While still a graduate student at the University of Virginia, associate professor of literature Audrey Bilger discovered that yoga could help reverse the effects of hours spent at the computer and hunched over library books. Beyond relieving back pain, "I found that yoga helped my overall disposition," says Bilger. "Yoga's focus on the present moment, and on breathing energy into the body, helps to restore balance between mind and spirit."
Bilger, who has trained with master teacher Erich Schiffmann at Sacred Movement Yoga in Venice, Calif., and has been certified by Yoga Alliance to teach the discipline, is leading her second summer class in yoga from 5 to 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays at Ducey Gymnasium, now through July 26. (Lockers, yoga mats, and blocks are provided for the duration of the class.) Sponsored by the CMS athletics department, the class is open to all faculty and staff of CMC, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps colleges.
Bilger says her focus is Hatha yoga, emphasizing proper breathing and stress reduction. Although the class will cover the basics and build in intensity, students are encouraged to work at their own level and "to be mindful of their own goals throughout the course," says Bilger.
"My hope," she says, "is that students will leave every session feeling calmer, stronger, and more flexible."
Sign-ups are not required to participate. For more information about the course, contact Audrey Bilger: audrey.bilger@claremontmckenna.edu.
(Read how young students at The Children's School at Claremont McKenna College also are discovering the benefits of yoga: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu/news/pressreleases/article.asp?article_id=535)