How do virtual classes work?

First, register in advance for the class you would like to participate in. Complete the registration form with payment and you will receive an email confirmation with the link to access the class. HPY uses Zoom which can be accessed via a computer browser or iOS/Android app on a phone or tablet.

Before your first class, give yourself at least 15 minutes to download the app and get acclimated. Click the meeting link sent to you in your confirmation email. Follow the onscreen prompts to join the virtual class. You are welcome to keep your video/camera active (Natalie would love to see you!) but you will need to mute your microphone.

How much do HPY @ Home classes cost?

Natalie is on a mission to keep these classes super accessible. So the cost per class per household is set at only $2. Payments are made through our secure online scheduling software where you can save your credit card info to make future class payments even easier.

For students interested in investing more, please consider making a donation to HPY's Community Funded Yoga Program. By doing so you'll be helping folks without funds access yoga while helping HPY maintain a sustainable small business.

If you are interested in HPY @ Home classes but unable to cover the $2 class fee at this time, please contact Natalie.

What will I need to practice from home?

You will need a device which can stream video and audio with a reliable internet connection. For Chair Yoga classes, you will need a sturdy chair with no (or locked) wheels and preferably no arms. For mat-based classes, you will want a yoga mat. You might also want to have additional props or tools available for mat classes. Some items you might find helpful to have accessible nearby include: a blanket/towel or two; a pillow, cushion, or bolster; a strap or belt; yoga blocks; an extra yoga mat; a chair; some open wall space. No need to worry if any if these items are unavailable to you.

Umm...my house isn't exactly "zen". How am I supposed to find my Happy Place while in my (busy/messy/distraction-filled) home?

Practicing mindfulness when our external conditions are ideal is a lovely gift. Yet most of the real world isn't like a calm and perfectly-lit yoga studio. And the real world is also where we REALLY need mindfulness the most. So while this is certainly a challenge, it's a worthy one. Chances are your home yoga practice will not be perfect. The great news is....it doesn't have to be! In fact, we can learn a lot by staying aware through distractions and frustrations. Notice your thoughts and feelings when things go "wrong", then practice coming back to your body, your center.

Ayurvedic wisdom teaches us that there are two things we need most to grow and heal - time and space. Many of us are having a pretty interesting relationship with time and space these days! So here are some tips to consider as you build your home practice.

• Establish a clear, clean, and mostly tech-free area to practice. Create a dedicated or "on-demand" space where you can both pause and move around.
• Set up your practice space somewhere that feels good to you, like an area with nice daylight. It's totally ok to practice in an area that serves another function for most of your day, but consider both the practicality and the energy of what usually happens in that space. If you are working all day from a home office area, you might want to roll out your mat somewhere away from your workspace.
• Consider your senses. What do you see in this space - beautiful things that bring you joy or a bunch of to-do list items? What can you bring in/use in your space to make the experience pleasant - candles, plants, stones, an image that is special to you? Can you open a window for some fresh air or use some calming essential oils? Can you play some soft music or other soothing sounds? What might you remove to make this area feel lighter and more spacious?
• If you can leave your practice space set up throughout the day, that's great! If not, make it easy to transition. Set your mat/props neatly off to the side of the room. Create a space that visually reminds you that you want to practice and check in with yourself.
• Set aside time intentionally. Whether you're attending a virtual yoga class or just mindfully pausing, create a regular plan for your practice. Then tell your family, friends, coworkers when you plan to practice so they can support giving you some space. Request a little privacy and peace and expect the humans in your life to do their best (while remaining hopelessly human).
• Set reminders to help you stick to your plan. And if life gets in the way of your plans sometimes, remember that you can be flexible.
• Create small, simple rituals before and after your practice to define and "bookend" your time. For instance, you might light a candle before you start and blow it out when you finish.
• Be determined to show up for yourself. Be patient when things don't seem to go quite right. Then be determined again. And patient again. Like the tiny spring buds starting to emerge from the still-frozen earth - this stuff takes time and tenaciosness.