is that I do not think it's appropriate to take a selfie of yourself when taking my class and in any location that prohibits it I will enforce that policy. 

I am glad that the YMCA where I both teach and practice has a specific policy not only discouraging but prohibiting videos and photographs on the gym floor, and in exercise rooms (and it goes almost without saying, locker rooms). Some gyms have no such policy, and the yoga studio standard varies (or sometimes hasn't been established). If I'm a participant in the class, the only thing I can do is move out of the way, and perhaps verify if the studio/gym itself has a policy so I am informed about my choice to practice there. 

I appreciate the approach and explanation in this article. Thank you for reading.

https://ellelorean.co/consent-photography-in-yoga-healing-spaces/

San Diego Inclement Weather and Disaster Support

Originally disseminated by the YMCA of San DiegoCounty:

• The San Diego Inclement Weather Shelter Program has been activated. People experiencing homelessness can show up directly at the locations to gain access to a bed. For a list of locations, visit the Inclement Weather Shelter Program webpage https://www.sandiego.gov/homelessness-strategies-and-solutions/services/inclement-weather-shelter-program

• Individuals who have experienced flood damage can complete a voluntary damage reportfor the county by completing a form here: https://bit.ly/48IV9dT - the form does not guarantee eligibility for relief and is not a substitute for filing an insurance claim.

• For the latest emergency updates visit www.alertsandiego.org and download the SanDiego Emergency app.

• If you are affected by the storms and need to speak with someone by phone about shelters, road closures, and other non-emergency disaster-related services, please call 211. If you’re hearing impaired, dial 711 and ask to be connected to (858) 300-1211.

• San Diego Red Cross Storm Response Information- Red Cross SoCal Storm Response

• Storm Debris Removal Services
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New SD County YMCA Memberships and Annual Campaign.

Membership

A while back I posted information about getting a free membership (for seniors) to the SDCounty YMCA through insurance. Below is more specific information so that you can check to see if your policy applies, and then enjoy the YMCA benefits that aren't limited to being "a gym."

As of this year, here are the programs through which seniors can obtain YMCA memberships for free:

• United Health Care (Renew Active)
• Silver & Fit (specific insurance programs here https://www.silverandfit.com/health-plans/search-results)
• PeerFit (FitOn, Peerfit Move, FitOn Health)
• BlueShield (three month pass only)

The Y is also debuting a new membership structure that may help you afford to join if you aren't 55+. The tiers are called Community and Community+. The main difference between the two is that the "+" means get a higher discount off activities (swim lessons, camp, sports, gymnastics) and services (preschool, childcare) plus an extra guest pass, and the ability to reserve Group X classes in advance!

Did you also know that there is nationwide reciprocity for memberships? So, when I'm in Chicago, I can drop in to the YMCA there and take a fitness class, use the pool, and enjoy the gym without any additional charge!

For the month of January, new joiners get this whole month FREE plus a waived sign up fee. If someone joins by mid-February, they will still enjoy the "fee free" promotion. Also, for each person that you refer the enrolls, you get one month of membership free (if you get 12 people, yes, you get your whole year free).

Reach out to Member Services for any questions and to sign up today ! https://www.ymcasd.org/membership

Annual Campaign

Did you know the Y provides resources for those who may experience food insecurity, and also can help find housing for those needing shelter? It's also a great place for health and wellness seminars free of charge, has free fitness/wellness programs for those living with cancer, whether recently diagnosed, under going treatment, or in recovery. Yes FREE! They have after school care, preschool programs, teen safety and fitness care, and plenty of scholarships available for those wanting to join but don't have it in their budget. 

As an 8-year veteran of teaching YMCA classes, I believe in the cause of the Y. So much that this year I've volunteered to donate one hour's wages out of every paycheck to their Annual Campaign (we call that a "power hour" donation). I was gifted my first membership at the Y, and my family has found innumerable resources, from camp discounts (for both members and staff), swim team (Eli did 2 years), training (they helped me get my Personal Training Certification), and a chance to share my skills with the community. 

If you are able to contribute any amount to fund the wide variety of social welfare programs, please consider making a contribution here (select the Health and Wellness Department at Copley Price so our team gets credit for the donation):

https://www.ymcasd.org/give-y/annual-campaign

Check out my fundraising page for YMCA of San Diego County - 

https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/5188475

New classes on my schedule (UPDATE)

Welcome to 2024. I hope your 2023 concluded with a sense of peace and calm and 2024 entered quietly and full of promise. 

With that in mind I want to tell you about a few new classes that I've added to my schedule (also check the calendar for the most-up-to-date information including cost and location links):

Wednesdays 9:00am - 9:30 AM starting 2/7: Stretch/Strengthen at the Westmont La Mesa (residents only)

This new class just for residents of the facility. It will include stretching (yoga oriented) and strengthening (fitness oriented) movements with music as the background and fun as our motivation. This class comes as part of my new contract with RightFit so thank you to them for bringing me into the team!

First and Third Fridays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM starting 2/2: Chair Yoga at the Lemon Grove Library (free open-to-public)

This community favorite class has come back! Like all the chair yoga classes, no experience is necessary. Just bring water, wear comfy clothes (please do not use any heavily scented items or perfumes before class), and any yoga props you might normally use (if you don't have any don't worry). We will do plenty of seated postures, standing postures, breathing practices, and share plenty of smiles and stories ono our journey to improved vitality.

Every Friday 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM starting 3/1: Chair Yoga at the Skylines Hills Library (free open-to-public)

Our first two classes at this new location were a rousing success. We have one more "kickoff" to test drive the program on January 19 at the same time, so come on out and try this class. The library is beautiful and the room is spacious - we can handle plenty more participants. This one is also free and open to the public. It is designed for adults (please, no children). Same prep as the other classes: bring water, wear comfy clothes, have phones OFF for the duration of class, and get ready to have fun.