Art of Living Newsletter June 2023

Introducing PRISON S.M.A.R.T
Stress Management and Rehabilitation Training

Prison S.M.A.R.T is a program aimed at transforming the lives of incarcerated individuals. Globally, the Prison S.M.A.R.T program has touched the lives of over 800,000 prisoners in 60 countries since 1992.

Commencing at Adelaide pre-release center in Feb 2017, the program has expanded to Adelaide Women's Prison, Yatala Labour Prison, and Mobilong Prison with more than 22 workshops conducted, benefiting over 120 prisoners. Importantly, this program is offered at no cost to the prisoners reflecting the service commitment of the Art of Living Foundation and its sister organization, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV).

Despite initial challenges in gaining access to prisons, AOL volunteers have persevered, contributing significantly to its success. The program continues to provide cost effective, sustainable self improvement tools to participants, promoting positive post incarceration outcomes.

First Nations
The Indigenous Relations Working Group (IRWG) was formed in 2020 when AOL teachers in QLD and NT came together to offer yoga and meditation at local Indigenous health centers and schools. The teachers also connected with Yoga Australia and its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as well as Ngungwalah Corporation, an indigenous association of First Nations yoga teachers, and a Yarning Circle.

13 AOL teachers have completed Cultural Awareness Workshops run by Ngungwalah for the yoga community. Teachers have also joined the Yoga Australia RAP meetings to support their work connecting yoga, indigenous culture, and the concept of reciprocity.

The Happiness Program, Art Excel, YES, and Yoga courses are offered to first nations communities at reduced prices. The first course was conducted in April 2022 with three local Indigenous rangers attending. Workshops such as ‘Breath, Water, Sound in Sydney, SKY in Perth schools, and yoga and meditation in Townsville have also been conducted.

Supporting the Young and Strong
According to a survey conducted by Headspace in 2019, 80% of Australian tertiary students reported high levels of psychological distress, with 35% experiencing severe or extremely severe levels. Addressing the mental health condition of students is paramount and SKY Campus Happiness Program would be a great solution.

Currently, this program is run across 60 universities in the United States and has been a very successful initiative. The first SKY Campus Happiness program was conducted in Perth in Feb 2023 where students from the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and Murdoch University attended. The plan is to conduct these programs on a regular and coordinated basis and expand it to universities across Australia.

Help the Homeless (Winter Appeal)
Winter is harsh, cold, and wet. Thousands of homeless Australians are sleeping outside on the streets, sleeping in parks, or squatting in derelict buildings for temporary shelter. People sleeping rough are some of the most vulnerable in society and as the temperature declines, their suffering grows. With the covid pandemic and the rising living costs the rate of homelessness is increasing each year.

In 2022, a team of AOL volunteers in Victoria distributed sleeping bags, blankets, beanies, and personal care items to a number of homeless Australians. With everyone’s help, we reach many more people in 2023 across Australia.

Light a Lamp
In 2009, one of our NSW-based Art of Living teachers along with her friend started the “Light a Lamp” project in India. It is an Art of Living mentoring program for underprivileged children and youth in India's urban slums, empowering them through mentorship, education, yoga, and meditation. The project has positively impacted the lives of more than 1,000 students enabling them to undergo university studies and get employed with corporate organisations.

Her dream is to roll out the “Light a Lamp” initiative in Australia and help young people from disadvantaged sections. We initially need volunteers who can help connect to the target community and as we get ready to roll out the program, we will need volunteers to be part of this initiative: School teachers who can devote 2 – 4 hours per week
Art of Living youth / Kids HRE teachers