Sahaja Meditation: Bronx High School students and their teacher report on their experiences.
As a HealthCorps Coordinator in a Bronx high school, I provide innovative health and wellness workshops for my students. Our curriculum includes a fair amount of nutritional and fitness education but also touches upon mental resiliency topics. And I truly believe, optimal health and wellness begins not with education but rather the openness of the heart and the mind.
For the past 7 weeks, Alan and sometimes Lioudmila Wherry have graciously practiced Sahaja meditation with my students and allowed them to discover its power. Without question, it’s been the highlight of working with my students within the classroom…the best part of the work day. Every week, we position desks in a circle and read one passage pertaining to themes such as forgiveness, trust, being present, fear & love, and the true source of joy. “Joy is not what happens to you; it is what comes through you when you are conscious of the blessing you are.” Alan and myself share personal anecdotes and pose questions that allow the students to find their own individual answers.
In a neighborhood and school environment with constant noise, distractions, and one too many fights, I’ve been encouraged by the ability of the students to quiet their voices, minds, and focus on themselves. To incorporate ”personal growth-work” into their traditional school work is important. To scan a room and see 20 students in utter deep silence for 10-15 minutes is damn near breathtaking.
Leslie Dolland
something not quite right, but we know what it intended!
Wow! How well students have expressed themselves. Thanks to all the Sahaja volunteers who made this possible. We are grateful to you for taking so much time to work with inner city kids, so that they can go into society as wonderful individuals.