“We need to change the fact that we don’t teach children in school how to manage their thoughts and emotions in more constructive ways to relieve stress. Children “glow” after the ART Excel course. I cannot imagine a better remedy for stress and violence in schools”.

- Dr. Richard Brown
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia University

Programs

ART Excel
(ages 8-13)

“"I sleep better and I don't get angry a lot anymore."
- Sandra, middle school student, Florida

To truly excel in life is an art, and though much emphasis has traditionally been placed on higher academic achievement, more can be done to give children the tools to handle stress and live life to their fullest potential. The true measure of success is a happy, healthy, well-adjusted child that is able to deal effectively with life’s challenges. The ART Excel course is a highly effective stress management and human values training program for children. A unique aspect of the program is a specific set of breathing techniques that systematically release emotional and physical stress. Children can use these techniques in any situation to bring about a state of calmness and relaxation, and human values such as joy, friendliness and compassion that are naturally present in children but may have been hidden by stress become apparent. Practice of these techniques also increases mental clarity and focus. With the ability to thinking clearly, manage their emotions and release stress, children are able to excel in all aspects of life; academic, social, and extracurricular.

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YES! for Teens
(ages 14-18)

“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! (The Youth Empowerment Seminar) 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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YES!+ for College Students
(ages 18-27)

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.

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Teens for Teens & Kids for Kids

Teens for Teens & Kids for Kids is a human values education project of the Art of Living Foundation. The purpose of Teens for Teens & Kids for Kids is to develop in youth universal human values of friendliness, compassion, honesty, appreciation of life, love, enthusiasm, sense of belonging, happiness, and a sense of caring. These human values are already present within us; they are a part of our nature. They are simply covered by veils of stress.

These human values are revitalized in youth through a one-month program which is comprised of the following components: Random Acts of Kindness, human values education, journaling, art, and community service. Students perform one random act of kindness each day, and reflect on their experience through writing and art. They also plan and execute a service project for their school and community.  

As a result of the program, youth recognize the impact of their words and actions on themselves and on others. The classroom learning environment is enhanced. Youth support each other in the classroom; bullying and behavioral problems decrease. 

We need to work together to meet the challenges of today’s world. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.  

Everyone can take responsibility, now.

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Program Formats

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Follow-ups
The course continues after the initial five to six day workshop with weekly get-togethers. Ideally each course will include 6-8 consecutive weeks of follow-up. Follow-up sessions help to make the breathing practices that release stress part of a young person’s daily routine. It provides a safe environment among peers and adult mentors to discuss and apply the life wisdom and human values education learned on the course into daily life. It provides a means to implement community service projects, foster team-building along with developing leadership skills and human values education through first-hand experience. It also provides a safe, celebratory and positive social outlet for youth.