SELF-DISCOVERY YOUTH PROJECT GEARS UP FOR BENEFIT DINNER

At the 1st Annual SDYP Benefit Dinner, December 15, 2002, SDYP hopes to raise enough money to gain tax-exempt status so they can apply for grants and recieve tax deductible donations. The project's mission is to integrate the practice of yoga into the public schools at no cost to the schools or families. "Between Ritalin and rifles, our children are subjected to more violence and drugs (prescribed or peddled) than ever before. Now is the time. In fact, there has never been a better or more desperate time to bring yoga into the schools." Taken from SDYP's mission statement which can be read in full at www.sdyp.org

Portland, OR

While it is widely known that adults suffer from stress, it is becoming increasingly clear that children have their share of pressures as well.

And most children do not have the mental or emotional capacity to comprehend fully what they are feeling. They know they are hurt, sad, frightened. They may even know why. Beyond that, children know only that they want it to go away, whatever it is, so they can get back to being a kid.

Children are not aware that they have within themselves a built-in ability to cope with and, even better, to relieve their suffering.

Yoga is now becoming more recognized in the medical field as a way to alleviate stress. Medical doctors even prescribe yoga as a treatment for it and also to relieve pain or regain strength and flexibility. But again, we are talking about adults.

What about kids?

What would happen if we introduced, yoga, as a non-violent, non-competitive alternative to drugs, alcohol and video games? What if a child could tap into his own strength, her own peace, instead of turning to prescribed medication like Ritalin just to make it through the day? What if a child was shown how to listen, trust and respect his body as a way to deal with illness or being overweight?    

Self-Discovery Youth Project is striving to bring yoga and children together in the place where children spend most of their time. School.

Of course, with the financial situation being what it is, programs are being cut left and right and there's even talk of teachers going on strike. Obviously, the funding isn't going to come from the schools or the families.

Where there is a will though, there is a way. And where there is hope, that way is lit up like a runway. Everyday, SDYP gets calls from teachers and parents who want to help. When you get calls from complete strangers and they say, "I believe in what you are doing and I want to help," you really can't help but know you're onto something. Something right and good.

Yoga Northwest Magazine will be sponsoring the Benefit Dinner on December 15th, 2002. It will be held from 6-9 PM. Aztec Willie and Joey Rose Taqueria, 1501 NE Broadway in Portland, is donating the space of their restaurant and all the proceeds of the night. Many local businesses are donating prizes for the raffle which will be held at the benefit. Among the prizes to be given away is a Yoga Journal Cruise, Blazer tickets and gift certificates.

Entrance is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, Raffle tickets are $10. Call 503.285.4192 for more information or visit www.sdyp.org.