While breathing happens automatically, most of us are unaware that working with the breath can give us the ability to manage our mind and emotions. In fact, every emotion you experience has a corresponding rhythm in the breath. By changing the rhythms of breath, you can change your emotions.

For example, you’ll learn the breath of peace, which makes both inhale and exhale long and smooth, bringing you back to calm and relaxed mind. Another technique, we call “Yogic Coffee” will give you a boost of energy and focus (and no caffeine jitters). The centerpiece of the course, Sudarshan Kriya™, uses specific rhythms of breath to get you unstuck and take you effortlessly into a state of meditation.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly the breath can calm the mind and how easy meditation can be.

In addition to a series of introductory breathing exercises (pranayamas), The Happiness Program features a unique breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya™. Many people who’ve practiced other breathwork and meditation techniques have told us that Sudarshan Kriya is the most powerful and effective tool they’ve ever learned.

It leaves you calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed, bringing more joy and happiness to your life, eliminating fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and depression.

Over 60 independent studies have been done on the breathing exercises taught in the workshop, called SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga).

Here are some of the most impressive research results:

• Up to 87.5% reduction in stress bio-marker levels (serum cortisol and blood lactate) [4, 6, 14]
• 33% increase in the well-being hormone prolactin from the very first session [26]
• Relieves depression in 67-73% of participants within one month (across over a dozen studies). [2, 4, 8-14]
• Relieves anxiety in 71% of individuals for whom medication and psychotherapy treatments had failed. [1]
• 3x more time spent in deep restful stages of sleep. [21]
• Increased levels of antioxidant enzymes which protect us from many diseases and rapid aging. [6, 23, 27]
• Reduced blood pressure in both healthy and health compromised individuals. [25,30]
• Improved cholesterol and triglyceride profile. [24] [6,28]
• Greater mental focus in regular practitioners (significantly greater EEG Beta wave activity) [20]

(Research Details and References: sudarshan-kriya).

Disclaimer: The Happiness Program is for overall well-being and rejuvenation. The above results are from research studies, many of which are based on an adaptation of The Happiness Program to special needs groups. The Happiness Program is not designed to treat or alleviate clinical symptoms. If you suspect you may have a clinical condition, consult your healthcare professional before deciding whether to enroll in our program.

Research shows physical & mental health benefits are often shown from the very first session. And results are cumulative; they grow stronger over time.

Results also seem to have a lasting effect. In one study cited by Prevention Magazine, not only did people's anxiety reduce 44%, but it lasted for 6 months. Results from studies on people with PTSD and depression also show sustained effects. See details and references at sudarshan-kriya.

Experiential - Unlike many self-development programs, this course is not a lecture. The Happiness Program is experiential and interactive. You will learn and practice yoga, breathing and meditation, enjoy engaging group processes and discussions, and receive expert guidance on how to practice the breathing at home.

Effortless, Yet Effective - One thing that makes us unique is the effortless nature of our techniques. You don’t have to worry about fast, complicated yoga poses, strict meditation techniques, or overly intense breathing techniques.

Time-tested and Universal - Many people out there go through a yoga teacher training or write a self-help book and call themselves a spiritual teacher. Meanwhile, The Art of Living has touched hundreds of millions of lives in 155 countries for the last 36 years. And Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, has received 16 honorary doctorates, and dozens of high honors from governments around the world. Our educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Appealing not only to a specific population, these practices have been proven effective globally and at all levels of society.

Research-based - Over 65 independent studies conducted on four continents and published in peer-reviewed journals have demonstrated a comprehensive range of benefits from practicing the breathing exercises taught on the Art of Living Happiness Program.

The Happiness Program was designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world renowned humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher and ambassador of peace. His vision of a stress-free, violence-free society has united millions of people around the world through service projects and courses offered by The Art of Living.

As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled the traditions of yoga and meditation and offered them in a form that is relevant to the 21st century. Beyond reviving ancient wisdom, Sri Sri has created new techniques for personal and social transformation. These include Sudarshan Kriya, which has helped millions of people to find relief from stress and discover inner reservoirs of energy and inner silence in daily life.

As 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. The strength of his message has inspired a wave of service based on spirituality through a huge body of volunteers, who are driving these projects forward in critical areas around the globe.

As an ambassador of peace, Sri Sri has played a key role in conflict resolution around the world, as he shares his vision of non-violence at public forums and gatherings worldwide. Regarded as a neutral figure with a sole agenda of peace, he represents hope to people in conflict. He has received particular credit for bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in Columbia, Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Kashmir and Bihar. Through his initiatives and speeches, Sri Sri has consistently emphasized the need for reinforcing human values and recognizing that we belong to a one-world family. Fostering interfaith harmony and calling for multi-cultural education as the remedy for fanaticism are significant parts of his efforts to achieve sustainable peace on our planet.

You must be over the age of 18 to be eligible for this course. We do offer Youth Programs for Middle School and High School-aged students.

Some techniques on the course are not suitable for pregnant women. A suitable alternative program for pregnant women is the effortless meditation program called Sahaj Samadhi Meditation.

Persons having undergone major surgery within 8 weeks of the course start date, and those with a seizure disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorders, must consult with a physician and provide a signed copy of the attached medical clearance form in order to enroll in The Happiness Program. For such individuals, the effortless and highly effective Sahaj Samadhi Meditation program may be a valuable alternative.

Many people enjoy repeating the Happiness Program and find they get something new out of it each time.