- What was the process of becoming a yoga teacher?
- How do you think you should train one to become a yoga teacher?
- What interested you in becoming a yoga teacher?
- How has yoga (or being a yoga teacher) impacted your life?
- How else can you expand your knowledge on yoga?
- What styles of yoga have you tried? Which is your favorite and why?
- What style of yoga do you teach? Why do you want people to learn this style of yoga?
- What is your favorite yoga pose? What are the mental and physical benefits that pose possesses?
- What characteristics do you think a yoga teacher should have in order to teach?
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Blog 6: Second Interview
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Blog 5A: Science Fair Problem Statement
1) Senior topic: Yoga
2) Yoga isn't just stretching. Although stretching plays a huge role in yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and a healthy diet are important factors as well. If I get permission from Ms. Melogno and Mr. Hogan, I'd like to teach a class that yoga isn't strictly stretching or contorting ourselves into weird positions. I'd like to open their minds to the different styles that cater to different stretches and poses in sanskrit. Contrary to popular belief, this exercise does get you sweating from stretching and lengthening.
3) People tend to practice yoga incorrectly which results in an injury or an unsuccessful yoga class. Yoga teachers always teach differently so their pace might be faster than others. Students may feel challenged and push themselves harder than they should and the end result usually comes to a pulled muscle. Although it isn't too extreme, teachers always want their students to finish their class without stress, extra weight on their shoulders and obviously injuries. I would like to fix this problem by leading the class in some light, basic stretches and then upping the intensity before moving on to the poses. If I am allowed to teach Ms. Melogno's yoga class, I also have to have tons of patience, making sure that everyone is comfortable and can get in and out of the poses safely.
UPDATED PROBLEMS
2) Yoga isn't just stretching. Although stretching plays a huge role in yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and a healthy diet are important factors as well. If I get permission from Ms. Melogno and Mr. Hogan, I'd like to teach a class that yoga isn't strictly stretching or contorting ourselves into weird positions. I'd like to open their minds to the different styles that cater to different stretches and poses in sanskrit. Contrary to popular belief, this exercise does get you sweating from stretching and lengthening.
3) People tend to practice yoga incorrectly which results in an injury or an unsuccessful yoga class. Yoga teachers always teach differently so their pace might be faster than others. Students may feel challenged and push themselves harder than they should and the end result usually comes to a pulled muscle. Although it isn't too extreme, teachers always want their students to finish their class without stress, extra weight on their shoulders and obviously injuries. I would like to fix this problem by leading the class in some light, basic stretches and then upping the intensity before moving on to the poses. If I am allowed to teach Ms. Melogno's yoga class, I also have to have tons of patience, making sure that everyone is comfortable and can get in and out of the poses safely.
UPDATED PROBLEMS
- There is no set certification process/program to become a yoga teacher. There are programs to become a teacher from a local yoga studio, but there is no formal, consistent training.
Blog 4: Project Reflection and Working EQ
Positive Statement: What positive thing happened as a result of what you have completed so far?
By far, I always look forward to my mentorship. I have been taking classes every day and what's great about it is that I've been seeing different instructors each time. This gives me a chance to see the varying teaching styles each teacher uses in his or her class. But regardless of who's teaching that day, I love the intense workouts and the connection between the mind and body.
EQ Content: Pick a piece of research or an interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
One of my research articles included yoga terminology and that was possibly the most helpful pieces of research regarding my topic. During yoga classes, instructors will often use the words "chaturanga" or "shavasana" and as a new yogi (practitioner of yoga), I had no idea what that meant. Because of this, I often had to watch others as they already knew what to do. With my knowledge of the common yoga terminology, it's now so much more convenient for me to do the correct poses when the teacher says so.
What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
Although I've already state this, I have the best mentorship ever. I participate in work exchange, so during the weekends, I would clean the studio inside and out. In turn, I get unlimited yoga classes which is definitely worth sweeping and mopping for a couple of hours.
What hasn't worked so far?
As far as I know, the only thing that hasn't exactly worked for me is narrowing down my topic. Yoga is a very broad topic because if you look deeper into it, you'll find that there are tons of different styles that are taught differently, so it'll be hard trying to focus on one section of yoga.
Finding Value: Based on your experience so far,
By far, I always look forward to my mentorship. I have been taking classes every day and what's great about it is that I've been seeing different instructors each time. This gives me a chance to see the varying teaching styles each teacher uses in his or her class. But regardless of who's teaching that day, I love the intense workouts and the connection between the mind and body.
EQ Content: Pick a piece of research or an interview. How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
One of my research articles included yoga terminology and that was possibly the most helpful pieces of research regarding my topic. During yoga classes, instructors will often use the words "chaturanga" or "shavasana" and as a new yogi (practitioner of yoga), I had no idea what that meant. Because of this, I often had to watch others as they already knew what to do. With my knowledge of the common yoga terminology, it's now so much more convenient for me to do the correct poses when the teacher says so.
