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"There is a major difference between intention and desire. Intention is desire without the feverishness, without the hurry."
-- H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
The Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) is a dynamic and innovative program for teens which includes practical tools for releasing stress, techniques for mental focus and concentration, tools for dealing with negative emotions, leadership skills, problem-solving strategies, yoga exercises and community service. The techniques and skills teens learn help them deal with the demands of school and work, relationships, friends, and parents smoothly.
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“YES! Has interesting and deep points about how to live life happily. The breathing exercises help me to feel much more energetic and happy. I am waking up earlier and I don’t feel like sleeping 24/7! I feel very good as if I am a better person. YES! Should stand for Young Exceptional Students!”
- Olivia, 15, CA
YES! for Teens is a program that revolutionizes how teens deal with the increasing social and academic pressures of adolescence. The course provides students with problem-solving strategies and leadership training, skills on how to release stress, manage negative emotions and advanced techniques for non-violent conflict resolution. It places a special emphasis on education that fosters human values, a sense of belonging, a broader vision and attitude of service toward others. Experiential processes are designed to help teens feel at ease in challenging situations and foster the increased confidence and inner strength needed to better handle criticism, peer pressure and rise above life’s challenges while keeping enthusiasm and a deep reverence for all life.
Cultivating an attitude of service toward others and feeling empowered to effect positive social change is essential part of the human values education in the YES! course. Community service projects are organized either during the course, or post-course in order to integrate the human values education into their lives through first hand experience. Youth are challenged to go beyond their limited perspective to consider the world at large, developing a broader vision for both themselves, their community and society as a whole. |
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In 2002, Los Angeles High School (LAHS) adopted the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) as an after school program. Through the administration, they were able to offer the YES! program to students as an alternative to 6 sessions of their regular classes.
YES! is no easy task: it asks students to commit to 6 consecutive days of 3 hour sessions after their regular classes are over. Why would busy high school students with challenging lives join an extra curricular class with such long hours, you may wonder?
Well, at the end of the most recent YES! program in 2006, Karen, a participant, said:
"What I like about 'YES!' is that we learned new things, like how to do breathing techniques and yoga, and all the games we did with the lessons. I like it because it makes me relax, and now I know how to pay attention during class at school. I find I started to sleep earlier, and I have more energy."
Through various processes and techniques the YES! program reduces stress and educates participants in being more responsible. The administration of LAHS was looking for ways to correct the outbursts of violence, and the YES! program offered to minimize just that. That is with the understanding that violence and stress are just two sides of the same coin. The students taught over the past 4 years at LAHS have reported various benefits including greater focus and concentration, regulated sleep, less anger and frustration (which leads to violent behavior), greater connectedness to their classmates (especially ones in other grade levels), and overall less stress. Teachers have also confirmed that several of their students, after having gone through the YES! program, were more focused in class and more punctual.
To date, 300 of the 5000 member student body have participated in the YES! Course.
The teachers and administrators at LAHS are confident that as more and more students participate in YES!, such issues as violent crimes on campus grounds are sure to reduce and eventually disappear.
This summer AOL’s sister organization, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), dispatched a group of enthusiastic young people from all over the world to hurricane-devastated New Orleans. This group of 32 underwent an intensive, residential 10-day Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) to become Breath-Water-Sound (BWS) Trauma Relief Teachers. Individuals and groups then organized free BWS courses with residents, volunteer organizations, businesses, and families in the New Orleans area.
One YLTP team, along with some expert YES! Teachers, taught the YES! Program at the Louisiana juvenile detention center, which brought an overall sense of calm to the center and led to a decrease in violent incidents. Several group members ran a free summer camp in cooperation with Common Ground for displaced children, providing food and stress-free activities for children in the Woodlands housing project. Because of the efforts of YLTP and some senior Art of Living Teachers, IAHV is now recognized as the city’s premier stress and trauma relief organization by the City Council of New Orleans.
Make a difference this winter! IAHV is currently accepting applications from dynamic youth ages 18-35 for its December 27-January 14 YLTP! Dig deep into yourself and discover what you’re made of. Become a BWS teacher. Change lives. See www.artoflivingyouth.org for an application.
In response to several violent events in North East Washington D.C., including armed muggings, gang violence, and open air drug use, the Art of Living Chapter mobilized an intervention team to begin a year long program addressing the needs of an inner city neighborhood in a transitional ghetto. The initial outreach culminated in a block party at the Academy for Ideal Education, a private school enrolled with approximately 200 middle and high school students from inner city D.C. The party hosted an international food festival, student fashion show, medical screenings, and meet & greet with the local community. Approximately 250 people attended.
