My Class with Janet Jackson

For this blog, we were asked to read Carl Jung's book, Man and His Symbols. Jung discusses the symbolism in dreams and how we "work out" what we don't deal with in our real life. Our assignment was to write about a dream we had and then discuss some of the symbolism we thought our "unconscious" is trying to tell us.

My dream starts off with me at a gym. The colors of the gym are primarily blue with mirrors strategically put around the walls so people can see themselves working out. I don't see anyone else around the gym. But, it feels as if there are people around somewhere. The gym contains the usual workout equipment and it feels as if it is a big gym that is multi-level. I walk up some stairs to the second floor and discover that I've entered the area where they have a studio with mirrors in the front where classes are taught. Being in fitness, I'm use to seeing this in places I've worked. This particular setup was more of a nightclub that was an open area with a DJ area near the front of the studio. I look around the space and see that people are waiting for a class to start. The sun is shining on the studio floor and I feel a warmth coming through the open doors beyond the workout area. I then realize that I'm the teacher for the class and it's a hip hop style dance class. Then, I proceed to get my music ready. I approach the stereo to test my music and suddenly notice that the studio is filling up with more students. In the center of all the people is Janet Jackson! I begin to sweat nervously, but feel that I can handle the situation. Being a huge fan, I decide that I'm going to play one of her songs. But, then feel that she might get embarrassed and more importantly, I'll look like I'm trying to impress her. I notice the clock on the wall and it's 11:00 am. For some reason, I'm unable to find my music and a stir from the students begins to get my attention. They realize that I can't find my music or something is wrong with the stereo. I start sweating. I think about Plan B. But, I really don't have a Plan B! I look up at the clock and it's now 11:10 am. Still, can't find my music and Janet Jackson is staring at me. I try and figure out what I'm going to do. Thoughts pass through my head... should I make something up? Should I get someone from the front desk to help me? Should I talk to Janet Jackson and ask her for help? I sweat more. I'm calm but embarrassed that I can't get it together. I look up and now people are starting to leave. I look at the clock and it's now 11:20 am. I haven't said anything but I'm hoping that they can tell I'm trying to figure the music out. I'm pressing buttons and turning the power switch on and off. Still nothing. Thoughts run through my head that Janet Jackson is going to say something to her friends that the teacher couldn't get it together. I try and stay calm throughout the ordeal and wonder if this is really happening.

I wake up.

I frown.

I shake my head in disbelief.

I laugh at the thought of Janet Jackson.

I laugh at the thought that I was teaching a dance class to Janet Jackson.

I go back to sleep.

Analysis:
There were a lot of symbols that showed up in my dream. First, the building. I work at a couple of health clubs. But, this gym was multi-level and painted blue. I think this gym represents me. Or maybe my own house for my thoughts about who I am. The mirrors are times that I reflect on my actions and my affect on those around me. Second, one of my fears is relying on technology to work for me. I sometimes get obsessed with checking to see if my computer is on or if the television is working properly. As stupid as they may seem, I still do it. Third, Janet Jackson being in my dream was just weird. Like I said, I'm a big fan and I think I might have been listening to one of her songs before I went to sleep. Or maybe I thought of someone who reminds me of her. In any case, I enjoy her music and her dancing. I always thought it would be cool if I danced with her. Well, I tried at least in my dream. But, the sad part was that the technology wasn't working and I couldn't show off my moves to her. Fourth, the people in the room I believe were people who know me and always support me even at my lowest points. The people in the class weren't mad but they were concerned, just like my friends and family. There was also some feelings of regret. Feelings that I wasn't able to do my best. I think that's one thing that I stress about in life. I try very hard to do many things. I want to be good at everything and sometimes it feels frustrating that I can't do it all!

I didn't give it much thought until writing this blog. It's weird, but I think when we think about what we dream, it gives us a different look at what's happening when we're awake. Sometimes the dreams can be funny or scary. But, I think our unconscious mind does speak to us especially in our dreams!

