Creating Community in a Virtual Space

In Yoga, the Sanskrit term for community is Sangha (to note, Yoga 4 Change programs do not use Sanskrit). It is a word that many yoga teachers and practitioners would use to describe the community they have become a part of. Teaching a class on zoom is a different setting then when you are coming in person to take a class. It can be awkward while waiting for the class on zoom to feel safe to open up and share or maybe it allows you a space to be more comfortable to share as you are practicing from your home. There may be times when you start talking and then realize you are on mute and have to unmute and start the thought all over again. You may wonder how we can still create community in this virtual space.

However, in the yoga for veteran’s Monday night class, we have been able to come together as a community. Some of the participants previously know each other, and there are others, including myself, who are new to the group. We are also spread out across the country. Our veterans and active service members are from different branches of the military. For one hour, we are all in the same community. We check in with one another before class. If someone feels comfortable to share their own journey, they know this is a safe place to do that. If someone is not there in class, they are missed.

Being able to create a safe space in an online setting, goes back to the fundamental teachings of a trauma informed practice, that is also anchored in on our onboarding process with Yoga 4 Change. It all comes down to creating a secure environment for participants attending class, a place where students feel welcome and comfortable in the setting. Feeling safe is a major principle in a trauma-informed care setting. Since teaching this class, beginning September 2022, I have seen the students grow both in their practice, and also into a community with each other. We have welcomed newcomers and those just trying it out.

I am grateful to the students in this class for being so welcoming and open, and who show up for themselves, and each other, every week. I am a certified Warriors at Ease yoga teacher, and I get to utilize this training by working with our veterans and service members in providing a secure space for them to come together, create our sangha, our Monday evening community. I rotate this class with another teacher, I teach every other Monday, and I find myself on Monday nights that I am not teaching, thinking of how everyone is doing. If you are a part of the military community, whether active service member, veteran, family or support system, come join our Monday evening community.

Blog written by: Ashley Weed

Breanna TivvisMarch 13, 2023