A follow up to this rapport-building event was the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) Program offered to 30 high school students at the Academy. The students enjoyed the program and found it to be helpful in relaxation and stress elimination. The second follow up action was the organization of a town hall meeting addressing youth violence in the district. The meeting hosted a panel of civic and community leaders and focused on providing a forum for youth as well as leaders of the community to voice their concerns, views and suggestions regarding the issue of youth violence.
The three activities in the last 2 months have resulted in implementation of YES! as a year-long program at Ideal Academy and other DCPS high schools. In addition, much networking and rapport building with other civic groups has happened around how to create a culture of non-violence, as well as the creation of a mentoring program utilizing the members of the Washington, D.C. metro area Art of Living Foundation.
Starting 2006-2007, YES! is being offered each quarter as a credit course at City-As-School High School in New York City. City-As-School is a progressive school where students are required to complete internships encompassing various curriculums. YES! is offered as an alternative to Health, Surplus, or Physical Education credit.
Students at the school come from varied and challenging backgrounds and find the YES! course to be tremendously helpful in their everyday lives. “Once I started taking this class, I have been eating more healthily. I haven’t gotten mad and if I do start getting mad I know how to control myself. Thank you for teaching everyone these breathing techniques.” –Kristoff, City-As-School Student.
Students have found great benefits and have thoroughly enjoyed the course. This was demonstrated in part by the fact that attendance for YES! was substantially higher than projected daily attendance at the school.
“The YES! course was a great experience. I feel a more prominent source of motivation in my life. I feel more concerned about doing more productive things in my life.” –Philip, City-As-School Student
The adult version of the course, the Art of Living Course for Educators, was taught to an initial group of City-As-School teachers this fall. Many of the teachers felt relieved as they saw their stresses and tensions dissipate.
“I feel better than I have in a long while. My mild depression has lifted. I feel excited about doing these practices in the morning, so I look forward to getting up in the morning.” -City-As-School Teacher
The Art of Living Foundation is dedicated to “Creating A Stress-Free, Violence-Free Society”. Integrating our programs and offering them to both students and teachers has been a tremendous step in the right direction. Teachers at City-As-School are now able to support students in the knowledge and stress reduction practices they learned on YES!, so that they can further integrate them into their lives.
The Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) Pilot Program was held for four weeks from January to February 2006, with about 60 junior-year student volunteers. The students were divided into three sections and met during the school day in place of their Kinetic Wellness class. Evaluations were administered immediately following the program. Student responses were remarkably consistent, reporting reductions in stress and an increase in calmness. Students agreed that they gained a valuable life skill as well as a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
“It was exciting, eye-opening, helpful, fun, relaxing. It helps you re-evaluate purpose in life and explains how everything is related to the mind. This course really, without a doubt changed my life in a positive way, (improved my life). I found it extremely helpful and so relevant to everyday life that it is for everybody, and I mean everybody!!!!!!”
“This course to me was amazing. Because it is a different way to view life and has really changed me. Easier to go to sleep, Communication and focus, better grades in last month, helped me to calm down for presentations and sports, easier to pay attention in class.”
“I thought it was a very positive experience. I was able to apply the skills I learned in my life and I learned a lot about myself as a person. The breathing helped me concentrate better on what I was studying. I think it’s a useful set of skills and it gave me a different perspective on life.”
The Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund awarded a grant enabling the YES! program to be offered at Northwestern High School in inner city Baltimore during the 2005-06 school year. Art of Living youth instructors reached 112 at-risk students over the course of this two-month pilot program that culminated in a summer camp for 53 students from NYC, Baltimore, Manitoba, Canada, and Washington D.C.
"I prayed to God for some release of my stress – somehow I was stressing out really bad about family issues and stuff in my life and then all of a sudden, the YES! program popped up at my school and I joined the class. When I stopped taking the class, I realized that it had relieved a lot of my stress. I was more friendly to people around me, and more relaxed and more focused on my work instead of real tense and stressed. The class gave me a chance to think before acting. I wanted to go to Canada to further the program because I wanted that same feeling. I have never been out of Baltimore and I have never done anything like this before"
Tashana, Northwestern High School, 16 years old
Before I used to fight anything that came up to me, but this program has changed me a lot. Like today, there was this incident in the cafeteria. A girl came up to me all mad and she popped me. Of course you're gonna want to retaliate, and hit back. But that's not the right thing to do. So I just tried to push her off me and security came. She got in trouble, and me, I got away all good because I didn't do anything… so stay out of trouble, stay out of trouble… and that's from the YES! Program.
