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