CSU Stanislaus’s is hosting a free Yoga for Wellness event at the Recreational Center basketball court through December 7. The sessions are held on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. and there is no pre-registration required.

Susan Brumm, clinical counselor for the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stan State and the yoga facilitator for this event, encourages students to join them at their own leisure and to bring comfortable clothes, an open mind, and a positive attitude. 

“It is a gentle yoga that focuses on stretching, being aware of what’s happening on the body, and on breathing,” says Brumm.

A typical yoga session begins with a discussion of what gentle yoga is. Brumm explains that this yoga is less intense than traditional yoga and focuses on meditation and breathing exercises. During the sessions the instructor observes the students and facilitates their exercises. Accommodations are also available for people with different fitness levels.

“There is a connection between physical and mental health, we can improve our mental health by being more active,” Brumm said. 

This resonated with Emmanuel Valenzuela (alumni, Computer Science), who participated in the event. He said that yoga became an outlet for him to manage his PTSD following his military service.

“Being able to relax and being grounded, the relaxation and meditation helps with my stress and overall mental health,” says Valenzuela.

This was his second yoga session and he encourages students to try it out no matter their physical ability.

Although this event focuses on one type of yoga, Brumm encourages participants to try out different types and find what works best for them.

“There are many different types of yoga, not all will fit one person,” said Brumm. “It’s a good idea to try more than one type to find which one fits you.”

She said yoga is about breathing, balance, movement, and gaining strength.

“I believe we can all benefit from that,” she said. “Yoga has brought about increased flexibility, emotional and mental flexibility. The yoga community has been very welcoming.”

Leann Jobe (junior, Leadership Studies) explained how the poses and stretches make her feel refreshed and have alleviated her daily aches and pains.

“I can definitely tell by brief experiences that it helps both mentally and physically,” said Jobe, “It also helps with anxiety, to bring you down to the moment, and just make peace with yourself.”

According to Sandra Ruiz, the Administrative Support Assistant for the CAPS, this is a pilot event and this year’s turnout will determine whether or not it becomes a recurring event. 

For more information on the Yoga for Emotional Wellness event, visit their web page.