The Code Revisited

After reading Hall's complete lecture, I wanted to come back and embellish more of my thoughts about how I felt about his view.

I agree with Hall that communication is power and those with the power are able to get their messages out to the world. Youtube is a perfect example of a medium that uses it power to connect others with their product. I've had countless conversations with friends about what video is the most watched video from week to week. In addition, we have discussions about what the most popular videos are and why.

Youtube has proven that it has power over us.

But, have we let them control us without our knowing it? Of course, we have! We are a society and generation that relies on media that is fast and quick. We want to be entertained immediately. If we aren't, we quickly move to something that does.

In many ways, Youtube satisfies our need to a quick fix of moving pictures that capture our senses. We are constantly bombarded with videos of people doing things we like, wished we could do, or never imagined doing in our lifetime.

I think the problem our society faces is finding meaning in these images. I worry that Youtube connects people on a superficial level rather than the deep connection we get when we are face to face with someone else. Besides, are the images we see so important to us that we spend countless hours watching them over and over again?

Overall, I think Youtube has changed how we view images in our society. I think it has enabled people to "connect" in ways that we have never done before. But, do these images truly represent who we are or are they just a way to entertain us?

Personally, I think the images represent who we are as a society. We have created this world to satisfy the desire to show the world our personal lives that we weren't able to do in the past. We have now identified with each other that our world is just as diverse as it has always been. But, more than ever, we are exposed to images we have only dreamed about.

Time will tell if our new discovery can take on more than it can chew!!

Concession:
While Rosen argues that viewers of Youtube are mindlessly watching, Hall believes that the viewer is constantly making personal judgements and decisions as to the content and meaning of what they see.

What's the Code?

I just finished reading Stuart Hall's Encoding and Decoding and compared it to Youtube.

Youtube has become a communicative event as Hall stated. Overnight, Youtube has linked groups of people together by showing videos of different worlds, places and people to the masses. I've been able to see things from other countries that I would have never seen without it. Unlike Rosen, the message is something we can't ignore. We are actively engaged in the process of watching videos. We get to choose what videos we want to watch and when we want to watch them. In addition, we can pick our favorites and even post our own videos.

Youtube is both a sender and receiver of information. We have used the medium to connect people into our lives that normally wouldn't be in it. We can get information from everything from the medical field to silly pet videos. I know that I watch it to learn the latest headline news, sports and comedic shows.

Hall asks, "What is content?"

Content is the story that Youtube gives us. There are millions of stories that people are exposed to. I know for myself how I enjoy watching a video only to find myself watching a link to another video. Suddenly, 2 hours have gone by and I wonder what happened with the time. Youtube links many stories together that pull people in to watch. It's not uncommon to have discussions about the content on Youtube. In a way, Youtube has built a community of viewers on not only a local scale, but an international one too!

Hall talks about how the representation of violence on television isn't violence but messages about violence. I thought this was interesting because I know that when I watch violent things on television, I am able to identify if something is violent or not. Scary music, dark lighting, or even nervous actors pretending to be scared, give the viewer the clues to identify violent messages. In addition, our interpretation of these messages is what we have been conditioned to base our decisions on. Now, with reality television, the viewer is exposed even more to the dysfunction of our society and have become desensitized to it's effects.

This leads me into what Hall says that, "Certain codes may be naturalized in to us over time". This is because they give you certain codes that make us think that we are looking at the actually object we are naming. We have been so accustomed to images around us that we have begun to develop certain ideas about objects in our lives. Again, we have been conditioned to agree with what is in front of us as fact because we don't question what we have been brought up to know as truth. Hall's example was the winter sweater advertisement. I agree with Hall and believe I've fallen into this mind-set even without my knowing it. As Hall states, we have identified and decoded a certain number of signs and put them in a creative relation between themselves and with other signs.

