Yoga 101 Summer Program
First thoughts of this program began while YogaJen was working with the Miami University Summer Hockey School where 120 boys between the ages of 12 and 18 took yoga once a week and loved it. The response by the otherwise "tough guys" was one of amazement at how good they felt and excitement at what they had accomplished for themselves. The Yoga 101 program began to form in early 2007 when YogaJen began teaching an elective Yoga class at Indian Hill Middle School. When YogaJen took over the class there were 15 students enrolled. The next semester the class grew to 30 students. This past semester there are 45 students enrolled and interest in yoga within the student body continues to grow. Due to the requests of the current students the Yoga 101 Summer Program was created.
It has become apparent that this population of children are finding value in what Yoga has to offer. The middle school years are a difficult time where a child is moving toward adulthood. Their bodies are changing, their minds are beginning to develop, moving from a sense of "I" to "where I fit into my world" and a sense of self is beginning to emerge. Yet, often times these children do not have any idea where to begin in figuring out who they are. Some define themselves by their accomplishments, some by what others think of them, some by comparison to what the media tells them they should be and yet others by who others tell them they should be. In Yoga they will have the time and space to discover not only what their bodies can do physically, but also to begin to see who they are from the inside out and what they think and feel. Students will also begin to master the art of relaxation and "letting go" of the stress they experience. Stress reaps havoc on the physical body and clutters the mind. In the Yoga 101 Summer Program they will learn techniques to physically destress and clear the mind so they can better focus on whatever the task at hand may be at any given time.
The Yoga 101 Summer Program will encompass the traditional Hatha Yoga physical postures, breathing techniques to settle the mind and body, meditation exercises to clear the mind and reduce stress and the "special place" visualization technique that has been a favorite of all the students.
All levels of students are welcome, from beginners to those who already have a Yoga practice in place. All fitness levels are also encouraged to take part. Classes will begin on June 17th and will run on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 10:45 to 11:45 am throughout the summer until August 14th (with a break for holidays), totaling 16 classes. Classes will be held at the Indian Hill Winter Club (directions will accompany your confirmation e-mail), but you do not need to be a member to participate! With registration, the student will also receive a Jade Harmony Yoga Mat (if you would like to learn more about Jade Yoga mats please go to http://www.jadeyoga.com) which retails at $30.00 and one of YogaJen's Cd's entitled Relax, Release and Renew which is the music and guided final relaxation meditation from class. The fee for the Yoga 101 Summer Program is $250.00, due upon registration.
If you would like to register your student, please make sure that he/she is truly interested in attending this program and participating in all that is offered. Due to the nature of the study, YogaJen reserves the right to dismiss any student from the program that is being disruptive and/or inhibiting another student's progress in ANY way. If a student is dismissed, there will be no reimbursement for the remainder of the program.