In a world filled with essays and homework, students sometimes need a break from all the stress. NMU’s Asian Student Union hosted a Wildpup yoga session in hopes of offering an adorable escape.
On Friday, Feb. 21, from 4-5 p.m. on the second floor of Hedgcock, the session was led by yoga instructor Ellen Doan and a fuzzy companion.
Doan is an instructor at local yoga studios in Marquette and kindly stepped in to lead the students through a relaxing session.
Moon, one of the NMU Wildpups, helped with emotional support and provided positive energy. She made her rounds around the students as they performed different poses throughout the session.
The session began with simple stretches, such as Mountain Pose and Halfway Mark Pose. The intensity increased as the session continued.
“Notice how the room temperature stays the same, but as individuals, we get hotter? That’s because we are moving and creating energy,” Doan said as students flowed into the more complicated poses.
In a time of chaos, stress and anxiety, yoga is one of the many ways to de-stress and let go for a short period. Even if it is only for an hour, it is important to make time to focus on one’s own spiritual and physical health. Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation to promote overall wellbeing.
“When you close your eyes you can set a goal for that day. No matter how big or small, or even just for this session.” said Doan when explaining to relax and loosen up more when getting deeper into the session.
Dog yoga, also known as “Doga,” is a unique practice that combines traditional yoga poses with pet interaction, promoting relaxation and bonding between dogs and their owners. Additionally, the presence of dogs in yoga sessions can create a calming environment, making the practice more enjoyable for both pet owners and participants.
Not only did Doan teach physical poses to students, but she also explained what each pose did for the body and mind and which part of the body a given pose targeted.
For example, when students flowed into the Fish Pose, Doan explained that the pose was beneficial for breathing because it opens up the chest. This practice is adaptable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, making it a fun and accessible form of exercise and relaxation for anyone who wishes to participate.
Yoga is often overlooked as a practice due to many people feeling intimidated by the extreme poses they see online. However, yoga is for everyone, and there are many adaptive poses that work just as effectively.
In a world that often demands constant movement, yoga teaches the power of stillness, resilience and mindful awareness. As students step onto the mat, they do not only stretch their bodies; they expand their capacity for patience, strength and self-compassion.
If you missed this Wildpup event, there will be many more to come, with the next one on Monday, March 10, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. near Starbucks in Jamrich. Doan encourages students to attend classes at Alluma Yoga, located downtown in Marquette, if they enjoyed the session.
