“I am free to choose”
I have missed working with you face-to-face and being able to touch you and guide you in the usual ways. I’m grateful to those of you who have tried the online work and adapted to a new way of learning and using the principles for your well-being and vitality. I’m delighted to see how you are learning increased self-awareness and responsibility and how I can still support you on your journey.
You may have heard on the news that hairdressers and salons and masseurs are able to go back to work now. And so can I. Perhaps you are one of those lucky people (OK I mean well-prepared and you planned ahead) who have actually had your hair cut already! Anyone?
You are probably wondering what I am able to offer now.
Today my governing body, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, sent me 3 links to the Government website, the Insurer’s website and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council too.
Meanwhile, I had 8 sessions with people today, 6 by Zoom/Skype and two in person in the park – one on a bike, the other a walking lesson. As you may imagine I haven’t yet thoroughly read these three documents and worked out the details for best practices yet for us.
When I do, I will let you know what I am able to offer.
INFORMATION I DO HAVE:
I am in the process of redecorating my front room downstairs so that when that is ready and I am ready to see you all again in person, we can do this as simply and healthily as possible. The joiner was here today putting in shelves so I can have all my books and equipment and toys readily available and clearly set out. I will get some window coverings for privacy. To start with there will be my usual table/coach and two stools.
For sure there will be extra cleaning involved and it seems easiest to me that we use the room that is straight from the front door. If you need to use the bathroom, of course, you may.
There will be hand washing/hand sanitizers for you when you arrive.
I will increase the gap between face-to-face clients to half an hour so you won’t see other people, and I have time to clean and clean.
You are advised to bring your own drink and pen and pay by contactless or online if possible.
I have a new card reader so I can take credit card payments over the phone too.
I will probably wear a visor or face mask,
I will get some paper coach rolls so that we can keep the coach/table clean and wipeable.
I’m advised to provide a pedal bin for your (?) clothes should you need to take anything off during a lesson, a jumper or coat I assume. I shall check this…
And cancellation charges will be waived if you suspect you have COVID-19 or if someone in your household does which would keep you away from a lesson and in quarantine for 14 days – unless we could rearrange to an online lesson.
I appreciate some of you are in the High-Risk Catagory and would have to assess the benefits of coming in for a session against the possible risks. I understand that I may not see you for some time. If there is some other way I can support you at this time, I’d love to know. Please call and make your suggestions and requests.
If you or I, or anyone in our respective households has symptoms of COVID-19 we would cancel the in-person lessons and have to quarantine for 14 days.
The main symptoms are:
- high temperature
- persistent cough
- loss of taste/smell
Added to the mix is that school holidays will start in two weeks time and I will have a couple of weeks off with my son. The earliest I will open my doors will be Monday 10th August. I am open to meeting in the local park and working with you barefoot, with shoes, on a bike, jogging etc the only limit is our imagination, and a risk assessment around hands-on or social distancing.
So my dears, what else would you need to know or have in place to feel able to return to work with me in person?
I would love to ask your opinion about this, and how you feel about coming in for the face-to-face touch work again.
Please text me, call me on the phone or email me… or write me a letter – whatever works for you.
I’d be grateful if you can let me know if you are keen and ready as soon as the doors open.
Keen but not yet ready – please let me know if there is anything extra I could do to make it feel safer for you?
Keen but unable to come for health reasons – please ask for any support you would like and I will see what I can create for you.
“I am free to choose”
with love and good wishes for your health
