For those of us old enough to remember the time before digital ubiquity, we might recall how communities were primarily formed in person. I know over a decade ago that I could not have imagined being a part of a community that was built in a digital space. And yet here I am, finding that the transition from owning a yoga studio to moving fully online was surprisingly smooth and rewarding! The key to this unexpected delight of growing and expanding LYT online is the community support and passion. Just like with my in-person classes, where my goal was not about bringing in loads of people just to fill a space, our online community is much more than establishing a following; it’s about fostering genuine connections, offering value, and building trust among members. The LYT online landscape has opened a channel and opportunity for people worldwide to come together based on their shared interests, passions, and goals. Our LYT Daily platform and our LYT online trainings have forged friendships and cultivated a sense of belonging with a common LYT language and curiosity about yoga, movement, wellness, and the human spirit. The communal passion that is truly palpable benefits all of us—members, teachers, me, the team, and the brand itself. Building this online community has taken a village and I have followed steps that have guided my team and me along the way.
No matter the environment, every successful community starts with a clear vision. When I opened my brick-and-mortar studio, my main goal was to provide an alternative way of practicing traditional yoga that included more functional movement guided by consistent biomechanical cueing that could be more inclusive to the students. In the first few years, my vision remained the same, but I also gained more perspective from members by listening to their feedback. Apparently, our practice was way harder than some expected! Even though we had different class levels to change the pacing or intensity, I hadn’t anticipated the need to go deeper into the foundational work to truly be more inclusive. This experience helped me when building our online community, leading with the same vision and the knowledge that it takes time to learn the needs, challenges, and interests of a community. I love receiving feedback and suggestions from our members and strive to implement ideas that I might not yet have considered.
Through our newsletter, social media, ‘Redefining Movement’ podcast, and community channels, we strive to provide value through content, resources, and discussions that are meaningful and exciting. Offering consistent value is essential for retaining members and driving growth. When members feel that being part of the community benefits them, they will invest more time and effort into it. I know that the more involved our members feel, the stronger the community becomes, and I fully believe that our online community takes ownership for the success of the platform. Behind the scenes and the screen, we at LYT relish in the commitment and enthusiasm of each member and that magical energy of a shared passion fuels our creativity and work. So, thank you for being an essential part of our online community and I am beyond grateful for and delighted with the incredible global community that we have formed. If you haven’t tried the LYT Daily, now is your chance to witness for yourself the beauty of this thriving memberhood. Let’s keep showing up for ourselves and each other to move with ease and joy, live with renewed curiosity and grace, and support each other on the journey! I am always here for you. ☺
