Talk to the people you know.

Here we are. On March 17th,  I closed the studio because COVID-19 was scary and it absolutely seemed like the right thing to do.  Less than a week later, all non essential businesses were ordered closed by the governor and I felt my decision was a little more justified. 

The fear of the unknown was real. What if someone had told me, “You’re going to be closed for the next two months and that’ll be the easy part!”? The shelter in place orders that followed in the last few months have put the exact right amount of pressure on other big problems both systemic and personal. 

A few weeks into the studio’s closure, it became increasingly apparent to me how I had neglected the folks closest to me. I convinced myself that it could be considered meddling or self-righteous behavior to invite them to yoga.  I had established a barrier in my mind that said, “these people don’t want to hear that.”  So “Save all the good info for strangers?”

While the studio was closed, I was busy building some online resources, which in some ways, turned into to an offering to my community, my friends, and my family.  It was a way to start a conversation that was difficult, but only in my head.

Since the killing of George Floyd was a catalyst for the eyes of our country to be turned in the direction of racial inequality and systematic racism, my own silence has felt more conflicted, shameful, and difficult.  As a white, straight, cis-gendered man standing at the very tip top of the privilege pile, it’s undeniable that I have tremendous power and thus a responsibility to talk to the people I know. I need to tell them about what steps I’m taking to be anti-racist, that things won’t work out if we don’t work them out.  If you’re reading this, I need you to know that I love you and Black lives matter. I think yoga can help you be healthier, and a person with privilege has a responsibility to use it for good.

Wes Bozeman was Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2009 and is a Florida Licensed Massage Therapist. MA58298  He began his massage practice after the birth of his daughter, when substandard maternity care cast a light on the value of bodily knowledge and wellness for his whole family.  He began his yoga training in 2010 at Evolation Yoga in Tampa. Since then he has studied with Ida Jo and Scott Lamps at Ghosh Yoga, and countless other mentors along the way. He owns  Gaze Hot Yoga in Tampa Heights where he teaches students, and teachers, and is happy to be their student too. Wes’ only goal for his practice is to empower his clients to be aware of their bodies, and facilitate healing.