Hall finishes his discussion with 3 hypothetical positions. Each one offers ways we have adapted to watching media around us.

The dominant-henemonic positon is about the media operating with certain rules. Their job is to show images within a range for people to absorb and learn from.

The negotiated code is built around certain parameters that the message must be in. The focus is to understand what is right and wrong about what the images are.

The oppositional code is based on showing the opposite of what the viewers actually want.

I think all 3 positions offer a construct for us to look at media in a new way. After reading some of their definitions, I was struck with the idea that we move back and forth from each position. I think in that way, it helps to keep our minds active and our focused on what we really want in our lives.

I need my iphone...

After examining many different forms of media and what really spoke to me, I thought of the iphone. I was reluctant to get the iphone because a lot of my friends had the phone. 2 years ago, I had the Motorola Razor. I thought this was the best phone because I could get everything I needed. I used that phone everywhere I went and thought I was so cool. Not a lot of people had it at the time so I felt very “in”.

Fast forward to the introduction of the iphone.

I remember hearing how this new phone would be the best phone ever invented. Some of my friends actually stood in line to get their phone so they could be the first ones to get it. I thought it was all hype and ridiculous because I thought that a phone couldn’t get any better. For the next few months, my friends raved and bragged about their iphone and how they couldn’t live without it.

Well, you know what happened…

My phone died and I was forced to get a new phone. The phone representative told me how great the iphone was and persuaded me to get one.

Wow, was I impressed and amazed!! I had a phone that could do more than my dinosaur phone. The best part was that I could now talk to all my friends about how I couldn’t live without out my phone and how I understood what they were talking about.

These days, our world is inundated with commercials about the iphone and how great it is. I couldn’t agree anymore about this. The phone does everything I need and it’s really cool. Actually, it’s very cool!! I truly believe that I have been influenced by the media to purchase this product. The ads have given true meaning to what having an iphone gives me. Plus, the commercials reinforce why I have to have this phone in my life. I think everyone should have an iphone. That’s the way to go and to be cool.

Have the images from the media seduced me to buy the iphone? I think so! I love that the commercials tell me how to use it in different ways that I haven’t even explored. The commercials are short. It’s almost like a short tutorial about the product. Everytime I see a commercial or an ad, I pay attention because I think I might learn something.

The iphone has trained me to be a dedicated user to them. I wonder what they will come out with next to help me on this communication adventure?

I need my iphone 4G!!!

What You See Isn't What You Always Get?

After reading The Image Culture by Christine Rosen, I was struck with the idea that what you see is not always what you get! Throughout history, society has been tricked into thinking that what they saw in photos was reality. But, the truth, was that many photos have been altered to sway the public into thinking the way some governments want to be portrayed. This makes me think about how many times I have been fooled into thinking a photograph was real when it was fabricated to sway my thoughts about it.

She continues to discuss how catastrophes around the world are suddenly given to us as if we are there. It isn't uncommon these days to see natural disasters or the struggles people face. In the past, we were reluctant to see these events unless we read the paper. Now, our lives are filled with visions and pictures of people and events we wouldn't even be aware of. Everyday, our society has become filled with pictures that we have become desensitized to the actual severity of what is in front of us. I think this has made us believe that these problems aren't as bad as they really are. More importantly, we are now so reluctant to care about the world unless we feel it is an emergency.

She talks about Photoshop and how it has become the norm of our lives. Again, what we see isn't what is really there. Since Photoshop was invented, new pictures of people and places have come up that are based more on a perfected reality rather than the mundane reality we live in on a daily basis. Magazines in stores are filled with people who are suppose to be the perfect ideal. They are shaped, colored and contoured so that they represent the perfect human being. I fear, that while this image may sell magazines, it misleads the consumer to believe that these people are perfect. The fact is we are so use to seeing this that we have now come to believe that it is true. We have been programmed since birth to see these images and take them for fact.

