NPHS community flows through yoga
As the lights begin to dim and class commences, the yogis meet in a child’s pose, ready to flow through various movements throughout the hour, including the mountain pose, cat-cow or chaturanga. Yoga, a spiritual practice which originated thousands of years ago in ancient India, is accessible for yogis of many different abilities. In the Conejo Valley, yoga classes can range from vinyasa, to pilates fusion classes, to hot power or sculpt yoga. Students and faculty alike at Newbury Park High School [NPHS] engage in yoga and have gleaned many lessons from the practice.
Lauren Denchfield, an English teacher at NPHS, has practiced yoga for many years. Denchfield values the aspects of self-care and community building within yoga. “Yoga has taught me that being accountable to myself and others is part of self care,” Denchfield said. She has practiced yoga as a student and teacher over the years. “I realized I could use yoga to share a wellness practice with all types of people to help people come together and feel connected to themselves and others. I have also taught it to my friends and even a cheer team,” Denchfield said. Although beginning to practice yoga may seem intimidating, Denchfield would recommend it to everyone. “Just start. Every person is at a different place, so being a beginner or an advanced practitioner does not mean much,” Denchfield said.
Cambria Brown, junior, is a member of the Westlake Yoga Company and joined at the recommendation of her friends. Brown’s favorite type of class is hot sculpt yoga. “Sculpt class is just high intensity cardio, and I like that. Since I’m a runner, cardio comes naturally to me,” Brown said. She has appreciated the value of being present through taking yoga classes. “I’ve learned just to be present in the moment. Trust your body and just enjoy,” Brown said. As a student athlete, Brown has learned to navigate balancing yoga among her academics. “[I know that] once I get there, I’m going to be proud of myself for showing up no matter what,” Brown said. Her favorite moment within class is Shavasana, also known as Corpse Pose, which concludes each class. “You just get the cold towel and reflect on the class. I honestly like to attempt to meditate. That’s my favorite part about it. It’s just relaxing and a good time,” Brown said.
Ella Gold, junior, saw the benefits of yoga as her friends attended classes. “I saw all my friends start going, and I saw how it elevated their mood, and I wanted that to happen to me, so I started going,” Gold said. Gold prefers the slow and controlled nature of pilates fusion classes. However, she makes an effort to try different styles. “[I have practiced] grounding myself and also opening myself to new opportunities too, by trying new classes,” Gold said. Gold tries to carry what she’s learned in the yoga studio into the rest of her day. “[Yoga] teaches me to be present while the teacher is instructing, to be there and present. I use it in school, too. I look back to what my yoga teacher has said while I’m studying,” Gold said.
As class comes to an end, the yogis melt into Shavasana. As each yogi inhales and exhales deeply, reflecting on the past hour, they feel a sense of community within the studio. The ancient practice of yoga continues to inspire yogis of all ages and abilities. “In Sanskrit, yoga means union. I think the unity in yoga comes from feeling in tune with oneself and others,” Denchfield said.
