In light of the coronavirus pandemic, individuals throughout the Greater Austin area are taking necessary precautions to ensure the overall health of the community.
As businesses temporarily cease operations and residents continue to shelter in place, concerns have emerged regarding the emotional challenges accompanying the coronavirus outbreak.
Christie Garbe, owner Serasana Bee Cave, is working to provide a community of hope, healing and connectedness amid the pandemic.
The wellness studio offers a variety of services, including acupuncture massages and reiki healing, all of which have ceased under the shelter-in-place order.
Garbe said once the physical aspect of the studio was removed, she pivoted quickly, learning how to provide 21 different yoga and meditation classes through an online platform. The response from the community was overwhelming.
“We have had better attendance than in our in-studio classes,” Garbe said. “Last week was one of our best weeks of attendance ever.”
This signified to Garbe that Serasana was fulfilling a need within the community both physically and mentally.
“We’re all under a lot of stress and strain, and at the same time we’re in this conundrum because everyone wants to build and boost their immune system,” Garbe said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends meditation, regular exercise and other measures as means of coping with the stress of the outbreak. Garbe feels that lowering stress is essential to maintaining a strong immune system.
Some may think of yoga as complex stretching or the perfection of beautiful poses; however, the practice takes on a different form at Serasana, according to Garbe.
“It's really about helping each person to stop the chatter in their head,” Garbe said. “Really just unplug for a little while.”
With relaxation in mind, Garbe noted that now is a great time to try yoga, and a number of her classes are catered to beginners.
In an effort to provide the community with these tools to unwind, Serasana Bee Cave is offering classes at a significantly reduced rate. Meditation sessions are available at no cost, with two classes scheduled per week, in partnership with The Heartfulness Institute. Yoga classes are priced at $7 each or two weeks for $25.
“Who knows where we’ll go with this? Right now we’re just enjoying the fact that we’re able to provide this for everyone,” Garbe said.
