Stay home or go out? Seeking a COVID balance is a bit of a stretch

After two years of work from home and lockdowns in Melbourne, I learned we can do most things from home with the help of Zoom. I did yoga from home over Zoom, Zoom meetings, conducted my interviews via Zoom, attended church through Zoom, and even socialised with friends and family abroad through Zoom.

But after two years, I was on a Zoom strike. While I still have to attend meetings and conduct interviews online, I desperately wanted to cut down on my time behind a screen. I no longer wanted to turn on my computer to do downwards dogs or tree poses with my yoga teacher and classmates.

So, in February, I committed to attending yoga in person every single day for one month at a yoga studio near my home.

I found exactly what I was craving for – real-life community.

On my first day though, they announced the sad news that the studio was closing. As they grieved the end of a decade of yoga together, I was revelling in our interactions: the laughter, the eye contact and the energy in real life. The teachers were all warm and friendly. I could see the friendships built among my classmates. In 30 short days, I made a few friends of my own.

But the true testament of this community was seeing its spirit live on after the studio closed. Many of the teachers and students moved to a nearby yoga studio. Since it was now a 40-minute walk away, one lady offered me a ride.

Another kind classmate gave me a ride home after learning we lived on the same street. My yoga teacher Emma comforted me when tears rolled down my eyes during one yin yoga class.

As winter is in full swing, the threat of COVID-19 and flu cases is very much still with us. Is it time to revert back to my life behind the screen when my heart longs for the comfort of community?