Performing Tele-Yoga in a Cyberspace Group
DISEASE
During the tele-yoga sessions, participants engaged in group meetings, and their expectations regarding group participation were explored. Some participants expressed disinterest or had negative thoughts about being part of a group. They mentioned being like a “lone wolf” or shared past negative experiences with group activities. Furthermore, some were concerned that creating a sense of group belonging might be challenging in an online setting compared with face-to-face interactions. It became evident that physical social togetherness was valued in the group, and there were concerns that this aspect might be lost during online sessions.So, I think it’s fun to do things in a group. So, it’s the social interaction in everything...I’ll miss that now.As the group sessions had not started yet, some participants had envisioned how tele-yoga and digital sessions would appear on their tablet screens. They wondered whether they would be able to see other participants or if only the yoga instructor would be visible. There were questions about whether it would truly feel like a group experience when meeting online and seeing each other only through the tablet screen. Some participants were not aware that they could communicate with other participants since the sessions involved videoconference meetings. On the other hand, some participants had not focused on the group aspect at all, being primarily concerned with their tele-yoga practice, making the group element seem less significant to them.Most participants expressed positive expectations regarding the group. Participants expressed thoughts that they found the idea of tele-yoga taking place in groups exciting and fun. They also had expectations that being part of the group would provide opportunities for mutual inspiration and encouragement among the members. Some participants drew from their previous experiences in other types of group activities and acknowledged the benefits of being part of a group, such as receiving support to succeed in an activity. In addition, the opportunity to work with others and share thoughts and reflections on both the yoga and the disease was perceived as positive. Additionally, some participants had positive experiences with other types of group activities, such as online games.