Reaching for the Sun with Solar Yoga

On April 19, 2022 the University of Southern California (USC) Solar Ambassador Team hosted a Solar Yoga event. The yoga session led by Kaitlyn Seifert focused on the solar plexus. After the session, the Solar Ambassadors introduced RE-volv’s mission and led a discussion on the clean energy transition. 

While there is a lot of success to celebrate, this year the USC Solar Ambassador team worked with Save California Solar to stop the “utility profit grab” by tabling to receive petition signatures on campus. In the environmental field, there will continue to be profit-motivated companies that seek to undo progress of making solar more economically feasible for all. While the success of community organizing in stopping these ploys is inspirational, to ensure longevity in this fight organizers, activists, and citizens need to take care of themselves. 

The USC Solar Ambassador Team pictured with Yoga Instructor Kaitlyn Seifert. The event was hybrid so attendees could join us in person or remotely. 

As college students, classes were gearing up before the end of the semester but dedicating time for a yoga session was rejuvenating. Yoga has numerous physical and mental health benefits including stress relief. Taking an hour out of the day for a well-deserved break can provide the release needed to prevent stress from further piling up. Taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally is crucial for our health so that we can show up to the best of our ability. Yoga, exercise, and sports can be a great outlet for both mental and physical care. Painting, watching a movie, or engaging with other arts and entertainment can be a fun way to process emotions or just unwind. From final exams to climate woes, self-care is essential for preventing burnout in these pursuits.

About the Author

Alana MacMahon is a senior majoring in environmental engineering and minoring in entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California. She became a member of the first RE-volv team at USC because helping local non-profits save on energy costs while reducing emissions empowers students to start being a part of the clean energy revolution while still in college with quantifiable impacts. After graduating, she hopes to continue working on innovative projects that protect our environment and our communities.