“Releasing Your Mind’s & Body’s Tension”: A Visual Ethnographic Analysis of the Hatha Yogi Carmen Champion
Major
Health Promotion & Fitness Management
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Anthropology, Exercise Science, Health, Humanities, Philosophy
Expected Graduation Date
2024
Location
CNS Atrium, Easel 24
Start Date
4-9-2022 11:15 AM
End Date
4-9-2022 12:30 PM
Abstract
By conducting collaborative visual ethnographic research with Carmen Champion, owner of Main Street Yoga in downtown Bloomington, this research will highlight the training, techniques and philosophy of the Hatha Yoga tradition, which emphasizes slow and deliberate movements when changing positions in an effort to improve strength, balance, and stamina. Champion specifically focuses on the role of muscles in each pose and how to strengthen and stretch muscles that may need it, as well as aiding her students in improving their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being more through the teaching of Hatha yoga. Through interviewing, participant-observation, and producing a series of images that illustrate how Champion uses Hatha yoga to help students as well as train teachers to carry on the tradition. As Champion is a follower of Swami Kripalu, the research will also delve into Kripalu's unique teachings and how Champion uses them in her practice. The information gathered in this visual ethnographic analysis will hopefully provide helpful information to a struggling individual who is searching for an alternative modality of healing, instead of the Western biomedical approach to healing.
“Releasing Your Mind’s & Body’s Tension”: A Visual Ethnographic Analysis of the Hatha Yogi Carmen Champion
CNS Atrium, Easel 24
By conducting collaborative visual ethnographic research with Carmen Champion, owner of Main Street Yoga in downtown Bloomington, this research will highlight the training, techniques and philosophy of the Hatha Yoga tradition, which emphasizes slow and deliberate movements when changing positions in an effort to improve strength, balance, and stamina. Champion specifically focuses on the role of muscles in each pose and how to strengthen and stretch muscles that may need it, as well as aiding her students in improving their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being more through the teaching of Hatha yoga. Through interviewing, participant-observation, and producing a series of images that illustrate how Champion uses Hatha yoga to help students as well as train teachers to carry on the tradition. As Champion is a follower of Swami Kripalu, the research will also delve into Kripalu's unique teachings and how Champion uses them in her practice. The information gathered in this visual ethnographic analysis will hopefully provide helpful information to a struggling individual who is searching for an alternative modality of healing, instead of the Western biomedical approach to healing.