This blog is for sharing of experiences by participants of the YES!+ (Youth Empowerment Seminar) program of the Art of Living Foundation.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Yes!+



जय गुरुदेव
The Art of Living Course for Educators is a practical course of experience and knowledge designed to develop the full potential of life। The 18-hour seminar, conducted over six business days, is customized to suit the specific needs of those working in the educational system. The seminar includes: Practical knowledge – know the laws of body, mind, memory, intellect and ego; Natural principles of effective living - learn tools that eliminate counter productive activity and enhance learning ability; Guided interactive Processes – improve interpersonal relationships and foster team spirit; Dynamic body exercises - easily learned tension releasing physical stretches and exercises; Innovative breathing techniques – revitalizing breathing techniques that increase energy and deeply relax and recharge the body and mind. The course teaches specific breathing techniques that infuse the system with energy and harmonize the natural rhythms of the body, mind, and emotions. Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing technique that uses specific rhythms of breath to restore the natural rhythms of our mental, emotional and physical lives, bringing a fundamental change in our outlook and potential.


  • The Mind
Quality and success in life are determined by the state of our mind. Yet neither at home nor at school are we taught how to handle our negative emotions -anger, depression, stress. Under stress and pressure, the mind often vacillates between regretting the past and worrying about the future. This constant vacillation results in lower Performance, lack of concentration, decreased efficiency, and more interpersonal conflicts. The course empowers individuals to be more centered and focused, by providing them with powerful tools that enable them to function more fully in the present moment.

  • The Breath
The breath has proven to be a powerful tool in effectively regulating the mind, and can be very effective in eliminating stresses and toxins from the system. It has a profound effect on how we feel emotionally and physically, and on the state of our mind.
The Yogic Science of Breath, a precise 5000+-year-old science of health promotion, states that up to 80% of the physical and emotional toxins in the body can be eliminated
Through the breath, yet most people use only 35% of their lung capacity. Skillful use of the breath can transform one’s mental and emotional state and significantly improve the Overall quality of life


YES+ is an Art of Living course designed especially for the youth!!!!!!!!!!

YES!+ is an innovative and dynamic educational and life skills program that provides young students and professionals the tools to achieve their ideal life with ease, creativity, energy, and inhibition-free


What is YES!+ ?
  • The growing demands placed on an individual to be successful in our fast-paced, stressful global society make it even more necessary for college students to have the tools they need to make responsible life decisions with confidence and clarity, more joy and enthusiasm while developing a broader vision along with cultivating leadership potential. Quality and success in life are determined by our state of mind. Under stress and pressure, the mind often vacillates between regretting the past and worrying about the future.

  • This constant vacillation results in lower performance, lack of concentration, decreased efficiency, and more interpersonal conflicts. The YES!+ course for college students both challenges and empowers students to become more centered and focused, to manage negative emotions and to live life more fully in the present moment, with increased awareness, perception and expression.

  • The techniques and processes taught during the seminar make the student experience much more enriching and full. The tools and experiences gained are essential for any future work environment. Graduates of the seminar report improved focus and concentration, increased confidence, enhanced creativity and efficiency throughout the day as well as improved interpersonal relationships and a sense of naturalness in life.



  • The Benefits
  1. Reduced stress
  2. Improved health
  3. Greater energy
  4. Greater Mental Clarity
  5. Deeper Sleep
  6. Lower Blood Pressure
  7. Greater fulfillment at work

  • Independent research findings:
  1. Reduced cortisol - the “stress” Hormone
  2. Increased prolactin – the “well being” hormone
  3. Strengthened immune system
  4. Reduced cholesterol
  5. Relieved anxiety and depression mild, moderate and severe)
  6. Increase anti-oxidant protection
  7. Enhance brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli



The top ten reported benefits observed by past participants are:
  1. Greater happiness
  2. Removal of doubts and increased clarity of mind
  3. Increased entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills
  4. An ability to handle negative emotions
  5. Increased focus and concentration
  6. Enhanced spiritual life and a deeper understanding of life
  7. Break in monotony
  8. Reduction in anger, frustration, tiredness, tension and stress
  9. Improved health
  10. Understanding of yoga and fitness


YES! for Colleges: Testimonials
"A very refreshing, calming experience in this crazy, fast-paced world. I am definitely more focused and relaxed after taking this course. I would whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone." Student, University of Massachusetts

"An awesome experience. The techniques that were taught were simple, yet powerful. After doing the course, I found that whenever I practiced the Kriya and the pranayama, I would feel alert and refreshed throughout the day. It taught me to enjoy the simple things of life, and be happy, come what may." Student, Georgia Tech, Atlanta

"
I used to stress out about everything but after taking the course I am aware that everything is under control. My friends notice the change too. And the techniques taught can have a better effect than most drugs."
Student, UCSC

"This course taught me to live life to the fullest and to always be happy in the present moment. I would recommend this course to everyone of all ages." Student, University of Massachusetts


"After the Art of Living classes something shifted in my mind. Before, I was living with constant stress, taking things negatively and looking at life in a very pessimistic way. But how surprised I was to see what simple thoughts and gestures could do to me!" Student, Columbia Business School

"As an engineer I need to be both analytical and creative. Mental clarity and stamina are also essential. The workshop enhances these abilities. An additional plus is a better sense of well-being and growing joy."William Hayden, NASA Senior Systems Analyst

"As The course was outstanding. A life-changing experience. Anyone can benefit fully. Particularly important for a fast-paced lifestyle."Student, Rutgers College

"..studying called for putting in a lot of effort. Would get tired after studying. Also, concentration was difficult. There used to be a lot of distraction like TV, friends etc. But now after doing the course, I can read for hours together without any distraction. And my reading speed has almost tripled. I can comprehend faster and complete huge books in a matter of few days. There is no distraction at all. I could have never done this before." Student, VJTI-Mumbai, India


The Youth Empowerment Seminar Plus
The Youth Empowerment Seminar Plus is an intensive life and leadership training program. YES!+ offers amazing tools for you to learn how to relax and meditate as well as gain the skills to navigate through life's challenges. A process and experience rich program, it reaches to the core of what it means to be equipped for today's world.