As executive vice president of student affairs, Alicia Caudill focuses on providing a supportive, encouraging and strengthening environment for College of Charleston students. And now she’s focusing that same empowering energy on CofC faculty and staff, as well.
Alicia Caudill, executive vice president of student affairs at the College of Charleston, is leading a series of yoga classes for faculty and staff this summer. Photo by Mack Palmour.
This summer, Caudill โ who last May completed her 200-hour training and related requirements to become a registered yoga teacher โ will be leading free yoga classes for faculty and staff.
“One of my main goals in earning this teacher certification was to be able to give back to my communities by sharing yoga โ and also to introduce yoga to those who may not have tried it before or have some hesitation attending a yoga class,” says Caudill, who earned her certification virtually through the Asheville Yoga Center, also meeting the requirements to register with the Yoga Alliance, a national certification organization. “I hope to be able to offer yoga as part of conferences, workshops, meetings, training and/or retreats one day โ but right now Iโm having a lot of fun offering classes to friends. And, of course, I am very Iโm very excited and grateful to share these classes with our colleagues!”
Caudill and Campus Recreation Services (CRS) are offering the following free classes this summer to faculty and staff:
- Lunchtime “No Sweat” Yogaย โ 12โ12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, in the George Street Fitness Center classroom โ This gentle, refreshing class will focus on restoring and grounding us for the rest of the day. All levels are welcome, including those who have not tried yoga before.
- Afterwork Yogaย โ 4:30โ5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, in the George Street Fitness Center classroom โ This foundations class will include slow flow and deep stretch (with a Charleston theme!). All levels are welcome, including those who have not tried yoga before. For more experienced students, it will be a chance to break down and fine-tune poses. For those newer to yoga, it will offer different ways to approach poses.
To sign up for one or both of the classes, email Bucky Buchanan, assistant director of fitness in CRS. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early.
Caudill hopes to teach yoga at the College more regularly, if possible. She also hopes that any faculty and staff who are interested in trying a class will reach out.
We caught up with Caudill to find out more about her own experience with yoga and why she wants to share it with College of Charleston faculty and staff. Here’s what she had to say:
Photo by Mack Palmour
How has yoga made a difference in your own life?
Itโs hard to put into words how much yoga has meant in my life. I find it to be very grounding, empowering and transformative. One amazing thing about it is that you are always learning โ more about the poses, more about mindfulness, more about yourself. It is an evolving process. I love that it helps me feel grounded and that with regular practice I can see changes in the way I think and feel. I love that it is about mind-and-body connection and that it gives you a time and space to focus your mind on movement, which can help us give our mind and our thoughts room to rest; that is hard for me, and yoga really helps me.
Whatโs one thing that youโd like everyone to know about yoga?
The poses are just a small part of what yoga is and means. Yoga is about using the breath to connect the mind and body. Itโs a way of thinking about life. It is one path that allows us to connect more with ourselves and to things greater than ourselves. And it is called yoga practice because we are all practicing and learning.
Why is yoga something that you want to share with others?
I believe yoga is something that can bring benefit to every human, and I want to share that with others. And it’s different for every person, so itโs exciting to see what that benefit can be for each person.Itโs also a great way to find a community with others who are sharing the experience. One thing I have loved about my yoga practice is that I made it a hobby to find yoga classes at different studios when I am traveling or visiting friends or family. This has been such a fun way to explore different studios and meet different people. Yoga communities are very inviting and friendly, and I have always felt welcome wherever I have taken a class.
What do you hope faculty and staff get out of the classes youโre leading this summer?
Itโs been such a long year, and more, since COVID began. I hope our colleagues will take some time to join in community with other faculty and staff and do something we can find enjoyable. I hope it will give some balance and relief to the demands of our lives. I hope all come with a mindset of curiosity and find in the class what is most needed for each of them in that moment โ stretching the body, relaxing, seeing colleagues, breathing โ those are just some of the options to explore. Every time you practice yoga, it is a new experience. And, most importantly, I hope we have some much deserved fun!