The last thing that struck me was about television. Now, they say that there's nothing like a "live" sports game. But, I have become so conditioned to watching sports on television that when I am at a "live" game, I miss the instant replays and the commentary of the announcers. Odd as that is, I am the first to tell you that I do miss that when watching live sports. I look forward to seeing that playback. I've been to a few tennis matches and was hoping for a playback of the shot the player hit only to be disappointed that it didn't happen. It makes me now wonder if other people feel the same way as I do? Have we all become so affected and conditioned by television that anything else is not real? I think television has conditioned us to believe that life is more colorful and exciting than it really is. When we don't get that digital image or that instant gratification, we are left with the boring images in front of us.

What's next?

Who's Using Who?

I just watched Postman's Interview on Youtube and found it very enlightening. He mentions how cyberspace is a metaphorical idea which is suppose to be the idea where your consciousness is located where you're using computer technology on the internet. In this fast paced world where technology is moving faster than we can keep up, I think he makes a point of saying how cyberspace was for us to communicate with each other. No longer are we communicating via face-to-face contact. We now have the internet, cell-phones, and texting as the next generation of ways of communicating.

The internet has now provided people to talk to other people around the world from there homes. At first, this idea scared me because it feels like I'm inviting other people into my home and personal space. But, Postman says that you can be anyone you want on the internet. I think this is a true statement because you can edit, change or even embellish your vlog to your liking. I've tried making a few vlogs since taking English 414, but haven't posted any for fear of actually posting something that will be frozen in time. I think a lot of people feel this way for fear of exposing themselves to the unknown faces who may see them. I've had the opportunity to watch a few vlogs and have been impressed that the people are brave enough to post themselves. I wonder if I'll be brave enough to do that?

Postman also talks about the end of face-to-face contact with others. We no longer have that with the advancement of new ways of communicating. He thinks this could be the end of community life. I thought this was an interesting statement because I feel that people who vlog are people who are building a community. They have an audience, they get recognized, they build friendships and they also build bonds. But, I don't know if this is real. Personally, I like seeing my friends face-to-face. It's something with having that person physically there that is different than talking with them through texting or email. I don't get to see there reactions if we're talking face-to-face and they can't see mine, too. The one technology I started using was Skype. On this technology, you can talk and see the person's face. You can see their expressions, hear their voice (real time) and see them laughing. These are things that texting or emails can't do. I think it's important that we don't lose our "community" of friends and become a world where we never see each other.

He ends his interview with asking 3 questions:

1. What is the problem to which this technology is the solution?

2. Who’s problem is it actually?

3. Is there a legitimate problem that is solved by this technology, what problems will be created by using this technology?

For me, the last question was the most important. Our society is always finding ways to do things faster, quicker, and better. But, in doing so, it has caused a backlash of people going back to the basics. For example, the E-card is something that has become more popular in recent years. But, I like getting hand written cards especially from my mom or dad. They in turn like when I write them something in pen and not in an email. It might be "old school", but I think there is some merit in taking the time to write a letter or card, put a stamp on it and mail it to someone. It's too easy to just open your email and send out a "quick" note to someone. On the other side, I struggle with the same idea because writing a note would require a tree to be cut down which would be bad for the environment, the paper used would have to be recycled, and the pen used would have to be manufactured putting more toxic chemicals in the air for us to breath. It makes me wonder what other things in my life I've done to make my life faster, quicker and better for the sake of saving the planet but becoming more detached from the real world?

The Machine is Us!

Wow! The Youtube video of "Michael Wesch: The Machine is Us/ing Us" was amazing! I really had to stay focused to watch everything. The production of the video was fast moving. A few times, I had to stop and blink my eyes because there was so much information. I thought I wouldn't be able to keep up. There were a few times I paused and had to go back to watch it.

I liked how he started with pencil and writing, then erasing what he wrote. The images quickly changed to more of a digital format that we are use to seeing on computers. He talked about the creation of HTML then XML. He showed how they both changed how information was sent and received. The new format made it more user friendly for people to search and share ideas over the internet. Texting, Youtube and flicker were also mentioned as ways people communicate today.

