Here we are, deep into the Summer of 2020. It’s the oddest time of my life. I can’t make many plans so I’ve find myself digging deeper into every moment. My life is governed by uncertainty. My life is also governed by the morning light, the park and lake across the street, and the forest trails. My life is governed by my online teaching. Teaching online yoga continues to be a grounding force for my students, as well as for myself!

You haven’t heard from me in a while, but I’ve been present, more present than ever. It’s a glorious summer day here in the Pacific Northwest. Slowly, I am beginning to venture out to social distance with friends, always outside, always wearing a mask unless I am eating.  I have also begun offering my Yoga in the Park classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in Wallingford, Seattle (Meridian Playground Park). This is the 20th anniversary of my offering the outdoor classes. I taught my first outdoor class last week. It was simply wonderful. I have to limit the group to 10 participants.  Anyone wanting to come to the class, must contact me and sign up. We must wear masks to and from the park.  Mats are set 10 feet apart and we can take our masks off once the yoga session begins. Rick and I remain extremely cautious, washing our hands often, keeping at least a 6 foot physical distance from other humans, touching no one.  The virus continues to lurk, the invisible enemy, keeping us wondering when we will be able to tamp it down here in the USA.

This maple has red leaves throughout the summer

COVID-19 has allowed me to step out of my busy life and has allowed me to gain a very clear perspective on how I live, what I want to do, and what I no longer want to do.  In these troubling times of social upheaval, racial injustice, economic crisis, environmental crisis, pandemic, suffering, protests, political divisiveness within my country as I have never experienced before, I have refined my thoughts and rediscovered clarity.

My Rajasthani shoes

It’s been a very strange, troubling, and sad time and, yet, I feel strengthened. It feels odd to write that last sentence. But the crises have made me stand taller, emboldened.  Representative John Lewis lived his life with such great courage and his colossal heroism and accomplishments ignite a fire within me to blossom into an undaunted person.  I have stepped out into a limb and have balanced my way to the very edge. I will save the details and photos of the big news about my leasing a small yoga studio in Green Lake for another blog post.  Suffice to say for now that my new yoga studio is simple and peaceful. For now it is where I am teaching all of my online yoga classes. And it is a place for me to do my writing (so yes, you will see more blog posts from me and a book on yoga in the making). Last year on September 11, 2019, we sold our Ocean Shores home and sanctuary, Little Renaissance.  That is where I held my weekend yoga retreats for 20 years. Nothing will ever quite replace that home, but my new studio Yoga by Fran Gallo is possible because I no longer have to tend to Little Renaissance. The studio is  small, thus affordable. When one day COVID-19 is a thing of the past, I will, in addition to continuing online class offerings, be able hold Hatha Yoga classes, workshops, and various trainings for only 8 students per session.  I am beyond excited to have my own gem of a studio!

Grilled veggies from Kelley and Jack’s garden

ONLINE YOGA OFFERINGS (Pacific Daylight Time, filmed in Seattle). PAYMENTS  To make payments for the following classes, find me by using my email address fran@frangallo.com with Venmo or Zelle or use this direct link for my PayPal account or send a check payable to Fran Gallo to my home address. Contact me for my home mailing address):

  • Facebook Live Online Streaming Mondays through Thursdays. 7-8am Gentle Hatha and 8:30-9:30am All Levels Hatha. Sessions recorded and stay online for later viewing. Classes by donation. Suggested donation $10-$20 per class. Find me on my Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/YogaByFranGallo/
  • Gentle Hatha Chakra Series on Zoom  Mondays 4-5:15pm  The series is underway, but you can still sign up for the remainder of classes July 27-August 17  $60 for the 4 sessions. As soon as you register, I will send you a link. Participants receive a recording of the live class so they may practice during the week.
  • All Levels Chakra Series on Zoom Mondays 5:45-7pm The series is underway, but you can still sign up for the remainder of classes July 27-August 17  $60 for the 4 sessions. As soon as you register, I will send you a link. Participants receive a recording of the live class so they may practice during the week.
  • Yin Yoga Series for Flexibility and Relaxation Wednesdays 4-5:15pm  July 29-August 19  Target your deep connective tissues and muscles with various stretches which will help improve flexibility and circulation. $60 for the 4 sessions. As soon as you register, I will send you a link. Participants receive a recording of the live class so they may practice during the week.
  • Yoga in the Park Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6-7pm,  All summer, ends on August 25 and 26. Classes are by donation.  Suggested donation $10-$20 per class. Please contact me at fran@frangallo.com to sign up. Class size limited to 10 participants. Mats set 10 feet apart.  Masks required until you get settled on your mat. Masks required as you leave your mat at the end of the session. Meridian Playground in Wallingford, just off 48th and Meridian.

This blog post has photos I took yesterday as we social distanced with friends in Shoreline. It was a beautiful cool evening. We enjoyed the company of our friends, their gorgeous garden, and a great meal together. Be safe everyone!  Hope to “see” you online soon. Namaste, Fran

Socially distanced and enjoying each others’ company

Jack

Don

Salmon

Rick