Archives
Contribute
| Youth To Run For A “Stress-Free, Violence-Free Society†|
Padma Sundareshan
10/05/2005
Youth to Run for a “Stress-Free, Violence-Free Societyâ€
This October, the youth and young at heart of greater Boston will take
to the streets along with thousands of people in cities throughout the
USA, Canada and Mexico, in the first annual “5K Run for a Stress-Free,
Violence-Free Society.†The event is organized by the Art of Living
Foundation. An immediate use of the funds raised by the event
will be youth programs currently underway for Hurricane Katrina
refugees in Houston and Austin.
The Boston Run will take place on Saturday, October 29th at 9:00am, beginning at the Boston College Yawkey Center.
The Art of Living Foundation is committed to empowering young people to
live life to their highest potential by providing them with the tools
and knowledge needed to release stress while keeping an unwavering
smile, no matter what the circumstance. It is a non-profit educational
and humanitarian organization with programs in 152 countries, uniting
people of diverse cultures, religions and backgrounds. Founded
twenty-five years ago, the Foundation has worked toward creating a
stress-and-violence-free society in which values such as peace, love,
compassion, enthusiasm for life, and service toward others are
nurtured.
The event will raise awareness of the urgent need
to foster such values, especially among young people. At the same time,
it will raise money to allow the foundation to continue and expand its
legacy of service. Proceeds will go to Art of Living USA youth programs
and services.
Students who attend Art of Living programs
report experiencing relief from stress and negative emotions. After
completing the course they often report feeling happier, calmer and
more focused as well as empowered to take responsibility for their
lives and futures.
The momentum behind the event is a dynamic
group of dedicated volunteer college students and recent graduates. How
do they do it? Daniel Moss, a student at Indiana University says,
“A few years ago I couldn't have believed I’d be a successful full time
student, run a web-design company, organize service projects, and still
have some time for myself and for friends. Since I started using the
knowledge and techniques from the Art of Living Course, I have so much
energy, enthusiasm, confidence, and focus... I feel unstoppable."
Recently, a version of the program was taught at a probation school in
Marysville, California. The school works with
12-to-18-year-old youth who have either been previously incarcerated or
are one step away from being locked up. Francesca Jackson, director of
the Art of Living Prison Program, taught the course. “With two
Sudarshan Kriya® [breathing techniques] behind them, they are beginning
to become themselves,†she says. “Their faces are soft. They’ve
become just regular kids again. Small victories for these kids are so
huge.â€
The 5K Run for Youth is one of many special events
leading up to the foundation’s worldwide Silver Jubilee celebration
taking place in February 2006 at its international headquarters in
Bangalore, India. Some 2.5 million people are expected to attend,
including heads of state, spiritual leaders, and dignitaries from
around the world.
"A peaceful world where human values
thrive are goals we all strive for, and this event is a major
step toward creating that kind of society for us all, beginning with
the young people," says Patti Montella, National Youth Director for the
Art of Living Foundation USA.
The foundation is a
non-governmental organization working in special consultative status
with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council. It was founded in
1982 by internationally revered spiritual leader and humanitarian, Sri
Sri Ravi Shankar. It also offers classes for adults, including special
courses for college students, corporate professionals, and educators.
For more information or to register for the event, please visit:
http://www.artoflivingyouth.org or call 617.459.8264.
|
You may also access this article through our web-site http://www.lokvani.com/
