Photo courtesy of Kevin Moss.
Assistant to the Dean of the School of Digital Media at SCAD Atlanta, Carmen Taylor has also given many SCAD students a form of relaxation and calm by teaching yoga in the fitness center, something she’s done since September 2014. There are usually two classes per week, and Carmen creates a serene atmosphere in the dance studio by playing her own meditative playlists. This week, Her Campus was able to talk to Carmen and ask about her yoga journey.
Kate Betts: When did you start doing yoga? Why did you decide to start?
Carmen Taylor: I started practicing yoga aggressively in 2013 due to a health crisis. I learned that I had a drastic loss in bone density that made me prone to fractures at a young age. When faced with the option of a lifelong commitment to taking prescription drugs to “fix” the problem as my physician advised, I opted to try something very different … yoga. I have always had a fascination with yoga but no real motivation to pursue it on a regular basis. Since weight baring exercise helps to increase bone density over a period of time, I began pursuing more advanced inverted poses (upside down) that require more upper body strength as a part of my daily practice. After a year, I saw a dramatic improvement in my bone density results and overall health. To date, I have never had to take any medication for my bones, and my bones are stronger than ever.
KB: What kind of an impact has doing yoga had on your life?
CT: Yoga has become as mandatory as brushing my teeth in the morning in my daily routine and is a very necessary part of my day. My quality of life has improved ten fold since I began practicing regularly (e.g. increased energy levels, endurance, flexibility and stronger bones just to name a few). Outside of the abundant physical health benefits, yoga also gives me peace in my stressful moments, clarity in my foggy moments, and has helped me to develop a real awareness of my breathing patterns so that I can slow down and really be present in the moment when I need to. I feel empowered, and I absolutely love sharing this power with others with health ailments and in general to educate my students.
KB: What advice do you have for yoga beginners?
CT: Do NOT compare your practice to anyone else’s. Your practice should be as unique as you are. Yoga is meant to aid in your journey toward a stronger, better version of yourself … not of your neighbor. Remember to set your intentions (whatever they may be … e.g. to relax, to unwind) at the beginning of each practice. Once you do, allow yourself to let go (of the world or whatever is overwhelming your thoughts) during practice and focus entirely on you and your body’s needs (e.g. rest when YOU need rest, pick the poses that make YOU feel comfortable, etc.). This is the path to a truly enjoyable practice.
Get to know Carmen at the fitness center as she teaches amateur, intermediate and advanced yoga classes at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The SCAD Fitness Center also allows students to borrow free yoga mats. If your schedule does not accomodate Carmen’s classes, then check out DoYogaWithMe.com to watch free instructional videos on all types of yoga to fit in with your daily routine.