I wanted to hug everyone, but I knew we weren't ready for that yet.

Leading up to teaching my first in-person yoga class in over a year, I had many apprehensions. Would the technology of live-streaming interfere with the experience of those in the room? (It did not.) Would I be able to talk for 75 minutes straight while wearing a mask? (Yes.) Would I recognize longtime students without being able to see their whole face? (One hundred percent!)

Like so many do, these particular worries dissolved in the moment. In their place, I felt the warm wash of gratitude materialize as humble teardrops when I welcomed everyone to class, both those in the room and those joining from home. Many Sun & Moon teachers week have reported similar wellsprings of relief and joy as they began sharing energetic space and the energy-transforming practice of yoga in person once again.

And yet, like out-of-shape athletes planning our return to the arena, we all must pace ourselves. Unless you thrive in the far reaches of the extroversion scale, being around other people will always have the potential to be tiring. Pre-pandemic, most of us were acclimated, or at least knew our limits. Now? It's a new game for each one of us.

Let's approach this as we might a challenging new yoga posture. Pay attention. Listen carefully. Feel the ground steady and strong beneath you. Take slow and steady inhales, and exhale with ease and attention. Be mindful of your surroundings – and offer grace to yourself or others who inadvertently overstep. Attend to the full experience as it unfolds. Rest up afterwards. Try again the moment you're ready, and not a moment sooner.

We'll see you then, when you're ready, with open arms, even if a distanced mime of a hug is all we can comfortably or safely offer.