Doris Yoga, led by the yoga teacher from Los Altos, who simply calls herself “Doris”, offers virtual yoga classes from 6:30 am Monday to Saturday
Doris’ courses emphasize body awareness and control. Students may not be used to actively activating and strengthening muscles so that they can live painlessly, improve their balance, and build core stability and strength.
The yoga business has been tough for teachers amid the pandemic. Many were on leave in March due to gym and studio closures. To survive, they reinvent themselves and their business. Some are learning new skills, others are adopting technology and turning their homes into virtual studios.
Though Doris has transitioned to home schooling from 18 classes in seven locations per week, there are positive aspects including travel time savings and gasoline savings.
Another advantage? Remote students can now take their online courses. In addition to her local practitioners, Doris’ students come from Oregon, Colorado, Washington, DC and internationally from France, Great Britain, Denmark and South Korea.
“I’m digging that zoom thing,” she said. “It’s exciting to connect with students all over the world.”
Doris’ international fan base stems from leading annual trips to Nepal. She has planned a trip to Italy that has been postponed because of the pandemic.
“Self-care is important as we face unforeseen challenges,” she said. “I am grateful that we are staying connected through the technology. It is a privilege to share my teachings with students on a daily basis, even when I am protected on the spot. It offers comfort and joy in the midst of uncertainty. “
Positive results
After weeks of attending Doris’ courses, students report physical, mental and emotional changes.
“I noticed that my right hip has improved,” said one participant. “I am seeing a new definition of the back muscles. I can coordinate large muscle groups. “
Another student added, “As I became increasingly sedentary during the quarantine, I noticed old injuries appeared in my hip and shoulder that made it difficult to sleep and sit. After consistently practicing Doris Yoga for weeks,
I’ve gained stability in these joints. Besides healing my injuries and sleeping better, I have better posture and muscular pressure. “
Doris also teaches meditation classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings. For 15 minutes, she guides students through visualization and breathing techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, relieving pain, improving sleep, and increasing positive energy, resulting in mental and physical balance.
Tuition costs $ 10 to $ 20; Doris offers a donation-based Align and Flow course on Fridays at 4:45 p.m.
A timetable and further information about Doris Yoga can be found at dorisyoga.com.
