Neither at home nor at school have we learned to manage our emotions. Many young people know too well the effect of someone, perhaps a parent, who can’t manage their emotions and the effect it has on the family when fights break out at home. These youth have so much "emotional baggage" that it's difficult to focus on their school work. Mastering the skill to manage emotions sinks in as YES! unfolds. In a few days students begin to see themselves more centered, relaxed, and stress-free.
What if specific tools which enrich human values were given to all students as a part of their basic educational program? Recent educational movements such as Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education emphasize the importance of cultivating human values including:
- Compassion
- Caring
- Respect
- Gratitude
- Friendliness
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- Honesty
- Integrity
- Enthusiasm
- Commitment
- Responsibility
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These values are naturally expressed more freely in youth when they clear away the stress from mind and body.
What sets YES! apart from other programs is the physiological transformation that it's unique breathing techniques offer. These changes result in altered body chemistry, such as reduced cortisol levels. Qualities such as:
- A calm quiet state of mind
- Greater mental focus
- Greater energy
- Better sleep
....... naturally occur as a result of these physiological changes.
Giving students specific tools to clean the slate of their overburdened mind, re-energize themselves with breath and sit in silence for a few minutes each day makes a huge difference in their quality of life. Students learn how a few minutes of breathing in specific patterns each day can give them:
- Greater mental clarity
- Improved ability to focus on their school work
- A clearer idea of their purpose in life
- Improved relationships with others
Young people learn to manage their emotions rather than have their emotions manage them. They come to understand the working of their mind, so they can navigate the chaotic influences of modern life. They learn a healthy alternative to dealing with stress rather than commonly used methods such as alcohol, drugs, violence and sex.
YES! becomes something that students look forward to because of its positive effect on their social and emotional well being and increased success in school work.
