However, on May 23 I mailed my formal resignation letter to the yoga studio owner. By that time many businesses reopened and it was evident that the majority of people were ignoring CDC guidelines. Teaching in an enclosed space (four walls and ceiling/roof) without masks did not “feel” right to me. And, unfortunately, the number of COVID cases has skyrocketed since my decision to resign.
- On May 23, the day I mailed my resignation letter, the number of COVID-19 infections in Florida was 50,867.
- Today, July 19, the number of infections in Florida is 350,047.
Why did I "quit?"
"Putting up a false image kills a lot of teachers." – Stephen Josephs
“Image”: I didn’t want to keep teaching just to keep up appearances or teach simply because “everyone else” was. A false image now, especially during the pandemic, was not in line with my understanding of ahimsa - nonviolence. Now is not the time for me to teach studio yoga classes in enclosed spaces without masks. I don’t want to be a part of the COVID infection chain whether intentionally by my actions or unintentionally by participating in activities where the virus gets passed on to someone’s home, workplace, and then into a hospital. Attending a yoga class, while extremely beneficial, is not an essential activity.
If people think I look like a “quitter,” I am okay with that. Doing what I think is ethical and healthy is essential – I couldn’t live with myself otherwise. 
“Dime”: I am not a “corporate” yoga teacher. I have no website, YouTube channel or newsletter. Teaching yoga was never a business transaction for me. Money alone is not a reason to teach, and, thankfully, teaching yoga is not my main source of income. As a Restorative yoga teacher, I spent my own money purchasing and sanitizing blankets, eye pillows, blocks, and pillow cases (to cover the studio bolsters), for my students. I also paid for additional training, professional dues, and liability insurance. Needless to say, I barely broke even. Any income I made was not essential for me.
“Time”: I am 60+ so time is very important to me. During the shut-down, I realized how much I appreciated my newfound “free time," especially on Fridays and Sundays. For years I worked evenings and weekends. I missed many family events due to work. Now that I am not teaching, my daughter can come for dinner and visit on her schedule. I love being available for my family!
Then there are the uncompensated hours I spent creating and practicing yoga lessons -- the uncompensated hours I spent before class cleaning the studio. The pandemic helped me to focus on what is essential for my life. Teaching in a studio right now is not essential for me.
One day I may return to teaching yoga studio classes. But when I think of going back, I most often envision teaching in nursing homes or cancer treatment centers – places where people who lack resources can benefit the most from yoga. Yoga studios, on the other hand, are outlets for people who already have many resources at their disposal. Maybe my teaching will be needed elsewhere, post-pandemic.
In the meantime, I am researching the medical benefits of yoga while my home practice flourishes!
One day I may return to teaching yoga studio classes. But when I think of going back, I most often envision teaching in nursing homes or cancer treatment centers – places where people who lack resources can benefit the most from yoga. Yoga studios, on the other hand, are outlets for people who already have many resources at their disposal. Maybe my teaching will be needed elsewhere, post-pandemic.
In the meantime, I am researching the medical benefits of yoga while my home practice flourishes!
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