Yoga: Where Body, Mind, and Spirit Unite

“Yoga, a Sanskrit word translated as “yoke” or “union,” is an ancient system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices developed to unify the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness with the intention of attaining ultimate knowledge, wisdom, and freedom,” explains Dr. Katie Schuver. “There are many different styles of yoga, but they are all created to be supportive of facilitating deep states of peace and self-realization, while providing the platform and tools to explore the subtle energies of life.” 

The Bakken Center’s yoga focus area originally grew out of a combined endeavor with academic courses that are now part of the Center’s Tibetan Healing Initiative (THI). As the course offerings in both areas expanded, they each split into unique focus areas with separate content offerings and experiences. Dr. Schuver has been instrumental in the evolution of the Yoga focus area and its ongoing success in the University’s academic setting. Undergraduate and graduate students from an array of programs are drawn to the courses, including many pursuing majors in health sciences. Schuver’s inclusive approach and inspiration motivates these students to envision how they will include the courses in their future careers. 

Foundational Course

A 2-credit foundational course, CSPH 5317 Yoga: Ethics, Spirituality, and Healing, introduces students to the ancient Indian discipline of yoga, and allows them to examine how systematic yoga practice leads to optimal health by evaluating philosophical knowledge, scientific evidence, and practical application. Students ultimately propose research-based programs for integrating yoga into their personal and professional lives. This online course is the prerequisite for the CSPH 5319 Yoga and Ayurveda in India course that is offered annually during the winter break.

Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Courses

In 2013, the Center began offering a three-course Hatha Yoga Teacher Training series. Hatha Yoga is a popular type of yoga that combines Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath expansion), and relaxation. The curriculum is based on exercise science, Yogic philosophy, and scientific evidence. The courses recently shifted to graduate level, allowing registration by both graduate and upper level undergraduate students. They offer a high-quality training experience in a resource-rich academic setting.

The University of Minnesota is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance, the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community in fostering and supporting the high-quality, safe, accessible, and equitable teaching of yoga worldwide. Students who successfully complete the Hatha yoga series and other certification requirements are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as 200-hour Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs). The courses are also open to students and community members who wish to participate without pursuing the RYT certification.  

Included in Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Courses:

CSPH 5322 Foundations of Hatha Yoga: Alignment and Movement Principles (3 credits)

This course introduces students to anatomical considerations that are critical to teaching safe, effective Hatha Yoga Asana, Pranayama, and relaxation. Students learn about gross anatomy, energy anatomy, movement, and effective teaching.

CSPH 5323 Hatha Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics (3 credits)

Students learn about the nature, aim, and extent of Yogic traditions and ethics in classical texts of yoga in this class, as well as how to apply this content in their lives off the yoga mat and as Hatha Yoga teachers.

CSPH 5324 Hatha Yoga Teaching Principles and Methodology (3 credits)

This course provides the opportunity to study communication and sequencing principles necessary for teaching Hatha Yoga classes. Students use knowledge and skills gained during the first two courses to develop skills used to teach Hatha Yoga Asana, Pranayama, and relaxation techniques. Students complete an internship where they teach at various community and University sites as part of the course. 

Yoga & Ayurveda in India Course

During this dynamic travel course, students synthesize the philosophical, psychological, and ethical teachings of yoga  with experiential knowledge by traveling to Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram in the foothills of the Himalaya mountains near Rishikesh, India, to study with an expert and diverse group of yoga practitioners. Students participate in the Ashram’s intensive schedule, which includes various yoga, meditation, and instructional activities throughout each day. They live onsite in brick cottages surrounded by flowering plants, and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals in the dining hall. 

Certificate and Minor Focus

Current initiatives under development for the Yoga focus area include courses that will more deeply explore health and disease from a Yogic perspective, and an expansion into a 300-hour RYT credential. Additional courses will round out the opportunities for students pursuing the Center’s Certificate in Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices to focus specifically on yoga. This postbaccalaureate credential is open to students with prior undergraduate healthcare backgrounds, students who are currently pursuing health sciences degrees, or to practicing healthcare professionals. Graduate students from a variety of other majors at the University may count the yoga courses toward a Minor in Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices.

Students may also incorporate related content into their certificate or minor electives, such as CSPH 5343 Ayurveda Medicine: The Science of Self Healing, CSPH 5555 Introduction to Body and Movement-Based Therapies, and CSPH 5318 Tibetan Medicine in India. Other options from the Center’s catalog of 70+ academic courses include those that focus on clinical applications, cultural modalities, arts and healing, mindfulness, nature-based therapeutics, and integrative health coaching and wellbeing. 

Sound interesting? Learn more about the Yoga focus area and related educational opportunities.

Meet Your Lead Faculty, Katie Schuver

Katie Schuver serves as Lead Faculty for the Yoga focus area at the Bakken Center. Her eclectic background in yoga practice, kinesiology, research, teaching, and clinical counseling position her to teach from multiple, but aligned, perspectives.

It is clear from what her students are saying that Dr. Schuver’s supportive approach is as valued as the content she is teaching:

“Katie, the instructor, is exceptional. Her wealth of experience and the safe, supportive environment she creates made the entire journey deeply resonant. Her depth of knowledge, combined with her years of practice, brings an authenticity and richness to every session. She has an intuitive understanding of her students’ needs, and her teaching style is deeply mindful. Beyond the technical aspects of yoga, she encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth, reminding us that yoga is not just a physical practice but a journey inward. I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, and I encourage every student to explore it,” says Shah. 

“Katie was highly knowledgeable. As a nurse, whole person care is important with a focus on the mind, body, and spirit. Katie was exceptional at addressing the whole person both in regards to our training to lead others but also as individual students,” Thomas Betz says.

“Katie is the best kind of instructor to have! She perfectly balances having high, but achievable, standards for her students to meet while also being so approachable and down to earth with her students. When arriving in India, as a student I quickly realized it takes a special type of person to lead this study abroad trip. She was not only an instructor for the content, but also guided us through the everyday experiences of being in India. From culture shock, to yoga poses and positions, to meditation reflections, Katie led and guided us through each of these daily encounters with love and grace. Once in India, we got to see how her extensive knowledge of yoga and Ayurvedic medicine could be integrated into our activities each day. She truly helped us apply and practice the information we were learning in our courses each day of the trip. She is a leader not just by her official title, but also by her actions and words. I always knew Katie was a source of support and wisdom which was something that was so comforting to have, especially when being across the world in a new and unfamiliar place for two weeks. I cannot think of a better instructor or leader that I could have had through those journeys and lessons,” says Spandonidis.