Restorative Yoga: Fuel for the Soul

 Attending Restorative Yoga, taught by a Spelman alum was one of the most grounding experiences I’ve had so far as a freshman. Walking into the honors lounge, I expected just another wellness activity, but I quickly realized the importance of it. The instructor began by sharing her own Spelman journey and her path to instructing yoga. I was reminded that yoga isn’t just about flexibility or movement, but about presence and alignment with purpose. The moments of comfortable silence made me reflect on the importance of balance in my own transition into college life.

As we moved through the poses, I began to reflect on how essential it is for Black women to prioritize our own self-care. So often, we carry the weight of academic, familial, and societal expectations while being told to stay strong and keep going. This class reminded me that rest and restoration are not signs of weakness, but necessary acts of resistance. Taking that hour to breathe, stretch, and simply exist without pressure felt radical revolutionary in its own quiet way. 

The energy in the room felt peaceful: Black women breathing, moving, and grounding together. It was both calming and empowering,  the partner stretches were moments where I felt the Spelman sisterhood flowing through us. By the end of class, I wasn’t just more relaxed; I felt connected to my body and to my intentions. Seeing a Spelman alum leading the class gave me a glimpse of the kind of woman I hope to become—confident, centered, and intentional about caring for herself and her community. In the future I want to partake in more self preservative activities and habits and use them as my own form of resistance. The experience reminded me that wellness isn’t separate from our education here—it’s part of how we sustain ourselves and each other on this journey.

Kennedy Chow