Testimonials
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Quotes from Teachers/Principals/Counselors:
"The Kids for Kids project went really well. I noticed a change with the students. They were helping each other out more, they were more on the lookout for one another and there was less violence in the school yard.
Many parents called to tell us they were also noticing positive changes with their kids.
The teachers were so motivated that they kept the students involved throughout the project. They are convinced the students took it further and did not one but severalacts of kindness each day.
I would definitely recommend the program to other schools and would add that my own teachers look forward to doing it again next year!
"
Principal, Val-des-Ormes Elementary
"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 and to relieve stress. I cannot imagine
a better remedy for stress and violence in schools than the
ART Excel and YES program".
Dr. Richard Brown, Associate Professor of Clinical
Psychiatry at Columbia University
"They all say this practice helps them relax anywhere.
... I strongly recommend that students have access to the
ART Excel program because it enables them to take control
of their lives, even in the most desperate circumstances."
Marie Diamond, Student Services,
Wilson Middle School
"After I took this course at Smith College 5 years ago,
I felt like I had woken up after a deep sleep. I felt the
beauty of my life pulsating through me and its reflection
all around me. Since then, I've had the privilege of witnessing
transformations in so many course participants. If they arrive
with stress, they leave feeling relaxed and happy. Six days
can seem like a huge commitment when you're busy with school
or work. What this course will help you realize is that five
days is nothing in the grand scheme of your existence."
--Rebecca Kiger, Teacher
"YES provides the personal connection with the self-coinciding
with the body. Students learn how to regulate and monitor
their breathing under stressful situations such as test taking
and personal conflicts. I would recommend it for everyone.
It’s the beginning step for self awareness, evolving
into group dynamics and working with others."
Mr. Fernandez, Principal LA High School
"As a working mother and a faculty teaching at a University,
I felt like I was being pulled in hundred different directions,
draining my energy and enthusiasm in life. I knew I had to
do something. That's when I took the 'Art of Living' class.
Uh! what a relief. The breathing techniques I learned through
Art of living have changed my out look in life making me more
focused and calmer both at work and home. Thanks to the 'Art
of Living' and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message, I truly am
enjoying life to the fullest.
Asha Hegde, Ph.D., LC Faculty, Family and Consumer Sciences
Department, Texas State University
"When I do the practices taught on the Art of Living
Course, I find that my patience and communication skills are
10 times better. I have an easier time dealing with high tension
situations and I enjoy my work more. When I’m not working,
I’m able to enjoy myself more because I feel less stressed
out. I’ve noticed significant changes in my students
who participated in the YES program. I couldn’t get
some of them to do their work or participate in class, despite
all my tricks. After taking the YES class, they changed, they
were really different. The students who had already been participating
and getting good grades also seemed different, they were happier
and more social. I noticed that they started to help other
students more. I think teachers and students really need something
like this.
As a teacher I have seen many other programs come and go.
It’s really exciting to see a program that works and
makes such a powerful impact on students in a positive way."
Josette Wermuth, ESL Teacher LA High
"It’s just like you get some empty space in your
day; some time to quit your mind. What’s more valuable
than peace of mind? It’s subtle, these little nuances.
I think I’ve had things in perspective more this semester.
I’m not at the mercy of my own explosiveness. When I
get my buttons pushed, I am able to communicate without getting
too tense. I wish I had done it 3 years ago when Verna, the
school psychologist, suggested it. It was better to take the
course at a location off campus. I think teachers could really
benefit."
Reed Simmons, Art Teacher LA High
"The reports I heard from the kids were very positive.
The high school aged students especially were able to take
what they learned and practice and use it to help themselves."
Josie Ryan, Counselor, Williams
High School
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Quotes from Parents:
"I thought the program was wonderful. My daughter helps out more at home, she’s kinder and has become more selfless, thinking of others first. Thank you so much!"
Kids for Kids Parent,
Val-des-Ormes Elementary
"It opened a window for Austin. When he does his techniques
he is happier, has higher energy and is nicer to be around."
Rebecca Slade
"I have seen before my eyes a transformation in Marissa."
Marie Chistmon
"My daughter was so involved, so motivated it was truly wonderful."
Kids for Kids Parent,
Val-des-Ormes Elementary
"It helped her out a lot in calming down."
Mother of a middle school student
"He's getting better sleep. I want him to teach me. He's
more relaxed doing the exercises."
Father of a middle school student
"He's improved a lot. I see it everyday. He's learned
a lot."
Mother of an elementary school student
"He pays more attention to detail. His progress report
is excellent. He's
doing better in school."
Parent of a middle school student
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Quotes from Students:
"The Youth Empowerment Seminar has taught me the single
most important thing that any high school student could ever
learn...PRIORITY. If one is not spiritually fit then they
can not possibly become well rounded individuals. In school,
everything seems to just fly by and it makes a huge difference
when you take a second to breathe… The YES program provided
that relaxing environment that I needed in my fast-paced life
and I left with valuable de-stressing techniques that I still
use...when no one's watching.. sometimes when they are, but
they don't even notice.. The week after taking this course
I went to school with a new attitude. It really has changed
my life. Jameelah, you and Ari are very cool and I appreciate
you guys! With thanks and love"
Vicky
"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
"Just simple breathing exercises and you feel really,
really good."
Shane
“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
“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
“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
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