Never Going To Give You Up

I’m often asked what makes live early morning yoga so special to me. If I had to choose just one thing to teach forever, this would be it—without a moment’s hesitation. I can't imagine life without live morning yoga. The connection, energy, consistency, and frequency we share through Zoom are invaluable. Here are some of the reasons I love it so much.

The Intimacy of Connection

It might seem strange to talk about intimacy in a virtual setting, but there’s something incredibly personal about teaching yoga live on Zoom, especially first thing in the morning. When yogi's join a class from their own homes, there’s a unique vulnerability—they’re often still shaking off sleep, with bedhead and sleepy eyes. We’re sharing these moments when the world is still quiet, and there’s a raw, unfiltered connection that’s unlike anything else.

Everyone shows up differently—some are ready and waiting, others join late, some come in their PJs, while others are fully prepared. For some, it’s far too early to even unmute themselves whilst other appear with the brightest ‘good mornings’. The things I see and hear when yogis forget to mute can’t help but feel intimate. One of my yogis is frequently kissed and cuddled by an affectionate partner. I know what people drink, the kind of mugs or teacups they favour, and I’m familiar with their pets. These little glimpses into their lives create a connection that’s special and unique to this setting.

.

The Magic of Morning Energy

There’s nothing more important than how you start your day, and morning yoga is all about setting a positive, intentional tone. Morning yoga has a unique energy that translates beautifully online. Awakening your body, all achy from sleep, feels like a form of alchemy. I can almost feel the collective shift in energy as we move through our practice, creating a sense of being in the same room despite our geographical separation.

A Sense of Community Across Distances

Teaching morning yoga on Zoom has fostered a rewarding sense of community. While we may not be a global gathering yet, we are a group of diverse individuals practicing together from our own homes—whether that’s in living rooms, kitchens, gardens or even bathrooms when the house is full! This virtual space creates a shared purpose, helping us build a virtual sangha, a supportive community that grows through breath, movement, and mindfulness. It’s a connection I cherish and hope to expand.

Consistency and Commitment

Morning yoga on Zoom brings a consistency that I—and my community—rely on. Life is unpredictable, and in-person classes can be disrupted by everything from traffic to weather and competing time pressures. But with Zoom, we can meet no matter what (except for the odd unforeseen tech issue—let’s face it, nothing’s perfect). This consistency has helped many of my morning yogis —and myself—establish a regular practice, which is the cornerstone of personal growth in yoga. It’s become a non-negotiable part of our routines, something we can all count on.

A future dream of mine is to leverage the flexibility of Zoom to teach from anywhere in the world. The potential to travel and teach remotely without disrupting our regular schedule is incredibly exciting. Many in our community already maintain their live yoga practice from exciting and exotic holiday destinations, demonstrating that it can be done. This vision of blending travel with teaching adds an inspiring layer to our commitment, emphasising that our practice can remain strong and uninterrupted, no matter where life’s journey takes us.

The Accessibility Factor

Zoom eliminates typical barriers, whether you’re a parent who can’t leave the children, live in a rural community, don't drive, prefers the comfort of home, or just want to skip the commute. You can roll out of bed and onto your mat with ease.

Witnessing Growth in a Unique Way

Teaching on Zoom has allowed me to witness my yogis' growth in a deeply personal way. I see them practicing in their own spaces, with pets, plants, or with their children and grandchildren joining in. Watching their progress—both physically and in their ability to carve out sacred time for themselves—is profoundly rewarding.

A Different Kind of Teaching Challenge

Teaching yoga on Zoom has pushed me to grow as a teacher. Without the physical presence of students, I’ve had to become more attuned to their needs through verbal cues and on-screen subtleties. I think it’s made me more mindful, precise, and communicative as an instructor—though you might want to take that with a grain of salt! This challenge has enriched my teaching style in ways I never anticipated, and I’ve become deeply attached to this unique way of connecting with and guiding my yogis..

Conclusion

While I would miss face-to-face interactions and the opportunity for deeper explorations in longer classes, morning yoga on Zoom holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a class—it’s a daily ritual of connection, growth, and community. It brings me a profound sense of purpose and joy, and seeing the faces of so many wonderful, committed yogis first thing in the morning lifts my spirits and makes me grateful to be alive.