People are affected not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually by meditation and quiet time. This school year Micki Kolberg is leading yoga classes every Wednesday from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. for students.

“I have been looking for opportunities to take yoga without having to enroll in a class outside of school since it takes too much of my time. I have taken a few yoga classes before and it does great things for my posture, muscle strength and mind. ” junior Jasmine Quinn said.

Although the program is open to all students, it is recommended for dancers and athletes.The classes also aim to improve self-discipline.

“The goals for the yoga classes are to improve flexibility and strength while relieving stress which helps to deal with hormones,” said Kolberg.

Studies show that yoga reduces stress and as a result, people experience more health benefits, including significant decreases in the possibility of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, reductions in pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms and improvements in the air flow to the lungs, resulting in easier breathing.

“After we start classes with a short meditation, we go into sun salutations which get the body moving in all directions. We also do planks for strengthening and move from standing postures to sitting postures,” said Kolberg.

Psychological benefits have also been notable in studies and are most beneficial to those with psychological problems or people who wish for a calmer mind. Meditation and quiet time build self-confidence, increases creativity, learning ability, memory and production, and improves relationships with others. An important benefit of these practices for teenage girls is that it helps teens to ignore petty issues and makes it easier to reduce bad habits in school. The practices of quiet time and reflection include the benefits of purifying character, controling thoughts and emotions and helping people to focus and concentrate.

“After every class, I can think more clearly and my body improves in the long run,” said Quinn.

Benefits of Meditation and Quiet Time:

• Reduces pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms
• Reduces sweating
• Cures headaches
• Significant relief of asthma
• Decreases the aging process
• Builds self-confidence
• Increases creativity, focus and concentration
• Resolves fears
• Improves relationships
• Provides peace of mind and happiness
• Changes attitudes towards life
• Creates a deeper relationship with God