The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
On a day devoted to love, Valentine’s Day, The Yoga and Meditation Club invited Danita Walsh, certified yoga instructor, to lead students and members of the community in 108 Sun Salutations with an emphasis on loving oneself and others.
The number 108 holds historical and cultural significance in Eastern societies, but, as Walsh explained, “The beauty of 108 is it gives you an opportunity to get into a real mindful and meditative movement. And if nothing else, there is so much value in that. There is very little that you would do 100 times in a row.”
As the Alumni Room in the Dreyfus University Center filled with people, members of the Yoga and Meditation Club realized the success of the event.
Lindsay Larson, junior health/wellness promotion major and president of the club, said, “This was our first fundraising event, besides T-shirts, so we didn’t really know what to expect.”
The 108 Sun Salutations would be divided into quarters of 27, each with a specific purpose. The first 27, Walsh asked the yogis to consider loving themselves. The second, to focus on someone they find easy to love. Third, the community in which they are a part, and fourth, someone they find difficult to love.
Once the practice began, music played and everyone moved through the vinyasas with ease. Walsh led at the helm, counting with coffee beans, “Mountain pose, fold, halfway hold, plank, step back, and upward dog…”
Jamie Hubbard, associate professor, was not sure if she would be able to finish the 108 salutations but said, “About three-quarters of the way through I picked up my own energy while focusing on myself and other people simultaneously.”
After completing the salutations, Walsh led the group through a meditation routine that allowed further introspection. Only her voice was heard as the music was silenced and each person sat in their own personal reflection.
“I love this room. Everyone talks about the energy of a room and this room is so multi-functional,” Walsh said.
The practice was finished two hours later with a set of ohms that resonated throughout the entire room. Walsh then asked everyone to find someone they would like to hug after the practice, leading with their left shoulder instead of the usual right.
Although Walsh has been teaching yoga for five and a half years, this was her first time leading 108 Sun Salutations and she admitted her mindfulness was even greater than she expected.
She also commended participants for doing a “great job of loving themselves first, and that’s the most important part about being able to love.”
The Yoga Meditation Club meets on Tuesdays, at 7 pm in the DUC Alumni Room
Adam Ruka
Contributor
adam.t.ruka@uwsp.edu
