ClassInfo

This experiential online course offers a dynamic mix of art and yoga with the goal of tapping into your creativity, cultivating a strong sense of embodiment and intuitive intelligence, and developing self-awareness and a fuller, more soulful sense of yourself. Each live-streamed class (on Wednesdays) opens with yoga, chanting, and meditation, and then leads into guided creative exercises with various art materials. During that class we periodically break into small groups to reflect on our experience. Related short multi-media teachings are released on Mondays that you watch and respond to on your own time asynchronously.

Why yoga and art? Calming the mind/body and centering into self-presence at the beginning of class lets you shift from the outer turmoil and stresses of ordinary life, awakening the natural calm and ease within. Yoga and meditation cultivate mindfulness: moment-to-moment nonjudgmental awareness of your thoughts, sensations, and emotions. It is from this place that you explore creative expression - through drawing, painting, image-making, writing, sound, and movement - connecting with yourself in a deeper, freer way. The intention is to cultivate a mindful, nonjudgmental attitude toward your body and creative expression. Together we create a supportive community that encourages each of us to learn, explore, and grow, and to accept our creative uniqueness while learning to respect the differences within the group.

This yoga-then-art sequence is also used for your weekly offline homework assignments that you upload to Canvas. The mix of synchronous (live weekly meetings together on Zoom), asynchronous (instructional activities when we don't meet at the same time), and other course activities (your homework) means we meet as a group online live once a week, you receive teaching in a pre-recorded fashion once a week that you view independently, and you have weekly individual assignments you do on your own schedule.

Emphasis throughout the course is on the creative process rather than the end product. Arts 1202: Art and Yoga integrates somatic and creative practices for greater peace, joy, and self-acceptance, enriching your life experience within and outside of the classroom.

Materials: A materials and supplies list will be emailed to all students that lists the required art materials (like paints, paper, oil pastels) and yoga equipment you'll need (like a yoga mat and blanket). I include links to suggested recommendations but you're free to use whatever you already have on hand.

Technology: You'll need a UMN email account, access to high-speed internet, and a laptop, desktop or tablet with a webcam to access the Zoom platform and Canvas website, send/receive online communications, complete assigned activities, and view multimedia content.

Space: You'll need access to a space to engage the yoga and creative practices, quiet and private, where you won't be disturbed or disturb others, especially during the Wednesday live sessions. This can be at home, an empty classroom on campus, a friend's house, etc.