The work of the President's Mental Wellness Committee in 2021 identified areas of need, and resources to address those needs, related to the wellness of Texas Tech University faculty and staff. As we continue these initiatives and partner with the Humanities Center on a shared theme of exploring the meaning of health, we are pleased to offer an in-town wellness retreat featuring yoga techniques as a mechanism for fostering community and wellness in an educational environment. Our facilitator, Dianne Bondy, is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and leader of the Yoga For All movement. 

Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. Dianne is revolutionizing yoga by educating yoga instructors around the world on how to make their classes welcoming for all kinds of practitioners. Dianne has been recognized for her work with Pennington's, Gaiam, and the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, and has been an invited speaker at Princeton and Duke. 

Join us on Thursday, April 6th and Friday, April 7th at the Cotton Court Hotel. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in the workshop with a mixture of listening, talking to each other, and incorporating breath with slow movement. We also invite you to use this as an opportunity to focus on your wellbeing. Please feel free to use the breaks in between sessions to enjoy the outdoor spaces, write, reflect, or connect with others. Refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.

Registration is now open!

*Please note that if you are unable to attend all three sessions, you are still welcome to participate. Please feel free to join us at any or all of the sessions below.

UNPACK

Thursday, April 6th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Who are we? What do we believe and why? 

The practice of yoga calls us to look closely at who we are, both on the mat and off. The practice of self-study – svadhyaya – is critical as we work to create a more just world. Through reflectively considering how our lives have been shaped and developing a keen awareness of the motivations behind our thoughts and actions, we can move toward fully inclusive spaces.

INCLUDE

Thursday, April 6th | 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Yoga, adaptability, and accessibility. 

Yoga is a practice that is meant for everyone. However, the modern yoga industrial complex would have us believe otherwise. Similarly, we are all aware of ways in which others have been excluded and marginalized in our disciplines and academic settings. In this session, we will explore ways to create accessibility for all. 

ACTIVATE

Friday, April 7th  | 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (Lunch Provided)

Your yoga practice is a call to action for social justice. 

Wellness practices such as yoga continue to be perceived as inaccessible to and by some populations. And though it may be unintentional, these kinds of perceptions can be present in our classrooms as well. In this session, we will talk and move through translating practices of access to our teaching and learning spaces.  

Facilitated by Dianne Bondy

Self-Love is a Revolutionary Act

Dianne Bondy is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and leader of the Yoga For All movement.

Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability. Dianne is revolutionizing yoga by educating yoga instructors around the world on how to make their classes welcoming for all kinds of practitioners.

Change Agent in Modern Yoga

Dianne's commitment to increasing diversity in yoga has been recognized in her work with Pennington's, Gaiam, and the Yoga & Body Image Coalition, as well as in speaking engagements at Princeton and Duke.

You can read more about Dianne Bondy's work on her website: diannebondyyoga.com.