I enjoyed how he brought us into his world by quickly changing words and images. This made me have to process what I saw very quickly. But, it made me realize how quickly I had to take what I saw as fact. It was only when I finished watching that I could sit and process all of it.

I think the most important part of the video was the caption of "who will organized this data". For me, it brought it back to people. People or "users" are the ones who will not only organize but more importantly create what we see on the internet and the world around us. He says that we teach the machine what we want it to know. In effect, we are teaching each other how to communicate faster and in a language we can all follow. But, he says we need to rethink a few things such as copyright, authorship, ethics, love, family and ourselves. I couldn't agree more with this statement because we are moving so fast with new technology that I have to wonder if we ever stop and ask ourselves if it's a positive thing for our lives. Do we ever stop and question if it's right?

Look At Me!

After watching the Vlog on Youtube, I was hit with the idea that people show the world how they want the world to look at them. Without knowing it, people have been actors in their own movie. They write their own script and then film themselves until they feel they've gotten it right.

I've done some commercial and print work and it always cracks me up that I've been cast as an architect, computer technician and even a doctor! I'm far from those occupations, but because I look a certain way, I can pass as those people. When I look at print ads or commercials on television, I look at them with more skepticism because 9 times out 10 those "real" people are actors.

I enjoyed that the Vlog discussed the idea of wearing a mask. I know that my school and work persona is different. I am able to change masks depending on the situation and not even know it. I think that the invention of Youtube was just an extension of what people were already feeling. It gives them the opportunity to voice what there feeling without the risk of getting feedback from a "receiver". The only feedback would be if there were comments posted. But, that is not as risky as being face to face with someone. In a way, this may help the person feel more connected with others without risking being embarrassed or laughed at. In addition, we are able to edit ourselves the way we want to be seen. But, is this real or are we just building something that is make-believe?

Feeling Together but Really Alone

After reading The Medium is the Massage, I was struck with the idea about how our lives are affected by the continuous invention of technology. I can remember playing cassette tapes and thinking this was the greatest invention. I could listen to music when I wanted to and as many times as I chose. Today, I have my Ipod to turn to. It has a selection of music, movies, and videos that I've chosen to listen to. I wouldn't have dreamed this technology would ever happen. In fact, when the Ipod first came out, it was a "WOW!" feeling for me. Here was a new technology made to bring people together. I can remember talking with friends about which one they were getting. But, I've observed that in our attempt to come together, we've gotten more separate. Our lives have taken on a world that has lost it's social aspect and gotten more individual. Closing out the world around and putting on your earbuds is not an uncommon sight today. It makes me wonder if we have really decided, by our own will, if the music, television and news, that we look at, is by our own choice? Or are we being bombarded and affected by outside forces that we arent' even aware of?

When comparing this to the Vlog on Youtube, they share a common idea that although technology has made us more communicative with each other, it has also made us more closed off. The Vlog stated that we all wear a mask on Youtube. How different is that from real life? We show people what we want them to see. Youtube has offered individuals the chance to voice their opinion on the internet. They can wear and say what they want. There isn't the risk of showing your true colors on the internet. If you show a person you want your viewers to see and are criticized, you won't be offended because it's not really you. On the other hand, I've seen videos of people where they use it to create characters of themselves. They become the stars of their own Youtube shows. Once news gets out that it's a must-see, then the video begins it's ascent up the popularity chart and the person becomes a celebrity.

Another point from Medium is the Massage is the idea of who your family is. When he talks about it, he says, "The family circle has widened. The worldpool of information fathered by electric media--movies, Telstar, flight-- far surpasses any possible influence mom and dad can now bring to bear. Character no longer is shaped by only two earnest, fumbling experts. Now all the world's a sage". With Youtube, brave individuals can post stories about there lives for the world to see. They can get feedback about how they're doing and begin to build a network of followers. But, I have to wonder if this new found "family" is really a substitute for people to building face-to-face relationships? Furthermore, he says the world is a sage. Can we truly turn to the new media as our source for philosophical and spiritual guidance?

