The Healing Power of Group Practice
Featuring 5 Koshas Teachers:
Mary Hilliker, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
A Yoga practice can do wonders for your mind and body. It also can help create community. Teachers at 5 Koshas share how they work to create community with their students, and provide ideas on how to sustain your practice.
Kerry McDonald, RYT-500
Kerry teaches weekly classes and private sessions, and also assists with teacher training. Her weekly Evolving Yoga class is for everyone interested in yoga. Classes are adapted for experienced yogis and beginners and offered online, in person and recorded.
“Every week we work on different areas, incorporating breath and movement,” she says. “I offer techniques for improvement of everyday living, strength and flexibility. Usually light weights are an option for those who would like to challenge themselves.”
Every month, Kerry seeks suggestions from her students for where to make a charitable donation. She uses class proceeds for the donation, and keeps a running list of suggestions from the students.
“The benefits of getting to know the students helps me customize the classes to be adaptable to all of their needs and help them progress.”
Kerry’s recommendation to help students sustain their practice is to make themselves accountable if they cannot attend in person or online.
“Make an effort to do the recording. Take the time for yourself, you definitely deserve it! Your body and mind will thank you in the long run,” she says.
Mary Hilliker, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Mary teaches a Weekly Yoga Therapeutics class online and provides a follow up class recording.
To create community, she likes to open up the online classroom at least 15 minutes before class starts so that students can connect with each other and check in if they have anything they want to share.
“This check-in period before class starts has been a time to share family updates, inspiring books and movies, travel adventures, garden tips, and more,” Mary explains. “I also like to give the class a few minutes after the practice to share and touch base.”
“Whether online or in person, the social connection seems to be part of the benefit of the practice. Feeling a sense of your yoga community is particularly helpful when students have chronic health issues, pain, anxiety, depression, or fatigue. Feeling connection with others also motivates us to show up and do our practice,” she says.
To sustain a practice, she recommends finding a teacher and group of students you enjoy practicing with and try to attend a weekly class (online or live). If you want to do some home practice, consider working with a yoga teacher or Yoga Therapist to develop shorter home practices that meet your needs.
Karey Lynn Krampota, RYT-200
Karey teaches Chair Yoga Therapeutics Weekly Class in-studio and online, and special private groups and organization events.
“Socialization in yoga fosters a deep sense of community, enhances motivation through shared experience, and builds resilience by allowing students to develop personal practice and relationships,” Karey says.
Her tips for sustaining a practice?
“Find a class that best aligns with your interest, goals and availability,” she says. “Slowly, but surely, building a practice around your life obligations and availability is key to longevity. This approach also ensures that you are honoring every layer of your being and a well-rounded, balanced pathway to practice.”