When we used to be able to take a yoga class in the studio, there would sometimes be this awkward moment when a student would arrive to class and put down their yoga mat a little too close to another student. It would be especially strange if there was a large studio available and they for some reason felt they needed to get right in there next to the only other people in the room. Remember that episode of Seinfeld with "The Close Talker"? Or being in a nearly empty movie theater and someone comes in and sits right in front of you?

Our bodies are made of energy. Our tissues and organs produce specific magnetic pulsations and everyone (and everything) has a vibrational energy signature. The stronger the persons energy and the more YOU are open and paying attention to it, the more you will feel them....like when you feel someone is staring at you from behind and you know it before you even turn around. Visualize a circular field of energy that extends all around you and when someone enters that field it could be lovely and intimate or awkward and terrifying. Clearly some of us more aware of our spacial energy and impact than others.

My dear friend Tracy Bleier shared this cool concept called Crown Shyness. It is a phenomenon in nature that trees growing in close proximity naturally produce canopy gaps to avoid growing into the shade of other trees and to receive as much sunlight as possible. So they naturally socially distance themselves from one another.

Currently entering someones personal space is highlighted because of social distancing. How do we dance around this new awkwardness? It can feel rude to not accept someone's out stretched hand or hug, or have you tried to get on an elevator yet?!? How can you re-frame the exchange to be safe? Name it and initiate a lighthearted conversation, just acknowledge the awkwardness. We are all making it up as we go along. By talking about the uncertainty it dispels the myth that there is a right way to do this. We will all need to be more aware and sensitive and, without any judgment or fear of being ridiculed, be able to engage in our new reality. It is difficult for me to see my dear friends and not embrace them in a hug hello or goodbye, but without that social cue, I still want them to know how deeply happy I am to see them. SO for now, I will use words and articulate it.

Lastly, practicing online does allow us to stay physically distanced and I was asked to be a part of an online platform to allow you to practice anywhere and anytime by simply using this APP.  I am a guest instructor for the @chillanywhere LAUNCH PARTY July 13-19, which will include instructors from around the world. In case you are not familiar with @chillanywhere, they help people live less stressed, more mindful lives through meditation + yoga.  Join me for my Hamstrings + Hips Yoga Flow practice on Fri, July 17 from 7-7:55am CDT!  This yoga practice is super mindful and accessible to any level of practitioner.  My class and all of the classes during the Launch Party are complimentary!  All you have to do is download the Chill Anywhere app in the App Store or Google Play. You’ll get one month of complimentary access to 250+ guided meditation + yoga classes plus the Virtual Launch Party by using the code "JENNY"

After a safe holiday summer weekend, I would love to see you for class online.