Stay tuned...

In Search of Perfection

The movie I watched was the Stepford Wives starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick. The theme of the movie was control. Specifically control of the women in the town of Stepford. What struck me the most was that there were some parallels in the life that we live in. Do we really live in a "perfect" world. If so, who created it? Did we? Or did we have someone else tell us that our lives are perfect if we drive the right car, live in the right neighborhood or even have the perfect partner for life?

I believe that living in the perfect world is a world that we create it to be. But, we must be resilient enough to withstand the hard times when things don't always go our way. When we live the life we want to, I think we are filled with a purpose that no one else can understand. In the movie, the perfect world was created by the men of Stepford. They believed that they could create a world where their wives were perfect. They would cook, clean and wait on them hand and foot. I don't think the men really got the perfection they desired. What they really wanted was to feel in control and worthy of their wives. In creating the perfect mate, the men only created the weaknesses of their own lives. Since they couldn't be perfect on the inside, they wanted a world that was perfect on the outside. In doing so, they were living a fantasy that would eventually end up badly. It is only when we look inside ourselves that we face who we are completely. All the good and the bad. The perfect traits and the imperfections of our character are the things we have to live with.

I know for myself, my life has had it's challenges. The movie was interesting to compare it to my own adventures in this world. I've tried to build my life the way I wanted it and to be as perfect as possible. Yet, in doing so, it's my drive to succeed that has made me who I am today. I wonder if I'm trying to find perfection only to find that perfection is really all my imperfections.

In Search of Truth

Education isn't what some people declare it to be, namely, putting

knowledge into souls that lack it, like putting sight into blind eyes.. . .

Education takes for granted that sight is there but that it isn't turned the

right way or where it ought to look, and it tries to redirect it appropriately.

I love this statement from Plato's Cave. I just read John Patridge's essay "Plato's Cave and the Matrix". He compares the 2 stories about life and the need to seek out knowledge.

He begins by saying we must have a "healthy" soul to receive and absorb knowledge. But, he states that in our quest, we our sometimes deceived by ourselves. We sometimes see things the way we want to see them. In many cases, we aren't really "healthy" by any means. But, I think there is a constant battle to question what is truth and what is not. In the Matrix, Neo was faced with that same fact. What world he knew wasn't "real". In this case, I would say his mind wasn't "healthy". I know in my life, I have been faced with "truths" I later found we're "not-truths" at all. I know in my life as a yoga teacher, I am constantly seeking what is true and what isn't. Yoga is about being present in the moment. I always have to stop and ask myself what I really "see". He also states that we are prisoners in our own mind. We create this world in our heads only to know the truth when it is materialized in front of us. Only then can we believe that something is a fact. Otherwise, we can make things up that we want to believe are truths for us. He compares the sun to knowledge. The knowledge outside the cave. I like he compared this because it hints at the idea that we have to get out of our "cave" to see what's out there in the world. For most of us, it's knowledge we seek. But, with this knowledge, we can either use it, be scared of it, or ignore it.

The next thing he writes about is the 2 worlds of the Matrix and the Cave's interior. He says that there are some similarities but, the one thing that stands out in both is your physical body. I thought this was an interesting focus because he mentions how in our attempt to seek knowledge, it's only until we master what's in our mind do we master it in our body. Plato and the Matrix play back and forth with the idea of what is real and what isn't. It's only when we attain self-knowledge that we understand not only ourselves better, but the world around us. It is the truths that are already in us that we need to tap into to realize what is true for us! I know as a Spinning Instructor, I've had to train my body very hard. It wasn't until I repeated a drill many times that I finally got it in my head. It was only then that I could say that I've mastered something.

