The day after I posted last, the CDC amended their guidelines on mask-wearing amongst the vaccinated in outdoor venues. This was pretty fabulous news and it will make it possible for me (and YOU if you are fully vaccinated) to not wear a mask while leading the class. I did invest in some aides this year because we know that masks create the muffling/baffling of sound that can really test our nerves when we constantly have to be asked “what’s that?!” when talking.

So the new guidelines are those who are vaccinated fully, do not have to wear masks as long as we continue to stay uncloistered (since it will be a mixed group of individual variations on immunity) meaning 6′ feet apart as we practice. If we co-mingle (before or after class) and we know that others we are in close proximity with are also fully vaccinated, we can either choose to wear the mask or not. Do what makes sense and is most prudent in protecting all. We still don’t want to have large numbers of people closely inter-mingling, even outside.

The courts will be marked still, with 6′ foot markings. This is non-negotiable unless you are in the same “pod” with your mate/partner/family member and can trust that there is only safe sharing of space–not spreading happening. Does that make sense?! This is all so difficult to try and navigate still. So if you want to wiggle a little closer to them, that is fine as long as you are again, know that you’re sharing with one another and not potentially doing any harm.

Below is the link just in case weather is too much to manage, and kills our practice. It will be VERY brisk but if you have been a regular at the season opener for years, you know that’s part of our ascent into spring/summer madness so it enjoy it while we have it!

Zoom link info:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84442138506?pwd=ZDhteld6KzNMVUtxbFQyNTUvdjhlZz09 Meeting ID: 844 4213 8506

Passcode: 424063

One tap mobile +13017158592,,84442138506#,,,,*424063# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,84442138506#,,,,*424063# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 929 205 6099 US

(New York) +1 253 215 8782 US

(Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US

(Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 844 4213 8506 Passcode: 424063 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/knFAjFaNs

I’m going to end on the reminder that this is for all in the community and surrounding areas. There is only the “we” here. This is not about provinciality or partiality at all–all are welcome. We just have to practice the art of protecting one another still and not forgetting that we are not out of this yet completely. So even though the venue is outdoors, I want to drive home the directive that we must still be vigilant and not have crazy amounts of people gathering closely, especially if unvaccinated.

The Shaler Garden Club sale follows promptly as was discussed, so you may want to stay for that as your Saturday morning gift to yourself. Either way, plan for the atypical park morning practice and get there early.

Please bring a mat, a belt/strap and throw/towel. A big old stretchy t-shirt can even work as a sling/strap and also help under the sharp body angles of the body. If you can throw some things in a bag thinking comfort and assistance, that will really make you feel that the practice can be a little richer in what it provides for you. This is not a sign of weakness. Just the opposite. So prepare a bit and you will be just that much happier you did.

Let’s never get lost in the pretending. See you tomorrow is my prayer.

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