For the first few weeks of the coronavirus shutdown, Chris and Carrlee Denault, owners of CMD Yoga in Key Largo, would check in on Instagram Live at 10 a.m. The purpose, they said, was “to connect and find balance in these hectic times.”. It’s one of the many ways the pair have boosted online and virtual offerings to promote peace and calm in today’s chaotic world.
The “Kirtan & Peace Gatherings” have transformed into their “Sunday Church,” an online space where the yogis welcome virtual visitors for whatever guidance they might need. There’s some cute banter between the couple, some time for questions and, of course, some chanting.
At the first Sunday Church, Carrlee invites everyone to close their eyes as she describes how the mind is powerful enough to bring us away from our physical realities. Then, she reminds us to use our minds when things feel overwhelming to ground ourselves into the current moment and restore calm.
“Be present,” she urges. “Focus on what’s going on right now instead of worrying about the future or the crazy things going on. Focus on what you will have for lunch. Focus on a blade of grass or your palm. Tell yourself, ‘In this moment, I am OK. I know there’s a lot of things we have to do, but for right now, I’m just going to sit here and look at my palm. And I’m okay.’”
It’s advice that client and friend Brittany Parker, the program and development manager at the Good Health Clinic, takes to heart.
“I listen to them at work, actually, to ease my stress, which helps me manage my team during this crisis,” she says. “They’re like my morning coffee and energy drink, that’s how I describe them. They’re like the perfect cup of coffee.”
Parker said she often tunes in for the meditations, thinking, “How am I gonna handle today? I’m gonna listen to this and then get back to helping people.”
The check-ins remind Parker and others tuning in that there’s someone on the other side of their phone and that there’s calm amidst the crisis. The Denaults interact, respond to comments, answer questions and provide support to anyone who needs them, explains Parker.
“We’re offering free online classes. We wanted to offer our community a way to stay centered and grounded and hope the videos will encourage a sense of peace in the midst of uncertainty.”
— Chris and Carrlee Denault, co-owners of CMD Yoga, Key Largo
She says, “Carrlee has taught me a better way to manage stress and anxiety, and it greatly helps me in the position I am in now. If I wasn’t doing these practices, I wouldn’t be handling this crazy stress as well.”
Chris and Carrlee are happy to provide the check-ins and other grounding practices for free.
Carrlee says, “Personally, it’s our life purpose to offer these services to people. Whether through yoga or meditation or something different, we feel called to rise up and give our gifts to the world during this time. It’s not based on financial gain; it’s our mission, our purpose.”
She adds, “Lots are struggling to make sure bills are covered for the next couple months. Thankfully, we are in a position where we will be okay. Not everyone is there, so we wanted to offer some resources to help.”
You can access CMD Yoga’s many offerings on their YouTube channel and reach Chris and Carrlee through the website.
