College Admissions Essay: Aunt Joan and Yoga

Aunt Joan and Yoga

Up until about 40 years ago, yoga was practically unknown to most Americans. When it was introduced to the United States in the '60s, people believed in the incorrect stereotype that it was done only by "hippies," "flower children," and "druggies." Today the term "yoga" is more widely known, now that it is becoming trendier.

Yoga is a discipline with a scientific background that was developed over 2000 years ago. In this system of self-development the restless mind is calmed and energy is placed into constructive channels. It is not a religion as some people may be led to believe. It is a philosophy of life. The lessons learned are just as relevant today as they were when they were first created, still keeping the main principle that before you can train your mind to reach a higher consciousness you must first discipline your body. Yoga's popularity is largely due to its wide range of benefits, including therapeutic effects, muscle toning, energy increasing and concentration of the mind.

It is also in question as to whether yoga should be considered an art form. My aunt, Joan Brown, is a hatha yoga instructor and is of the opinion that her profession is related to dance. She considers yoga and dance to be part of a natural partnership, both being creative, using fluid movements, stretching, and flexing. Correct breathing is also necessary to be successful in both dance and yoga. Many yoga instructors are known to have some dance training as well. There is also a best-selling video that The New York City Ballet Co. has created which combines dance steps and yoga postures.

Joan grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and began studying hatha yoga in the early '70s and has continued to do so ever since. She studied the science and philosophy of yoga at the Himalayan Institute for about 12 years and then later at the Temple of Kriya Yoga for approximately 11 years. Joan feels fortunate that she got started on this path at the right time because she had the opportunity to study under the great teachers that had come from India.

For her to become an instructor of yoga, a bachelor degree in the arts wasn't needed, but specific studies were. She completed her certification Level 1 and Level 2 at the Temple of Kriya Yoga.