At the heart of University of Detroit Mercy’s mission is cura personalis, “care for the whole person.” Rooted in the University’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions, this value calls us to nurture not only intellectual growth, but also the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of every member of our community. This yoga class is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to practice that commitment to holistic well-being together. In the demanding world of academia, we spend so much of our energy giving to students, colleagues, research, and service that we often neglect caring for ourselves. Yet we cannot sustainably support others if we are exhausted, tense, disconnected, or depleted. Yoga offers a space to pause, breathe, move mindfully, and reconnect with ourselves in ways that promote resilience, balance, and renewal. Participants of all experience levels are warmly welcome, from complete beginners to lifelong yogis. The class will emphasize accessibility, mindfulness, and self-compassion rather than performance or perfection. Modifications and supportive options will be offered throughout the session to accommodate varying abilities, comfort levels, injuries, or physical considerations. A participation waiver will be signed prior to the class. For centuries, yoga has been used as a practice to support physical wellness, mental clarity, stress reduction, and spiritual grounding. In alignment with Detroit Mercy’s mission of educating and caring for the whole person, this class invites colleagues to cultivate wellness not only for themselves, but also for the communities they serve every day. Through intentional movement and breath, we can return to our work more centered, energized, compassionate, and fully present. This session is taught by an experienced and certified YTT 200 yoga instructor. Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Presenter: Mary Tracy-Bee