Yoga-nna Love it!

28 October 2024Pearl N, Hope ‘25

Stress can hang heavy as the sounds of hurried footsteps reverberate through the halls. With midterms right around the corner, nerves lurk over campus as students rush from one class to another, cramming for upcoming assessments, and clinging to their McNeill’s coffees as if they’re the key to getting through the next three weeks. Amid looming deadlines there lies an oasis – a quiet in the storm. Yoga provides students with a reprieve from the demands of Brentwood’s tripartite curriculum, offering a quiet space to find calmness and peace.

Ms Staples – trained at Bath and the Royal Academy of Dance (UK) and having completed a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course – has been teaching at Brentwood for the past four years. Her passion for yoga is evident through the excitement and enthusiasm that she brings to the class: “Ms Staples’ energy is contagious, which incentivizes us to push through the discomfort and focus on the moment” states Savannah J, Alexandra ‘25.

We kicked off the term by focusing on the fundamentals of Sun Salutations and the basic yoga postures. Now we are building upon these foundational skills, adding challenging complexities such as headstands and handstands. “I haven’t gotten the headstand yet, I just try not to face plant” exclaims Lily C, Mackenzie ‘25. These new demands have pushed students far beyond their comfort zone, bolstering not only physical strength but also their self-belief.

Yoga is more than a series of slow movements. Rather, through a blend of breathwork and meditation, it cultivates a state of mindfulness that allows individuals to be introspective. This allows us to center ourselves, reducing anxiety and stress. “We live in a fast-paced world and yoga is a fantastic way for everyone to take a moment for themselves” says Ms Staples.

At the end of each class, we leave with a newfound sense of confidence in ourselves and our abilities, better empowering us to tackle the challenges we encounter in our daily lives. While yoga can be both physically and mentally demanding, it is immensely rewarding and has changed my life, assisting me in fostering a greater sense of presence in my everyday life.

Pearl N, Hope ‘25

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