It was 2010 when Annie Keel first joined the Trinity-Pawling community alongside her husband, Dutch, and their two young daughters. In 2014, she returned to the classroom as a teacher in the LEAD Program, and soon after, joined the Science Department as a biology teacher. Beyond the science wing, she currently serves as an academic advisor; heads up the Baking Club, Animal Shelter Club, and Chess Club; and also leads an inspiring Kripalu Yoga practice on campus, with a focus on balance and holistic wellness. “Kripalu Yoga is a compassionate, loving, non-judgmental practice,” she began. “It includes centering, breathwork, warm-ups, asana (the poses), and a closing and relaxation (Shavasana).”
Keel earned her yoga instructor certification in 2022 following a 200-hour intensive yoga teacher training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Wellness in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Now a certified instructor, she is proud to share the practice with her students and fellow faculty at Trinity-Pawling. “Last year, I worked with some of our athletes in the off-season and offered practice occasionally for some psychology classes, as well,” Keel shared. This past summer, she also offered weekly community yoga classes for faculty and staff on campus, and throughout the fall, she worked with both the varsity soccer and cross country teams. Her hope is to continue to expand the yoga program each year and bring joy to all who join in.
“I hope the practice is spreading a little bit of good energy, self-compassion, and the ability to carry some of that goodness throughout one’s day or week — both for ourselves and for others.” Keel also noted the benefits of yoga for student-athletes specifically, as they develop their flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. “At the very least, I think that taking 45 minutes or an hour to just be, breathe, stretch, focus, center, and relax, without the constant input of data from phones and social media, is healthy for all of us.”
The powerful benefits of Kripalu Yoga, Keel added, extend well beyond the yoga mat. Her students can take the valuable lessons in breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and flexibility and apply them throughout their daily lives — in the classroom, during athletics, and everywhere in between. “We talk about the power of your breath as something that you always have, no matter where you are. It’s something that can help you calm and center,” she shared. “We also practice focusing on our own body and being present during practice, which is important in all parts of our lives.”
When reflecting on her journey with Kripalu Yoga, one word comes up over and over again for Keel: gratitude. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to complete my yoga teacher training and share my practice with our community. My family and my colleagues have been so supportive; I had inspiring teachers; and I’ve made connections with my fellow students that are incredible,” she concluded. “Kripalu is like home to me. It is a blessing to get to practice and offer yoga here on campus for our community.”
by Emma Quigley