A shared space of calm and connection-Haderah Phillips (Attending Honors Program events 3 points)
On September 22, 2025 in Giles 101 (Honors Lounge) I attended the "Restorative Yoga" event featuring Aliya Brooks class of 2022 . Being apart of the yoga event was a quiet but meaningful experience for me. I enjoy doing yoga in my free time. So when I seen our honors program was hosting a yoga session, I was very excited and could not wait to experience one of my favorite hobbies with my sisters. Yoga gives me the space to slow down, breathe, and be fully present, which is something we often forget to do in our busy lives. What made this event even more meaningful was our yoga instructor for the event, Aliya Brooks is an alumnae of Spelman College. Her presence added a strong sense of trust and comfort to the session. Knowing she understood the college environment of wanting to push ourselves above and beyond in everything we do, made her guidance feel genuine and relatable. It was inspiring to see someone come back to give support and knowledge to the same community that once shaped them. This showed me how the journey does not end after graduation, instead learning and growth can come full circle. It reminded me that success is not just about moving forward, but also about returning, sharing, and lifting others along the way. Seeing my sister who once sat in the same classrooms return to guide us in a restorative yoga session that eased the mind, opened the body, and supported our well-being made the event inspiring and reassuring.
The movements, breath, and moments of stillness all connected together in a natural way. Each stretch reminded me to listen to my body, while each breath helped calm my mind. It showed me how the body, mind, and breath are not separate, but closely linked. When one feels balanced, the others begin to follow. What stood out most was how this personal experience also created a shared connection. Practicing yoga together made me feel more aware of everyone around me. Even without speaking, there was a sense of unity and understanding. We were all moving, breathing, and grounding ourselves at the same pace, which created a peaceful collective energy. This restorative yoga event reflected the values of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program itself which is growth, balance, and community. This event also reminded me that learning does not always happen through words or lectures, but sometimes through silence, awareness, and shared experiences. I left the session feeling more grounded, grateful, and reiterating the importance of slowing down and taking care of both my mind and body.
-Haderah Phillips
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