I’ve been thinking a lot about 2020 and what a tumultuous year it has been. I’m not of the mindset that once we reach 2021 things will magically change, but I am hopeful for a brighter future for all of us. 2020 offered the opportunity to explore accessibility in so many aspects of our lives. Covid forced us to go online and to become more sensitive to the way we connect and create community even when we’re at a distance. We got to implement so many of the lessons that the disability community has been teaching us for years.
In particular, I’m really amazed by the way that our community pivoted to make yoga accessible during this unusual time. I’ve seen all the creative and original ways yoga teachers have moved to teaching online. At Accessible Yoga, moving online allowed us to expand the reach of our work. 640 people were able to attend our first ever online Accessible Yoga Conference last month. It never would have occurred to me that moving online could be so effective and fun!
At our Conference we had tons of incredible presenters sharing in all different aspects of accessibility and equity in yoga. I’m pretty sure it was the most diverse group of presenters ever gathered for a yoga conference. We had presenters and participants from all different backgrounds and abilities sharing their love of yoga and their desire to share it with others. I can’t think of a more beautiful representation of the essence of our work.
I’m excited to expand on this success next year. In particular, I’d like to expand on the Community Networking Sessions, which were such a big hit at the conference. These sessions were opportunities for individual members of our community to share about the amazing work they are doing, and to connect with others who are working in similar areas of interest.
These have been challenging days, and I know for myself that my yoga practice has helped me to survive and thrive. I’m so grateful that I have these beautiful teachings in my life, and that I am surrounded by so many dedicated and service-oriented people who give so generously of their time and energy. I am passionate about our mission to remove obstacles to accessibility and equity in the yoga world, and I’d love your support. This coming Giving Tuesday, December 1st, is a great opportunity for you to make a donation or share about our work.
Mostly, as I look back over this year, I’m grateful to all of you who have supported the work of Accessible Yoga - making donations, representing us in the world as Ambassadors, and sharing your love of yoga with everyone around you. Thank you to all of you, to all of our staff, and to our Board of Directors. I look forward to what 2021 will bring us.
Love,
Jivana
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