Orel Raphael

During times when I couldn’t connect to myself or realize how I felt, I would lay in Shavasana and cry. Times when I’ve felt my most powerful, l I’ve been upside down trying my best to do a handstand. When I can’t seem to sit still and my brain is wrecked with anxiety, I’ve tried my best to sit and breathe. Yoga has healed me and helped me find stability within myself. 

As an international student, it was important for me to have yoga to give me that sense of stability and self I find in practice. I tried different studios before joining the yoga society. I was feeling very lonely and lost. Society not only gave me more affordable and convenient classes, but I have also found much more of a sense of community and comfort. Coming to class and seeing the same faces, knowing we are all students with the same love for yoga, creates an open and non-judgemental space. 

I have decided to run as president because I want to be an active part of providing yoga for students. I want to share my own passion and make it the best experience for those to come. As president, I want to continue the hard work last year's committee put in. With yoga families, I want to establish more of a community and space to meet people. yoga can feel like a very individual activity but there is potential for sharing and bonding. I would love brunches after yoga on Saturday to connect as a society. Additionally, within the self-practice times, to encourage more participation, to just meet and play around.