On the Road
I was introduced to the term Gemba Walk (management walking and engaging with their team) in the near past and decided that it was time for me to literally walk the walk. That meant getting in the car and driving to our locations across North Carolina to meet the teachers, Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center managers and participating students. I chose Boone as my first destination since YCTY has two classes per week there. This unique offering is a result of Beyond Blue’s commitment to community health and a collection of yoga teachers who care about providing accessible yoga practices for all people.
The drive to Boone from Raleigh takes about three hours, with the last hour in the foothills of the mountains. I was excited to first go to the Beyond Blue class and meet all of the related parties: staff, teacher and students. My experience there was very heartwarming and inspiring. First, the team was friendly, attentive and actively engaged in registering students, plus providing a clean and welcoming space. Then I was blown away by the record setting attendance for the weekly chair yoga class. Twenty four happy attendees filled the room; some were new and some were longtime participants. They gratefully raved about their class and teacher.
The cherry on the sundae was meeting teacher Pam Kidder-Ashley in person for the first time. Pam is a consummate professional educator and yoga teacher who has chosen to teach for YCTY for the past two years. A retiree from the Appalachian State University, Pam brings order, skill and serenity to each class.
During a break after class, I planned trips to Greenville and Fayetteville NC in September. Then later that day, I met with Pam plus our Thursday evening mat yoga teacher Jamie, plus substitute teachers Rachel and Macy for dinner. Some met for the first time or were already longtime friends. For example, Jamie succeeded her friend Rachel on Thursdays. We shared ice breakers (little known personal facts) and teacher perspectives on our programming. Here we are at dinner.
(l) Rachel, Macy, Pam and Howie (r)
After an overnight stay at a friend’s home, I drove home to Raleigh with such joy and appreciation for all those who help enhance community wellbeing with accessible yoga practices. Gemba accomplished!