Tapas Yoga ProjectYoga for At Risk TeensSite Updated: 30 September 2009 Tapas: Yoga practices for physical and mental enrichment – the foundation for personal growth. | |
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ASPIRATION OF TYP Tapas Yoga Project began in Santa Barbara, California, in the spring of 2004 with the aspiration of inspiring ‘at-risk teens’ to practice yoga for the purpose of developing a healthy and mindful approach toward their lives and the roles that they play in their communities. BACKGROUND Yoga is both a physical exercise routine for developing strength and flexibility as well as the mental discipline of viewing things objectively. Further, it increases one’s capacity to concentrate and cultivates a sense of well-being, growth and accomplishment. While everyone can benefit from yoga, teens – who are just learning to cope with the stresses of life and who are consequently three times more likely than adults to suffer from serious health problems such as suicide, homicide, depression, and substance abuse1 – can benefit greatly because yoga provides tangible tools for cultivating the inner character, calmness, non-violence and self awareness required to approach life’s challenges in new and constructive ways. By bringing yoga to at-risk teens, we improve their lives and subsequently advance our communities. 1 New York Academy of Science, 24 December 2003 WHAT TAPAS YOGA PROJECT OFFERS Qualified yoga instructors conduct yoga courses at various locations with the aim of providing at-risk youth the yogic tools with which they may uplift their minds and their lives. Furthermore, teens who demonstrate a keen interest in yoga are allowed to attend publicly held yoga classes. Aside from further supporting their rehabilitation, this opportunity provides teens with an opportunity to interact with a diverse population of yoga practitioners. Tapas Yoga Project also offers yoga scholarships to the staff and faculty of the organization where we conduct our teen yoga programs. OBJECTIVES Goals of the Weekly Classes Classes provide a safe and productive community environment in which yoga may be learned and practiced. Yoga practice naturally connects students with the consequences of their choices and actions; hence, yoga tends to enhance judgment and decision making. Students are taught that through self-observation, calm thinking, non-violence and healthy, drug free living they may constructively cope with the stresses in their daily lives and improve the quality of their lives. CURRENT PROJECTS Bend, OR • Weekly yoga classes at J Bar J Boys Ranch. (Project currently on hold until January 2010.) FACULTY & ADVISORS • Andrea Miliotis, M.A., L.Ac.: Central Oregon Acupuncture, Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Instructor. • Klara Schoenfeld: Ashtanga Yoga practitioner, TYP Yoga Instructor. • David Miliotis: Founder and Executive Director Tapas Yoga Project, Owner and Director of Ashtanga Yoga Bend, Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Instructor. • Erin Englebrecht: Attorney at Law, Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. • Steven Pagliaro: Owner of Pagliaro Designs, Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. CONTACT Email • (541) 550 - 9424 |
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