Mind, body stretch

Suzie Harrison

With peer pressure, homework and tests, it’s no wonder that the new

yoga program at Thurston Middle School is such a hit for students as

a means to escape without having to leave campus.

Held four times a week, the class is a nice body and mind retreat.

Physical education teacher Scott Finn said the school has been

offering the yoga program for about three months.

“We were trained through a program called Yoga Ed by Lori Burgi

who is part of the Quest for Excellence committee,” Finn said. “She

trained five of the physical education teachers in six days. Lori

really did an amazing job.”

Watching the class on Friday, it was easy to see, as Finn had

said, that the program is a big success.

“It not only addresses students from a physical perspective -- it

addresses them from many perspectives: mental, emotional and

intellectual,” Finn said. “It focuses on the student as a whole

being.”

Finn said it equips students to deal with inner obstacles, and it

builds confidence, resilience and a positive self-image.

Complete with soothing yoga-esque music, students found a haven on

their mats, breathing, focusing and being aware of self, as Finn led

them through the peaceful journey.

“Focus what’s going on on the inside -- your heart rate and

tension,” Finn said. “We spend all day focusing on what’s around us.

Look inside your mind, breathe and relax. Take a deep breath and

exhale.”

After doing the range of positions and working on breathing, Finn

took them through a visualization exercise. This helped the

participants focus on themselves, their feelings and allowed them to

release their problems and stress.

“I really like it,” Clayton Steel, 13, said. “It’s a good time of

day to search yourself and find what makes you happy.”

Clayton said it takes strength and flexibility to do yoga.

“When you’re doing different poses you really need to maintain

that,” Clayton said.

Luke Lacy, 14, said it lets him relax.

“It takes your troubles away and makes you feel better,” Luke

said. “When you visualize you get to get rid of your problems and

stress and leave it behind. When you finish you feel better.”

Kassidy Burgess, 12, said she thinks a lot of the students enjoy

it.

“Whenever I talk to people they say it’s fun and relaxing,

especially before lunch,” Kassidy said. “It helps you focus on the

rest of your day.”

She said after she is done with class she feels relieved, pure and

healthy.