March News from Bluebird Sky Yoga
Dear Bluebird Sky Yoga Community,

I know this week has been filled with lots of uncertainty and fear. In difficult times come opportunities to support one another. My heart's warmed the last few days as I've seen individuals step up to offer work for those facing losing work or facing uncertainty. I've loved seeing how collaboratively people are working to keep one another safe and informed. And the extra steps some of you have taken in particular to protect vulnerable members of your own families and nearby community.

Yoga offers us so many of the tools we need right now. The philosophy tells us the importance of both non-attachment and compassion. The physical poses (asana) help keep the body strong to help us fight dis-ease. And, the practice offers an opportunity to relieve stress, and often to even sleep better.

For those of you who are not coming into the studio across the next few weeks, we're excited to announce two practice opportunities.

First, We moved the start date of our Farmer's Market Yoga class up to March 21st! Please join Mariah on Saturday mornings outdoors at the Monroe Street Farmer's Market. Register for the first class of the season here. Wear a layer and come enjoy some peaceful moments outside.

Second, We are giving live streaming a shot next week! We'll be streaming our lunchtime classes for those of you at home, with the option to donate if you have the means. Please bear with us on Monday as we give it a go and forgive any technical hiccups. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. More information to come.

We've taken additional steps as the week's gone on and are now limited class sizes to provide more space per person, and have posted our health guidelines around the studio.

With love,

Jennie and the Bluebird Sky Yoga team
In case you missed it, here is a message we sent out earlier this week (with an update on props below):

Last week we sent an email out with the CDC's recommendations for keeping yourself safe this flu season, and especially in light of the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Below are the CDC's guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see  CDC’s Handwashing website. For information specific to healthcare, see  CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have  specific guidance for travelers.

Our Promise to You
The health and wellness of our community is of highest importance to us. Here are a few of the steps we've specifically taken to continue to foster a healthy environment at Bluebird Sky Yoga:
  • Asked our front desk team to increase their cleaning protocols
  • Swapped out hand towels in our bathrooms for paper towels
  • Added disinfectant wipes in the studio
  • Asked our teachers to refrain from offering hands-on-assists for the time being
  • Asked our teachers and front desk team to call out of work if they feel any symptoms coming on


Our Request of You
Follow the CDC's Guidelines
If you are feeling sick please seek medical attention. ( COVID-19 symptoms described by the CDC here.) If you are feeling sick or have been in close contact with others with the virus, please refrain from coming into the studio for practice.

Please follow the CDC guidelines listed above.

Props
While we regularly clean our studio mats and other props across the week, we ask you to help us be extra vigilant between classes. In addition to thoroughly wiping down your yoga mat after class, we ask that you also wipe down any borrowed blocks or straps.

Because we cannot wash our blankets and bolsters between every single class at the studio, we've decided to remove them for the time being from all classes except for our Sunday night Restorative class. We will wash all props used during this class.

If you'd like to use a blanket for practice, please consider bringing you own. No blanket, no problem. A beach towel works great too and is easier to carry to the studio. In lieu of a bolster, pillows can be a great alternative as well.

The best way to ensure all your props are as clean as possible is to not share. We have yoga mats available for sale in the lobby and recommend Yoga Accessories for well-priced props, should you choose to invest in your own.
Stay connected with Bluebird Sky on social media.