June 3, 2005

The Art of Living

Your breath as a stress-buster

By Bea Baechle
Editor

Just breathe.

For most, those words simply mean to stop for a moment and regroup. For the people who have taken The Art of Living Course, those words mean much more.

Evergreen residents meet weekly to practice the breathing and meditation techniques taught in The Art of Living Course.

Anyone completing the six-session course, offered monthly in Evergreen, soon learns firsthand about the healing power of the breath. The course offers specific breathing techniques that flood the cells of the body with oxygen and harmonize the natural rhythms of the body, mind and emotions.

These techniques comprise the core component of the course called Sudarshan Kriya. Although the name of the practice can be a tongue twister, the basic premise at its foundation is quite simple: the quality of our life is determined by the state of our mind. Under stress and pressure, the mind may lack concentration, decrease efficiency and cause interpersonal conflicts.

The breath has proven to be a powerful tool in effectively regulating the mind. The Kriya links the breath to the mind-body system in a specific way that rids the system of accumulated stress and toxins, releasing negative emotions and rejuvenating the body.

Dealing with negative emotions
Local residents are among the more than two million people of all backgrounds and traditions who have completed the course across the globe.

Evergreen resident J. P. Samala, who regularly practices the breathing techniques, took the course about two years ago on a friend’s suggestion. When he learned that the course was called The Art of Living, he thought about all the courses he had taken to get a good job, but couldn’t recall any he had taken to learn how to lead a good life.

“It sounded like something that I should explore,” said Samala. “I was completely blown away. It has been the most wonderful experience for me.”

When asked what he’s gained from the course, Samala answered, “We don’t learn how to deal with negative emotions [such as anger, stress, anxiety and depression]. That type of thinking happens when the mind is in a cluttered state.

“The techniques I learned in this course have helped me deal with negative emotions,” he continued. “The connection between the body and the mind is the breath. Through the breath, you can calm your mind. That’s the biggest benefit.”

Samala said the course has helped him in all facets of his life. “I’m more friendly, more relaxed. I feel a sense of belongingness that I didn’t have before.”

As a husband and father of two children, he feels like he’s become much more effective in dealing with family issues. Rather than spiral down the path of negative thinking, he can “pull himself back to see it in the right perspective.” His wife has also taken the course, and he feels that they understand each other better now.

“We spend so much time and money to get the proper, organized training for a job,” said Samala. “But for life, I haven’t seen such a thing [as The Art of Living].”

Dealing with stress
Evergreen resident Meera Paripatyadar said, “Since I starting taking the class, I feel so much more relaxed and centered and able to deal with life in a way I couldn’t before. Stresses come in your life. After taking the class, I don’t feel so stressed and am able to cope with everyday activities in a better way.”

Paripatyadar feels her life is more complete and balanced now. She’s even wondering if the pressure test that she’s had on her eyes for the last two years has been impacted by the breathing techniques. The pressure reading was consistently a “19.” Now it has dropped to “16.”

The course, she said, has been designed to work for almost anyone. She noted that her husband Raj had two herniated discs and he can use the tools learned in The Art of Living course.

Raj has been using the yoga, breathing and meditation techniques he learned in The Art of Living course every day for the past nine months. “These minutes are so well spent—it’s probably the most efficient way of spending time. I’m more productive! Weeks go by so efficiently without too much effort.”

He pointed out that with his allergies, he was only using about 60 percent of his lung capacity. Now he’s learned how to breathe deeper and use many different types of breathing techniques.

Coping with autistic child
Manjari Gadi, who also lives in Evergreen, explained that the techniques she learned in The Art of Living course have helped her cope better with her young children, particularly her autistic child.

“I used to get really stressed out,” said Gadi. “Even very small things any child does really ticked me off. The Kriya [breathing technique] has made me understand to just slow down the pace. My goals are very simple now for my family.”

She notices that when she does the breathing techniques in the morning, she feels refreshed and it’s easier for her to carry out her goals. “More ideas come up—I remain focused on a goal and how to carry it out without jeopardizing others. My husband is seeing the difference in me. He sees the changes.”

The Art of Living Foundation offers programs that eliminate stress, create a sense of belonging, restore human values and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service.

For more information, visit the local Web site at www.artoflivingsfba.org or the international Web site at www.artofliving.org.

Upcoming Evergreen courses

Art of Living Part I Course
Dates: July 5 - 10
Times: Tuesday to Friday from 7- to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and up
Cost: $250
Registration:  www.artoflivingsfba.org/ courses.php

Effective program that creates greater peace, energy and joy.

ArtExcel Course for Children
Dates: June 15 – 19                     
Times: Wednesday- Friday from 6:30- to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 3- to 6 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 13
Cost: $150
Registration: Contact Sunanda Gadadottu at (408) 270-4184 or Uma at (408) 985-7511.

Effective human values and stress-management training program for children and teens.
 
Yoga Workshop
Date: Saturday, June 18
Times: 9- to 11 a.m.
Ages: 18 and up
Pre-requisite: None
Cost: Free
Registration: Contact Sunanda Gadadottu at (408) 270-4184

Introduction to Purna yoga, where participants learn more about bringing awareness and integrity to the yoga routine. Geared for both beginners and people currently practicing yoga.

For more information about Evergreen-specific courses, contact Sunanda Gadadottu at (408) 270-4184 or send an e-mail to southbay@artoflivingsfba.org.