Kandalynn Naidl

Ms. Lindsey

Junior Seminar

2/28/19

Final Reflection: Teaching Yoga to Kihei Charter 10th Grade

How can I continue to expand my knowledge and experience with Yoga and envelop my

classmates with the same passion and lifestyle to stem a healthier way of life?

My initial goals were to expand my knowledge and practice of Yoga and to share the

infinite benefits of its practice with my classmates and peers. Beginning steps I took were taking

several different types of Yoga classes before choosing the one to teach, reading books,

peer-reviewed articles, interviewing teachers and Yogis, and watching tutorials and interviews.

Middle steps were acquiring enough materials for the class such as mats, blocks, and classrooms

to practice in; as well as securing a schedule, playlist of music, and a beginner's Asana practice

that would appeal to my class and I. Final steps were asking for feedback from my students and

teachers to adjust the lesson plans to fit their needs. Challenges I encountered throughout my

project were a lack of supplies, scheduling, carrying my equipment, and a place of practice.

I learned throughout every moment in the process of this project. I learned about the

importance of timing and being on time. I learned to always talk to teachers ahead of time

because time can change everything and it is polite. I learned to talk to multiple mentors and to

always communicate openly without judgment bias and assumptions or expectations. I will carry

with me all of these skills throughout my life.

 Something that defied my expectations was Mentors. I always thought one person would

have one mentor, I was surprised to ascertain every Mentor is different and you need multiple

mentors in order to have a well-rounded education, understanding, teaching, and practice.

My favorite part of the process is practicing Yoga with others. I love learning through

doing, and teaching was an awesome way to relay what I have been learning. I enjoyed teaching

and practicing Yoga with the students most of all.

Time is always a challenge, but I have learned through Yoga progress takes time. Stress

is a huge challenge, I have learned to take each breath, each step, each day as it comes and not to

stress about what you can not control, not to stress about the past, but to keep it in mind for the

future.

If I could go back I wish I would have had a teacher take more pictures of the first Yoga

practice at the Kihei Youth Center before we came into the new building and if I could have I

would have held Yoga on the Skydeck every class. I wish I had more pictures for photo

documentation of our progress. We started class at the Kihei Youth center without music, 25 kids

and only 10 mats, and with a lot less attentive focus. Now the students have the proper

equipment, a gorgeous setting, beautiful music, personal awareness, more mindfulness of others,

and focus Yoga is a free-formed open practice with oneself in nature. It is not meant to be

practiced in a confined space like a classroom. The natural setting and seclusion enhance the

very practice of Yoga in every breath and asana.

Dear Juniors,

Get to know yourself, pick something that you like, always wanted to learn, or are

inspired by. Pick something you can learn, grow, and give back to the community by doing. If
you are not interested in your project it is going to be very hard to get anything completed, make

and find connections, and fulfill your goals. Start practicing good habits and try breaking your

old ones. If something takes just five or fifteen minutes of your time a day, do it. Always give

your mentors plenty of notice, respect, and be accountable. Don't stress, take each day as it

comes; if you are stressed, try Yoga!

. I learned lifelong lessons throughout my Junior project that I will apply to my

Senior project such as; taking each day as it comes, balance, breath, planning, scheduling,

patience, teaching, communication, accommodation, critical thought, and enriched my

21st-century skills. Never be afraid to ask questions, there are no stupid questions.