Everyone needs this in their life…From student, to people. I want to be a teacher!
Martika, Northwestern High School, 17 years old
At the High School of Telecommunication, Arts & Technology (HSTAT) in Brooklyn, NY, the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) is a regular after school program and student club. The YES! Course and YES! Club has attracted honors students as well as students that are struggling in school or at home.
Students say that because of YES!, they can more easily focus in class, have less test anxiety, and get their homework done faster and more efficiently. Other students report that they don’t get angry or irritated as much anymore, are able to resolve conflict without fighting, and feel calmer, more in control of themselves, and more at peace in general. When the 6-day intensive part of YES! ends, the students at HSTAT exclaim how sad they are that it will now be only once a week!
In addition, the Art of Living Course for Educators has been offered at the school and produced wonderful effects for the teachers, including reduced stress levels, more energy, more ease in dealing with students, and more clarity and efficiency.
The principal of HSTAT says,
“The Art of Living Course for Educators was a wonderful and powerful experience for my teachers: they experienced a great reduction in stress levels as a result of the seminar. It has helped them to deal calmly with trying situations and students in the classroom. They have reported better moods in general, and a greater sense of ease and closeness with their co-workers. Feelings of tension and anxiety have decreased, and the ability to focus over long periods of time has improved.
The program for high school students, the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!), has had an equally positive impact. Students have shared with me how much more relaxed they feel, and how the techniques have helped them do homework with greater efficiency. Many say it has helped them with test anxiety, as well as given them tools to deal with their negative emotions. They all seemed to enjoy the program and many continue to use the techniques on their own. I have seen an increase in confidence as well as abilities to prioritize as a result of the program.
These programs give tools that are not easily learned inside of school, but that can enhance the abilities and quality of work for students and teachers alike.
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"Before I came here I was really stressed out. Little things made me angry. I learned to get rid of the anger and free my mind from all the clutter. If I get angry I just do the breathing and it makes me feel better."
Matt, California
"I enjoyed the course because I learned how to control my anger through meditation. I learned that by nature I am non-violent and that violence is not needed to survive. I also learned to socialize better and about five factors that will help me in my journey through life. Thanks!"
Nelson, 16, NYC
"The YES! Course is a great way for young people to deal with their inner problems and improve their lives and way of living. The breathing practices bring me into the present moment and centers me in my body. By the end of the course I felt incredible!"
Brooks, 16, WA |
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“YES! was interesting. You learn a lot of useful techniques. I liked the Kriya because it relaxes you and in some way you become aware. The breathing helped in having self-confidence whenever needed and how to calm yourself when you are angry or upset. I feel fortunate that I came to take this course because now I can practice yoga on my own and have the privilege of knowing how to calm myself whenever I get upset.”
Rosa, 17, NYC
“I think I learned a lot this week. All of the lessons make sense and can help me make life a smoother ride, but the challenge of applying them starts now. I have always been a person who worries too much about what others think…the exercises and discussions we experienced this week will give me some more strength and confidence to face the many challenges I will soon face in the approaching year of college.” Sameer Agrawal
"The YES! Course is a good method to make friends and learn fun techniques for life. The breathing practices helped me to focus more."
Nikil, 15, CA
“YES! is something that empowers youth physically and mentally. The breathing allowed me to stop thinking about stressful things and allowed me to clear my mind. I like how much relaxation it brought to me. I felt a lot more focused at the end of the course.”
Sterling, 17, NYC
“This program/course has been an incredible experience for me not only mentally, but also my performance in other things I do such as tennis. I’ve become a calmer, more focused and concentrated person where I used to not be able to really calm myself and my mind down. I’ve also improved a lot in tennis because I’m able to become more focused, and being button proof helped me to understand my dad more when he coaches me. I’ve really enjoyed this class and I look forward to taking it again."
Chloe Chang
“Through the course I got to learn some relaxation and meditation techniques that I really find fun and beneficial. I also appreciated the kindness and openness everyone showed throughout the course. I am really glad I got to meet people who are so different from the people I usually hang out with. I liked the discussion of different topics everyday. They really applied to my life and made me think.”
