With the stress of a new semester setting in, students are often encouraged to set aside a little time for themselves. Here in Denton, spending time doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending money. Karma Yoga is an organization devoted to providing free, affordable, accessible and inclusive yoga to Dentonites. Karma Yoga Instructor and TWU Nutrition major Tara Hughes sat down with The Lasso to discuss the Karma community and her own experiences as a college student and avid yoga practitioner.
Karma Yoga isn’t your average yoga studio – for starters, this yoga collective doesn’t have a physical studio. According to their website, Karma Yoga pairs with local businesses to provide community classes on a weekly basis. Class locations are spread across town from banks to bars, from the courthouse to convenient stores. Several of these locations are within walking distance from campus. Classes are either free or five dollars, and a percentage of all proceeds go to local charities.
Hughes became a certified yoga instructor three years ago at the age of 19, and she has been teaching with Karma Yoga since last February. “I’m really happy to be a part of [Karma Yoga],” says Hughes. “Yoga can be…expensive. We want to make yoga accessible to everyone.” Hughes believes that yoga can be incredibly beneficial, especially for college students struggling with fatigue and stress. “I don’t drink coffee or anything—I just do backbends, and that wakes me up.”In Hughes’ experience, yoga makes her more focused and driven both in and out of the classroom. “It’s really good to have that practice in your life to help you just be more motivated and clear-minded,” she says.
“School can be crazy — like when your financial aid doesn’t come through or your advisor tells you that you have ten thousand more semesters. Yoga really helps you manage stress better.”
Karma Yoga encourages anyone and everyone to get involved, regardless of experience level. For those who may feel hesitant about attending their first community class, Hughes suggests bringing a friend or getting familiar with basic yoga poses through online tutorials.
The following Karma classes are offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and are completely free of charge:
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Springbok Academy, Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.
Point Bank Community Room, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Denton Community Market, Every first and third Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
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For a full class schedule, visit http://www.karmayogadenton.com/classes/.
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