On Friday, Sept. 9, McClung Museum hosted a yoga class with the instructor Megan Fields.
Fields is a long-time Vol fan celebrating 20 years working at UT. She is a distinguished lecturer and the director of public speaking. She has taught public speaking for 12 years and now teaches communication studies.
Given that she is a busy person, she emphasizes the importance of meditation practices. She learned the art of slowing down when she had a major surgery, and her physical and mental health were under a lot of stress. This led to her passion for yoga.
“I fell in love with yoga and went through teacher training, and I have been teaching it with some of the UT athletes over the years,” Fields said.
McClung Museum, located in Circle Park, includes unique historic exhibits. Some of these include galleries of the human species, fossil history and historic artifacts.
The yoga meditation was in the art gallery exhibit. The room was a large open space with soft undertones of purple walls that set the scene. The paintings presented a sense of tranquility. The artworks displayed varied in sizes and highlighted different times in history through craft.
Although a museum is not the usual setting for a yoga session, it can enhance the experience in exceptional ways. Fields spoke on the contributions a museum can add to the practice.
“I think it is beautiful surrounded by art,” Fields said. “There is just a sense when you walk into a museum that is somewhat like sacred ground.”
Carley Baldwin, a senior majoring in religious studies, spoke on why she thinks the museum is an appropriate setting for a mind and body practice.
“I like this gallery a lot, specifically being surrounded by canvas paintings,” Baldwin said. “It gives your mind somewhere to look and somewhere to think.”
In some ways, reasons for visiting a museum can also align with the motivations for attending a yoga class.
“At both locations you get to relax, to learn something and to educate yourself,” Baldwin said.
Fields provided yoga mats and lavender scented oils for those who wished to enrich their practice. Her soothing voice further contributed to a relaxing experience.
Fields demonstrated each stretch diligently and made it easy for everyone to follow. Some of the movements included downward dog, sleeping eagle, child pose and more.
Baldwin spoke on how Fields made participants feel comfortable while de-stressing.
“I liked the accommodations that Fields made. She was very accessible to all participants no matter if they were beginner, intermediate or advanced and giving different variations to the stretches,” Baldwin said.
College students in general have a lot on their plates. According to the Global Wellness website, yoga can help take the load off by improving sleep, mood and even migraines.
Fields spoke on the additional benefits she wants her attendees to receive from her classes.
“I hope all the participants can gain self awareness, acceptance of their body exactly how it is today and gain peace in this hectic world,” Fields said.
For Baldwin, there was a complete contrast in her emotions before and after the session.
“I was tired and mentally exhausted since it is the end of the week,” Baldwin said. “After, I feel light weight, refreshed and ready to take on the day.”
Check out McClung Museum’s calendar to find more information on upcoming events at this link.