The last thing he writes about is the idea of something being "out of place". We know and sense that something isn't right in our lives. Both Neo and the Cave dwellers have this innate need to seek out something. Something out there that will make things right. They have an idea what it is. But, it isn't in front of their face and there is some apprehension to get it. In a way, the Cave dwellers are imprisoned. Neo was imprisoned and got out! But, I wonder if what he's trying to say is that we are all trying to get out of our heads? If we free our minds, can we be free? Both yoga and Spinning our things that I have found have freed my mind so that my mind can be free to see the world more clearly. For me, it isn't that things are out of place. It's something more that I strive to be a better teacher for my classes. Through the years, I know when something is "out of place" and can quickly correct it.

Finding Neo

I just finished watching The Matrix. There were some similarities in Plato's "Cave". Among them include a search for truth and the obstacles one must face when seeking knowledge. I love the question of "What is the Matrix?" The response was "The answer is out there, if you want it to."

It made me reflect about my life and what truth I'm looking for. I seek truth in so many ways. First, family is important. Without it, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I felt that Neo's new family was there for him. Because the future was not real. Neo never really had a family. What family he knew, was make-believe. Second, friends are few and far between. Who I've surrounded myself with is a reflection of who I am. Neo's friends were on a path to save the world. They never doubted who he was. Even though there were times that he didn't believe it, Morpheus was there to back him up. Good friends are always there for you when you need it. Lastly, speaking my truth is important to me. I think Neo knew that he was destined for something great. But, he didn't know how or what he would become. I see not only myself as someone who seeks to be better in life. But, I see the potential in others around me. I think Neo was someone who stayed true to who he was. In doing so, he was able to do great things.

Seeking knowledge was a theme in Plato's "Cave" and also in The Matrix. Neo had no idea who he was. He had the desire to find out what the Matrix was. But, he didn't know the risk or danger in finding out that knowledge. I think in many ways, we continue to seek out knowledge that we are curious about or have some urge to learn. In my life, I've been an observer of people and events. I have never thought about the danger or risk involved. But, I have used caution when faced with big decisions in my life. School was one of those decisions. Questions like "Would I succeed?" or "Why am I doing this?" I think all students have gone through some sort of questioning in their mind. For some, it's an easy decision. No risk involved. For others, there is a lot of risk. When I watched the Matrix, it brought up things in my life that I've pushed through and succeeded. I've always wanted to seek out more knowledge to challenge my mind. I think Neo was a perfect hero to remind us that when we seek more knowledge, we help not only ourselves but others even if there is a risk.

Overall, I enjoyed watching The Matrix. It's been awhile since I've seen the movie. This time, I watched with new eyes. In a lot of ways, I can say with more "mature" eyes. I liked that it reminded me not to give up when I'm faced with a challenge. Neo didn't give up! He took a risk to discover his truth. More importantly, he continued to seek out more knowledge which made him stronger!

Seeking Knowledge in the Cave of Life

I just finished reading Plato's "The Allegory of the Cave". Plato writes about people living in a cave and the view of the world they have. He ventures to say that only when someone comes out of the cave, does that person see the truth in life. Truth may be a word that doesn't signify right or wrong. But, it does emphasize the idea that when one explores his/her world from a different view point does that person see things differently. It can also be said that the person gains some knowledge that others who remain in the cave never acquire. I found the reading very enlightening and thought about how my life was similar to the story. I consider myself an observer of life when it comes to my job as a yoga and spinning(indoor cycling) teacher and I continue to seek out knowledge to make my craft even better. Plato's Cave can be compared to seeking more knowledge to better oneself.

