Self Paced Students: Module 2 Project
Welcome to your first official project for the Meditation Teacher Training.
NOTE: The following information is specifically for those individuals taking the Meditation Teacher Training in an Asynchronous Self Paced Format. This information is not intended for those taking the training in a Live-Online format. For those taking in a live-online format, your instructions are covered in class.
The goal of this assignment is simple: to help you integrate and articulate what you’ve learned so far, and to practice presenting it clearly to prospective students. You’ll introduce the core ideas from this module and then guide a short meditation practice, just as you would in a real class setting.
This module focuses on stillness and the koshas. Your task is to introduce these concepts in an accessible way, assuming your audience has never encountered them before.
Overview of the Assignment
You will complete three connected pieces:
– A short written essay
– A recorded teaching + meditation
– Sharing your work with both students and instructors
Each part builds on the one before it.
Step 1: Write a 500-Word Essay
Review the material from this module on stillness and the koshas. Then write a 500-word essay that introduces these ideas clearly and simply to new students.
We chose 500 words intentionally. This is approximately five minutes of spoken content, which is the length we’re aiming for in the teaching portion of your presentation.
This essay will serve two purposes:
– It introduces the material in written form
– It becomes the foundation for your spoken teaching
Once complete, post your essay in the comments section below.
Step 2: Record Your Teaching and Meditation
Using your essay as your foundation, set up your camera and begin recording.
First, give a five-minute teaching on stillness and the koshas. You may use your notes as needed—for example, to read a quote—but try to speak directly to the camera as if you are addressing students in a live class.
Without stopping the recording, transition into the meditation practice. Briefly introduce the practice, then guide the meditation for five to ten minutes.
When finished, stop the recording. Your final video should be approximately 10–15 minutes total and include:
– A short teaching on the topic
– A guided meditation practice
Step 3: Upload and Share Your Video
Upload your video to YouTube. This is a simple process, and you can use the tutorial below if you need help.
Once uploaded, copy the URL for your video.
In the same comment where you posted your essay, add:
– Your 500-word essay
– The YouTube link to your video
This content will remain on this page so future students can learn from it as well.
Step 4: Email Your Instructors
Send an email containing the same information (your essay and video link) to:
– konalaniyoga@gmail.com
– jatila@eldoradoyoga.org
You can simply copy and paste the content from your comment into the email. There’s no need to add anything extra—just make sure both instructors receive the material.
Your instructors will take time to read your essay, watch your video, and then respond with personalized feedback.
Receiving Feedback via Marco Polo
Feedback for this assignment will be shared through Marco Polo, a free video voicemail app. This app allows for one-on-one, mentorship-style feedback and makes it easy to ask questions as they arise during your training.
You can use the video below for help downloading Marco Polo and connecting with your instructors.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the assignment or run into technical challenges at any point, feel free to reach out to us at konalaniyoga@gmail.com. We’re happy to help.
Thank you, and enjoy stepping into your first teaching project.
Technical Tutorials
How to Post Your Video to YouTube and Share the Link
You’ll be uploading your recorded teaching and meditation video to YouTube and then sharing the link so your instructors can view it. Check out the video above for a step by step tutorial on how to do this, or use the following instructions.
Step 1: Create or Sign In to Your YouTube Account
If you don’t already have one, create a free YouTube account. Otherwise, simply sign in.
Step 2: Upload Your Video from Your Phone
Open the YouTube app on your phone.
Tap the “+” or “Create” button, then select “Upload a video.”
Choose the video you recorded from your phone’s camera roll.
Step 3: Set Basic Video Details
You can give the video a simple title (for example, Stillness and the Koshas – Meditation Teaching).
The description can be brief or left blank.
You may set the video as Unlisted, so it’s not publicly searchable but can still be viewed by anyone with the link.
Step 4: Finish Uploading
Once the upload is complete, tap “Done.”
YouTube will generate a unique URL for your video.
Step 5: Share the Video URL
Copy the video’s URL and paste it:
– In the comments section below your written essay
– In your email to your instructors
That’s it. Your instructors will be able to watch your video directly using the link.
If you run into any technical issues, you can use the tutorial below for additional guidance or reach out to us at konalaniyoga@gmail.com for help.
How to Join Marco Polo and Connect With Your Instructor
Marco Polo is the video voicemail app we use for questions, mentorship, and personalized feedback throughout the training. It’s free, simple to use, and allows your instructor to respond thoughtfully and in depth. Check out the Video above for a tutorial on setting up the app.
Step 1: Download Marco Polo
Download the Marco Polo app on your phone and create a free account.
Step 2: Add Your Instructor
Once you’re set up, you’ll need to send a friend request to your online instructor, Acharya Jatila.
His phone number is: 928-499-4043
Simply enter this number into Marco Polo, and it will connect you both in a shared conversation space.
Step 3: Ask Questions and Receive Feedback
Once connected, you can begin sending video messages with questions, reflections, or submitted teachings. Your instructor will respond via video, offering guidance, clarification, and feedback as you move through the training.
Marco Polo allows for an ongoing, one-on-one mentorship style of communication, and you’re encouraged to use it naturally as questions arise.
If you run into any issues setting this up, feel free to reach out to us at konalaniyoga@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help.