Yoga Class

Yoga

As the students have wanted some extra activities in the program, especially ones that give them a chance to be active, I taught an impromptu yoga class in the second week of camp (though there will be a scheduled class in the sports program as well). The class was a late evening (before bed) class, so I structured it as a restorative, relaxing, beginner level class.

Most of the students seemed to enjoy it, even when they found certain postures difficult. I felt that the most important thing they learned in the class was to focus on their own experience, without trying to look around and compare themselves to others. For many of the students, it was their first yoga class, so as to be expected, there was some expression of self-consciousness: giggling and falling over, and general surprise from them as they discovered what yoga is, for the first time.

We focused on breathing, and letting go of the day, as they brought their attention to the moment-which is difficult for most people, let alone new yoga students, and young university students with a lot on their minds.

After this, we did some easy balancing and strengthening postures, though still challenging, and ended with the traditional “Sivansana” pose (Sanskrit for “corpse” pose), for a final relaxation.

Most of the students felt relaxed and ready to sleep afterwards, and having enjoyed it, have signed up for the sports night yoga sessions as well.

So far I’ve enjoyed introducing many of them to the practice of yoga, one of my main interests in life.

OM SHANTI (Om, peace)
Jennifer