Sri Sri’s Bio:
Sri Sri founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Appealing not to just a specific population or culture, these practices have proven effective globally and at all levels of society.  The Art of Living courses are currently offered in over 150 countries.  A noted humanitarian leader, Sri Sri’s programs have provided assistance to people from a wide range of backgrounds – victims of natural disasters, survivors of terror attacks and war, children from marginalized populations, and communities in conflict, among others.

Sri Sri has created new techniques for personal and social transformation. One such technique is called the Sudarshan Kriya® which has helped millions of people through its unique set of integrative breathing, yoga and meditation practices, to find relief from stress and discover inner reservoirs of energy, and inner silence in daily life. Eric Kussin credits the beginning of his rapid ascent after his 2.5 year battle with severe PTSD, to his daily Kriya practice, which he learned in an Art of Living “Happiness Program” class.

According to Sri Sri and his Art of Living Organization, how Breathing Practices taught through the Sudarshan Kriya® improve mental health:
The Sudarshan Kriya® taught in various Art of Living classes, provides people from all areas of society with practical and effective tools, derived from the ancient yogic science of breath, to alleviate stress, improve health and increase wellness.  Independent medical research has shown that the Kriya® stimulates the large vagus nerve in the neck and significantly: reduces levels of stress (reduces cortisol – the “stress” hormone), supports the immune system, relieves anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe), increases anti-oxidant protection, enhances brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli), enhances well-being and overall peace of mind.

Sri Sri’s Resource Recommendations:

websites:

artofliving.org – find a schedule of AOL courses in your area  

youthempowermentseminar.org – link to the YES! for Schools program that Eric and the Alliance are partnering with at a number of school districts in the US and eventually around the world.  The YES! program’s experiential curriculum includes targeted breathing techniques, other integrative practices, and important life skills to students (as well as teachers and administrators).  As the students learn how to manage their stress in a healthy way, they exhibit greater confidence and motivation to succeed in school and make healthy choices when faced with life’s challenges.

us.iahv.org