Yogappt

Yoga & Meditationby James Dowsett

Thesis

•At the University of Notre Dame, instead of having two semesters of PE, there should be only one while the second semester becomes a required Yoga/Meditation course that could also serve as a Philosophy requirement.

Why change?

•Most freshmen complain about two semesters of required PE, and many of them participate in one unit of yoga as is

•Currently no credit received for PE, but two required philosophy courses

•Two contemporary topics units can easily be condensed into one

And most importantly...

•YOGA and MEDITATION have numerous health, psychological, and fitness benefits as well as a philosophical background that can be taught in a productive, encouraging group atmosphere. ALL OF THIS IN ONE CLASS twice per week! YAY!

Why College Students?

•“Students are encouraged to use the first year as a time of exploration and discovery.”

•STRESS, Peer Pressure, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Fitness & Exercise, Time Management

Mahrishi Yogi

•“What is lacking is a complete system of education which will give depth to a curriculum and enable students to become responsible citizens, fully grown in all values of life, established in higher consciousness and understanding.”

Yoga•Began in India

•Patience, Balance, Flexibility

•“One in Communion with God”

•Painful for some, but a good burn rather than excruciating pain. The more you do, the better you feel/less pain because its all about loosening the muscles to relax

Benefits•400,000 deaths/yr due to physical

inactivity or bad eating habits

•Study shows lower arousal levels after yoga compared to walking/swimming, relaxed mind

•Group Treatment rather than individual, makes one feel more involved and less like something is wrong with them

ND Students•The stresses of college life and

depression students deal with can be helped through yoga and meditation. Controlling one’s thoughts for 20 minutes a day can improve happiness, which likely improves ability to focus on school work and enjoy the little things. Happier Notre Dame campus and possibly better academic performance.

Counterargument•Notre Dame’s Firm Stance against

premarital sex ie parietals, single sex dorms

•Yoga has recently been linked to improving fertility for women

•Yoga itself is somewhat sexual compared to weight lifting and ND may not want to sponsor a class that could potentially increase on campus sexual activity

Counterargument 2

•Yoga is more for women than men

•It’s too painful or people fall asleep.

•Prefer the current system

Philosophy

•Although it wouldn’t necessarily have to be a philosophy course and could remain a PE class with no credit and no writing, the philosophical side of yoga could be explored and make for a very interesting 3-credit philo course that could knock off a university requirement and PE in one class

NAMASTE