03/13/2020
Dear Students,
I have been closely following the global outbreak of coronovirus and tracking its escalation, and have deeply been contemplating what is best for the collective health and safety of our community during this time. Despite the health and hygiene protocols which we have instituted at the Shala amidst growing concerns, with each day I feel that still more action is needed! At this time, I believe that action calls for closing down the Shala, until further notice.
Austin has finally "officially reported" its "first coronavirus cases," but with testing having been essentially non-existent until now, I'm afraid there have been many more cases percolating in the greater Austin community and beyond for some time now. We are in uncharted territory. I cannot remember a time that two European countries completely closed their borders and put their countries in "lockdown." I do not say this to incite panic. I say this to encourage socially responsible action. Yoga, as we know, is about much more than our physical practice. Now is the time for karma yoga, the yoga of action. We must act with great care for each other, without self-interest, and in service of others and the greater good of our communities. This means staying home and/or self-quarantining as warranted if you are not well, and practicing social distancing. It may not be convenient. In fact it may become quite burdensome. But we must each do our part for the greater good. We cannot continue with our daily activities without regard for others who may be highly vulnerable during these times.
Please see the following article, "Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now."
https://medium.com//coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca
Scientists have discovered that the coronavirus can stay infectious for days on some surfaces, and can be shed by people before they develop symptoms and linger in the body for many weeks. Our government unfortunately has been very slow and ineffective in setting appropriate guidelines for everyone to follow. We are already past the point of containment (see article referenced above). While it seems that most of the general population that comes into contact with the virus may recover without significant challenges, it is the other 20% who are most vulnerable and at significant risk, for whom we must act with even greater care! If we don't take necessary measures to drastically slow down the spread of this virus now, our health care system is very soon going to be overloaded and unable to care for those who do need critical life-saving care. Please keep this in mind as you go forward.
Though we are closing our doors at this time, your practice continues. You are all well-equipped to take what you have learned with us in the Shala and practice at home. Please be in touch and reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about your practice. And please take good care of yourselves and your families.
Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
With much love to you all,
Priya
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