Being a yoga teacher has been a journey of my spirit and soul. I began teaching as a way to get my body relaxed and flexible about 15 years ago. At that time, all I knew about yoga was that it was something that could help you achieve a greater level of physical being. After my first class, I was so invigorated that I felt I had to learn more about this thing called yoga. I purchased a yoga book and started to read about the various poses. The biggest challenge was pronouncing the poses in Sanskrit. To make my yoga knowledge increase, I began to seek out teachers I felt who were leaders in the yoga world. What struck me most was that they were all so different. How could this be? If yoga was suppose to help you find inner peace, how could all these teachers be completely different. At that moment, I realized that there were different yoga styles, teachers, and approaches. Every time I would learn something I felt empowered. I felt as if something was leading me to more knowledge. I decided I needed to find a teacher training program. It's important to point out here that I'm a firm believer in asking the universe for help. It came to my knowledge that one of the gyms I worked for was offering a teacher training program and I was going to be offered a scholarship to do it! I was very excited to embark on this new journey. With open eyes and an eagerness to improve, I dove right into a 6 month teacher training program. Little did I know how much work it would be. But, I learned so much from the classes that I was so eager to share my knowledge. Every class I would take notes and take 1 thing back to the classes that I was teaching. From a new cue to a new pose, I was driven to learn and apply my knowledge to my classes. I finished the program and came away a different teacher, person and student. I found that it was my craving for more knowledge that drove me to learn more that I knew. I believe that when we seek out knowledge, it is there when we need it. By going through this program, I saw my teaching with new eyes.

My spinning(indoor cycling) career began like most instructors do. The gym I worked at was offering a certification for their instructors. At that time, spinning was a brand new exercise in the fitness industry. There weren't a lot of gyms offering this program and the gym I worked at was eager to jump on this new venture. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Here was a stationary bike that was used to help people exercise and simulate an outdoor bicycle ride. I thought this was a crazy idea. But, it made sense and I was willing to try it out. When I got on the bike I was apprehensive because it was uncomfortable, awkward and there were rules. As the wheel of the bike turned, I quickly realized the excitement of what this could do to people's lives. Here was a piece of equipment that offered cardiovascular benefits that nothing before it could. Plus, I could motivate people with music and a program that people could follow. I began teaching for my gym and my classes began to sell out. They had to start a sign up sheet and a waiting list. Sometimes there were fights over bikes. Once, I had to give up my bike for someone because we ran out of bikes. At that time, I craved even more knowledge. I wanted to know why some people had an easier time standing on the bike than others. Also, how does the heart rate get affected during longer rides. These questions and more filled my head. I decided to make my classes the best in the city and started to research other certifications. I wanted to learn everything I could about spinning. Little did I know that introduction class would lead me to 5 more certifications and I now work for one of the top fitness companies teaching their indoor cycling program across the United States. Again, I think that my drive to discover more knowledge has made me a better instructor and has allowed me to acquire skills that others may not have.

My 1st Blog!

Had a chance to go to the California State Fair, again! This year I was anxious to try fried poptarts, fried snickers, or whatever fried food that caught my eye. Fortunately, I had a wonderful tri tip sandwhich & corn on the cob. I was still on the search for something fried and saw fried frogs legs. Yuck! We walked around the fair and I found my favorite ice cream spot. I had an ice cream dipped with chocolate with almonds. It was so good and much needed after the temperatures reached 100 degrees. We continued to make our way through the fair and found the animal area. We had a chance to pet a sturgeon that was about 3 1/2 feet long. It was very soft. After that, I saw new piglets that were born yesterday feeding and then some new born calves that were trying to find their legs. The highlight of the day was talking with Connor, the farm guy, who was very informative about cows and such. I wonder if he knows how famous I am?

We made our way through the fair and rode 3 amusement park rides. The first one was a modified version of a roller coaster. The difference was that we were in a round orb that would spin as you descended down the tracks. It was fun, but jarring. The next 2 rides flipped and turned us to the point that I lost on the change in my pocket and I almost lost my lunch. It was fun!

All in all, it was a hot day at the Fair! Later, I found out that the "hot" food item was weanie in a zuchinni (hot dog in a zuchinni). Oh well, until next time!