What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
Although I've already state this, I have the best mentorship ever. I participate in work exchange, so during the weekends, I would clean the studio inside and out. In turn, I get unlimited yoga classes which is definitely worth sweeping and mopping for a couple of hours.
What hasn't worked so far?
As far as I know, the only thing that hasn't exactly worked for me is narrowing down my topic. Yoga is a very broad topic because if you look deeper into it, you'll find that there are tons of different styles that are taught differently, so it'll be hard trying to focus on one section of yoga.
Finding Value: Based on your experience so far,
- What possible question or questions come to mind regarding what you would like to study this year?
- How can I narrow down my topic to something that has a significant amount of research?
- What is your goal this year with your senior project?
- As an active person, my definite goal from practicing yoga is to become lean, flexible and physically fit. I'd also like to learn how to remain positive and calm in stressful situations.
- Who would you like to talk to next? Why?
- I'd like to speak with Nancy, a Yoganette instructor. I have not taken her class yet, but Antoinette referred me to her so I believe she will make for a great interview!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Blog 3: Interview Preparation
1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?
Antoinette Contreras is my go-to person. Although she is extremely hard to contact due to her schedule, I can tell you that she knows what she's talking about when it comes to yoga. It's not just something she enjoys doing but this form of exercise just comes naturally to her so I can trust her with clear and precise answers. Since she is the owner of Yoganette, I imagine she's gone through so much to bring her passion to life which is one of the main reasons why I came to her for mentorship.
2. You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?
I plan to ask her why she chose yoga as a lifelong career. It must have taken plenty of thought since she had to go through a whole business process to open the doors of Yoganette. I'd also like to bring up the basics of yoga, such as the different types and its history. I think it's pretty important to know the foundation of yoga before divulging into the details, otherwise my work and research would be extremely shallow.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Blog 2: Topic Choice
A. What is your topic and why?
Yoga is my topic of choice and I will stand by this as I believe it is an underrated form of exercise. I love being active in ways that others would not prefer. For example, I would rather explore trails and hike on mountains compared to frequenting the gym. Although yoga can become quite costly, it definitely is a new feel for those who are intimidated by gym buffs. Yoga is a style of exercise that is amazingly convenient and can cater to many health related needs so there really is no reason to try it.
B. What do you hope to accomplish this year with this topic?
I aim to practice yoga multiple times throughout the week, become lean, and be able to do many yoga poses along with the countless types of yoga. It may be a long shot, but I believe it is definitely doable. With my mentorship being done at the yoga studio itself, I am given the opportunity to practice yoga with unlimited classes so I use that to my advantage. I also want to be able to be more at peace with myself, my body, my surroundings and situations. Though I probably won't be doing yoga as much as I want due to such a hectic schedule, the senior project will guide me to take the baby steps to get the what I am aiming for.
Yoga is my topic of choice and I will stand by this as I believe it is an underrated form of exercise. I love being active in ways that others would not prefer. For example, I would rather explore trails and hike on mountains compared to frequenting the gym. Although yoga can become quite costly, it definitely is a new feel for those who are intimidated by gym buffs. Yoga is a style of exercise that is amazingly convenient and can cater to many health related needs so there really is no reason to try it.
B. What do you hope to accomplish this year with this topic?
I aim to practice yoga multiple times throughout the week, become lean, and be able to do many yoga poses along with the countless types of yoga. It may be a long shot, but I believe it is definitely doable. With my mentorship being done at the yoga studio itself, I am given the opportunity to practice yoga with unlimited classes so I use that to my advantage. I also want to be able to be more at peace with myself, my body, my surroundings and situations. Though I probably won't be doing yoga as much as I want due to such a hectic schedule, the senior project will guide me to take the baby steps to get the what I am aiming for.
- As an iPoly citizen, I plan to handle situations differently with the help of yoga. I can show improvement by solving problems civilly and in a peaceful manner, which is rare. I believe that with yoga, I will release all negative energy and think positively of situations.
- As an effective communicator, I plan to be more outgoing. That is a very vague statement, but it will teach me to break out of my shell and be more personable. At times I am often to myself but if I am able to communicate well with others, I can learn things that aren't familiar to me which makes it a learning process as well.
- As an effective learner, I plan to try out all types of yoga. This will aid me in becoming a more effective learner because it will guide me to be open minded. With that mindset, I'd be more than willing to try and learn new things instead of sticking with what I already know.
- As an effective user of technology, I plan to use the web to its fullest extent. If I am unable to attend a class, there are many, many videos and how-tos regarding yoga so there really isn't any excuse for me to skip. I can effectively use technology by learning the ropes of the internet and exploring the web through different mediums to find what I am looking for.
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