Learning the Art of Living
by Siena Anstis
If you suffer from depression, self-image disorders, or a lack of confidence, this is not your miracle cure.
But it might just be what you need: A mix of yoga, meditation, and a special breathing technique, the Art of Living is a course on how to manage stressful lifestyles and personal struggles.
Spencer Delisle, graduate of the Youth Empowerment Seminar and medical representative for the organization, says it's a great booster to help a person overcome lifelong challenges.
Founded in India 25 years ago by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living organization now has a presence in 152 countries. Some might assume that the program is a religious hoax or a financial scam, but Delisle is quick to point out the organization is not about venerating a god; instead, he says it is a bridge to understanding life for those who feel a need to fill the void.
After finishing his undergraduate degree in Toronto, Delisle had a job and an active social life. Despite his apparent success, he felt stuck in a rut.
"When I went to Montréal I thought I'd start fresh, but I was still feeling a kind of emptiness and I couldn't shake being in a down spot," he says.
A poster advertising free meditation classes caught Delisle's eye one day at Concordia University, where he was studying for his pre-med degree. He decided to give it a try, and met a fellow student at the meditation group who recommended the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES+).
In Montreal, the Art of Living organization has established programs in high schools
to teach children the rewards of doing good deeds.
The workshop taught Delisle the art of sudarshan kriya - a breathing method said to be able to cleanse the body of negative emotions and to help manage stress.
When Delisle finished the YES+ course, he had a new routine. "I [was] doing the breathing technique everyday and it was funny, because I just started to feel a lot lighter. Things that were coming into my life didn't bother me as much, and I started getting more involved in school."
This new peace of mind came with a slew of benefits for the student. "All these great changes were happening after doing such a simple technique?It just gets better, all the time, which is another nice side effect."
Delisle says that the particular breathing techniques allows students to conquer their stress. Contrary to popular wisdom that sees stress as a positive motivator, he argues that stress forms a "barrier" to accomplishing one's goals. In addition to these practical benefits, the technique also "works at a deeper level?leaving you in a peaceful, focused alertness."
In Montreal, the Art of Living organization has established programs in high schools to teach children the rewards of doing good deeds. Delisle has seen school bullies making amends with their former targets, even introducing them to friends. He says students have learned to help each other out; by the end of one program, the kids had raised over $1000 to buy their fellow student a sports wheelchair that enhanced his day-to-day mobility.
The organization has also developed strong bonds with Montreal universities. Concordia's Art of Living chapter offers free yoga courses and informs students on the benefits of sudarshan kriya and meditation.
Although Western doctors are quick to prescribe drugs like anti depressants, the Art of Living allows an individual to set a lifelong, and most importantly, chemical-free agenda of meditation, yoga and sudarshan kriya breathing that can only yield positive benefits without side-effects.
Siena Anstis is a Journalism and Anthropology major at Concordia University. As the daughter of a diplomat, she has lived all over the world; from Northern Africa to British Columbia. Now based in Montreal, she hopes to write and work out of Africa.
Life Imitates Art
The Art of Living offers a variety of courses on a weekly basis, including the YES+ program and Sudarshan Kriya.
Their studio is located at 24, Mont-Royal O., Suite 802.
For more information, visit http://artofliving.ca |
|
|
