Blog 1: Summer Mentorship Component

Mentor
Antoinette Contreras
626) 965-4000
antoinette@yoganette.com

Literal (Know)

1. June 16, 2012 (4 hours) - Antoinette, the owner of Yoganette Yoga Studio, showed me the ropes of being a receptionist at her facility. I learned how to use Dharma Tribe (system to keep up with students & classes) and how to check students in with it. Throughout the rest of the time I was there, it was my responsibility to keep the lounge and restrooms tidy.
2. June 23, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - After my usual 4 hours being a receptionist, I took my first yoga class with Alain. It was a very exclusive class with only 3 other women participating with me. He taught me that there were multiple forms of yoga such as Vinyasa and Bikram but advised me not to try it yet seeing as I was a beginner. 
3. June 30, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - I arrived at the studio a lot earlier than the instructors themselves, so Antoinette agreed to give me a key to open it. Though I've only volunteered for a short amount of time, I already felt at home and comfortable with my fellow volunteers once I was handed the key. With all of the trust the studio has instilled in me, I felt like I should take on more responsibility. I assisted students to their classes and tidied up the entire studio during and in between classes. After my usual 8-12 shift, I took another class that has never been brought to my attention. Erica, one of the instructors that trained me, urged me to take a Restorative class. Not knowing what I was getting into, I went ahead and took it. Surprisingly, this was the polar opposite of what I thought it would be. Throughout the 90 minute class, it contained little to no movement, just relaxing which can alter perspectives of yoga.

Mentorship Spreadsheet

Literal (Need to know)

1. How many types of yoga are there?
2. Which types of yoga promote stress relief? Weight loss? Flexibility?
3. What types of yoga should one stray away from if they suffer from sensitive conditions such as scoliosis?
4. Should you eat healthier to gain a better experience while taking yoga classes?
5. How does one know which intensity to practice with certain conditions or if they're simply a beginner?

Interpretive

The most important thing I've gained from this amazing experience was that there are innumerable amounts of yoga. Coming into the studio, I thought that we'd only be stretching and doing some "downward facing dogs" but boy, was I wrong. Each instructor has their own style and way of teaching. Depending on which class you take, you can either relax, sleep or sweat because yoga is truly a workout.

Applied
What I did made me want to stick with yoga because it's such an amazing feeling after a long, stressful day. For those 90 minutes, you forget all of your worries and burdens and live in the present. Not only do you clear your mind but you exercise your physical health as well. With my current knowledge of yoga, I'd like to learn as much as Antoinette knows and share it with others because it's something healthy you can resort to opposed to others.