Melissa V. Llamera
“I would definitely recommend this course to other people. I know a lot of people who stress out very easily, and this course seriously let me calm down. It is somewhere where they don’t have to worry about school or anything outside, it is somewhere where you can be yourself for a moment and just kind of get to know who you are. I think it helped me to get a lot of emotions out because I do bottle my emotions. The day after the kriya I felt like I was happy for the first time in a while because I put a lot of stress on myself... I really liked the dancing, because I am the type of person who would never dance in front of anyone in the world, and YES! let me do what I wanted to do without worrying about what other people thought.”
Niveditha Poola
“I like that we do these type of yoga things and it calms our mind because as high school students we have a lot of stress on our hands, but with this class we can relax and calm down and when we go home we can do our homework and everything with a clear mind and not worry about anything.”
Los Angeles High School Student
 "I can honestly say that this course was one of the best experiences of my life up until now. When I left each session I felt so much better about myself. I felt like I can get through any test, problem or obstacle and my self-esteem was certainly uplifted. Overall the breathing seminar has given me something that I can use for the rest of my life. I would most definitely recommend the class to anyone, especially my peers. These days every day there seems to be something contributing to our level of stress and it seems impossible to relieve. The people who take this class are the lucky ones and the ones who will always be ahead of the game in school and in life in general."
Sajma, 16, NYC
"What I enjoyed about the course was that I learned to relax. It was an opportunity to get away from my usual environment, meet new people, play games, meditate, breathe. All in all I enjoyed being able to be myself! Thank you!"
Mallika, 17, NYC
"The YES! Course is fun and awesome! The breathing techniques made me calm and centered. They also made me feel energized. I feel refreshed and eager to go out and fix problems! I highly recommend this course!"
Becca, 15, MI
“My overall experience wasn’t just good, it was actually great. I enjoyed YES! a lot and I didn’t think I would, I just sort of thought it would be mediocre, but I got so much but of it. I think it improved me as a person; my character and my outlook on life. Before I was a little less sure of myself but now I feel more full. After the kriya I felt calm, like there were no more waves in the water. I liked how we talked about a lot of things, like a lot of the problems we face in everyday life, it touched really deep I guess and I wasn’t expecting it to. I would recommend this to probably everyone I know because all of them have problems that are just like mine, it would help so many people... I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I’m grateful for the course and the people who provide and allow for kids like us to do this for pretty much nothing at all.”
Demetra Powell
“It helped me to breathe better and I haven’t needed my asthma pump. I feel fortunate that I can to take this course because now I can practice yoga on my own and have the privilege of knowing how to calm myself whenever I get upset, etc.”
Mack, 17, NYC
"I think everyone should do the YES! Course because the Kriya changes you and really develops you. I noticed this whole week that I was in a better mood. I was happy and relaxed. And the course is fun! I feel like a different person and I learned so much!"
Hannah, 15, NV
"YES! Has interesting and deep points about how to live life happily. The breathing exercises help me to feel much more energetic and happy. I am waking up earlier and I don't feel like sleeping 24/7! I feel very good as if I am a better person. YES! Should stand for Young Exceptional Students!"
Olivia, 15, CA
"YES! Is really great! I liked meeting new people and having discussions about real life things we [as teens] need advice on. The breathing exercises made me more aware of my breath and helped me with my asthma. The course is a place where you can learn the art of living and the relation of breath to life."
Claudia, 13, NYC
"The YES program has made a significant change in my life. Before, I would go to school grumpy and upset due to things that had occurred the day before. I wouldn't do well in school and I'd lash out at people for no reason. After I took the YES program, I used the breathing techniques they taught me to calm myself down. I no longer was grumpy and upset, but jolly and friendly. I gained many friends through the YES program and even my grades are higher. Everyone in the YES program was supportive and caring toward me and the other students. It was a great experience and I will never forget it nor the people in it."
Melissa, Los Angeles
"I am proud to say that the YES program has made a HUGE difference in my life! When I experienced the YES program for the first time, I was amazed! I let go of emotions I had kept bottled up inside. My attitude toward people in school changed. I learned to appreciate people whom before I used to take for granted. It brought my best friend (who took the course too) and I closer together. What I enjoyed the most was the support I received from the YES instructors and new friendships made. The YES program was an amazing experience that I will always carry in my heart."
Liz, Los Angeles
• Reduced stress
• Ability to manage negative emotions
• Increased health & well-being
• Improved mental clarity & focus
• Greater creativity
• Improved self-esteem & confidence
• Greater sense of belonging
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