Virtual Yoga at MCAD

We’re over six months into a global pandemic in which isolation has become one of human's strongest barriers against COVID-19.

As all of our human connections are suddenly being held back into phone calls and endless video meetings, we realize that our world shrinks into a screen. Over the last few months, people have started to seek out new hobbies and acquire new skills to keep busy. However, with school back in session, students find that they don't have time for these hobbies anymore due to the new normal forcing them to adjust their workflow and schedules. Finding ways to relax and relieve stress proves to be very important.

Have you ever tried to find your good, old inner self? Yes, the inner self that has been hiding away all this time that you may have forgotten about. It's rare for us, as busy students, to have any time for self-reflection because most of the time, we’re too tired after class. If we're fortunate enough to have no homework in the evening, it's more likely that we will go straight to bed or only have enough energy to make a short phone call to friends and family. Because our lives are packed with events, we rarely have a moment for ourselves.

Knowing this, MCAD's Student Affairs came up with a way to help by offering online yoga sessions for free to MCAD students every Wednesday evening. The yoga sessions are hosted via virtual platforms which allow students to invite friends and family outside of MCAD to join. These sessions are taught by two experienced instructors from the Yess Yoga Studio located just blocks away from MCAD’s campus on Nicollet: Elisabeth Pletcher and Lucia Yess—both of whom have been teaching yoga at MCAD for about five years and adore the community. 

I had the opportunity to interview Elisabeth before joining her virtual yoga session, where we talked about the importance of yoga and connecting to your inner self.

How do you define Yoga?

Yoga means to be united. Practicing yoga helps bring breath and movement together. This action also helps regulate emotions and gives the mind a rest after a busy day. The art of yoga is more than just a workout—it’s a portal for one to channel with their inner self using mind, body, and spirit. Most people often are too busy and caught up in life. We are taught to achieve all these goals and to care for others so much that we often forget about how to care for ourselves. This is why it's important to have spare time to reflect the day and seek the inner self.

How is it different to work with MCAD students compared to other people? How do you feel about the MCAD community?

It is great to work with MCAD students because they are a great group of young adults. It can be said that it's easier to work with the MCAD community because MCAD is a community of students who are going through the same experience of joining classes, making art, taking tests, etc. It's easier for us to tailor our program specifically to fit the day of a student. 

It also seems easier for students to make connections because they have a higher chance of knowing their peers. This is different compared to a group session in our studio where our participants are people from different groups of ages, jobs, and situations. Lucia and I sometimes argue about who gets to teach the MCAD students each week just because we're so happy to be here!

How is it different to do yoga remotely? What are the pros and cons compared to doing yoga in person?

I would say one benefit of doing it virtually is that participants don't have to worry about accidentally touching their peers while performing a yoga pose because everyone has their own space—there is no need to commute to class! There is also no need to turn on video or audio, though I like it when students have this on because it creates a connection. The cons of not being able to do it in person are that I really miss the space we have on campus and I miss the community!

What suggestions do you have for yoga beginners? 

Yoga can be a practice for anybody and everybody at any stage in life! Come to class and give it a try! Wear whatever you feel comfortable with—there are no requirements, especially when it's done virtually. The only thing really needed for yoga is space: a place in your house where it’s noise- and distraction-free. A yoga mat or some towels can be helpful with poses but it's not a requirement. This will be your space to establish a connection with your inner self.

Do you have any tips for people who struggle to keep their minds quiet during yoga sessions?

This is an issue that many people have. It can be hard to keep our minds quiet because it's the brain's job to think and to keep itself busy. But that's why we're here—to learn how to relax and put down all the burdens from the day. I would say my tip for that is to join us for at least a few more sessions before deciding to give up on yoga completely. I believe that yoga will only be beneficial to students.

After the interview, I proceeded to join Elisabeth and other MCAD students on Google Hangout for the yoga session. I have to admit that I tried out yoga with a friend for the first time last semester and it was so hard for me to keep my mind quiet. This resulted in me feeling even more tired because of those negative thoughts, even though it is likely because of those thoughts that I couldn’t relax. Today, I gave it another try after learning more about yoga with Elisabeth. After this one session, I have already gained more confidence by allowing myself to let go. Hitting the pause button on perfection will allow you to spend this time to relax and understand your body more. 

MCAD students should definitely try out Yess Yoga’s weekly virtual yoga classes! Not only is it both physically and mentally beneficial, but the events are free to students—and you can even invite your friends and family to join too. Ashlynn Micoliczyk, a sophomore entrepreneurial studies major, has invited her family to the virtual yoga sessions and they all had a great time. Another benefit of joining MCAD’s weekly yoga sessions is the wise sayings from Elisabeth and Lucia like “May I appreciate myself and my body as a whole,” and “Bring your breath and body united to spread awareness for the mind.” Dive in to find your inner self and it might help you create your next awesome art project after you lose all your burdens. What are you waiting for? Let's join this week's virtual yoga because it's time for you to start caring about yourself!