Sevara on The Therapeutic Value of Yoga and Meditation in the Management of At-Risk Behaviors in Adolescents

Interview conducted by Jenni MacNeil

The management of at-risk behaviors in the adolescent community has become an area of great struggle for educators, the justice system, parents and mental health practitioners. As we continue to evolve technologically, our ability to truly support the turbulent and often imbalanced minds of our youth becomes increasingly difficult as we attempt to compete with the numerous negative influences literally at their fingertips. Opening our minds to the value of ancient practices and alternative approaches to treatment is vital if we are to meet the needs of our youth population in this time of constant disintegration where our young people are torn in many different directions. The power of movement to synchronize the mind, body and spirit is widely accepted throughout the medical and psychological communities. Physiotherapy, Chiropractics, Dance and focused breathing are all proven therapeutic approaches. Recently, I sat down at the lake with Yogi Sevara, to discuss the application of Kundalini Yoga practice in the management of neurological, attention and psychiatric disorders in at-risks students.

JM: What special characteristics generally make yoga practice different in its therapeutic value?

Sevara: Yoga practice is unique because it utilises and focuses on all three levels of human existence: the mind, the body and the spirit. Yoga recognizes that mind, body and spirit must be in balance and therefore all three areas are systematically improved through various techniques. Through conscious breathing (pranayama) we become aware of our breath. This brings one deeper into a state of awareness and the present moment. Being present is essential because many psychological issues are a result of the mind drifting into fears of the past or future. Being present brings one into a neutral state of mind.

JM: How does yoga practice heal the body, mind and spirit?

Sevara: Conscious breathing, or pranayama, increases the life force energy (the energetic force that animates all living things) and that increase of subtle energy can be used to heal those areas that need to be healed, whether they be physical, emotional or psychological.

Yoga also recognizes that illnesses of the mind also have a correlation in the body and through the use of asanas (postures) we work on the organs, nervous system, muscles, tendons and even down to the cellular level to correct any stagnant flow of energy. Imbalances in the mind and sicknesses in the body are also reflected in the chakra system and the aura.

Each of the seven chakras in addition to having a corresponding sound, color, mantra and symbol, also have a correlating emotional and psychological quality. For example, the second chakra corresponds with the sex organs. Imbalances here may relate to insecurities and nervousness. By doing specific asanas (postures) that affect the second chakra, those imbalances can be corrected. Through pranayama and asanas, the mind and body naturally become relaxed making it easier to become meditative. In meditation, certain chemicals are released by the brain. These chemicals help to heal the mind and body and improve one’s emotional state.

JM: What would be the long-term benefits of daily yoga practice in the management of at-risk youth?

Sevara: In a meditative state, the subconscious slowly, over time, begins to unload its accumulated neuroses and psychoses, fears and insecurities. As the subconscious becomes unloaded it becomes more clear and unburdened. The practitioner can use the energy that is freed up to move to higher states of consciousness and into intuition. This is known as a state of "no mind" or dhyana.

JM: One of the biggest difficulties that many challenged teens face are the many distractions in their environment. How can yoga help them to be more and aware of their behavior and genuinely empathize on how their actions affect others and improve their attention and concentration?

Sevara: Yoga also uses another form of meditation called dhrana. This is better described as a one-pointed concentration, focusing on one thing. This constant disciplining and stilling of the mind brings one closer to one's true self or Sat Nam in which we recognize “truth as our identity". This relieves us of the need to constantly use the past and future aspects of the mind, bringing us more into the present moment thus allowing us to project from the heart with compassion and forgiveness not only for others but for ourselves. The improvements in neurological processes comes as a by-product of building the resevoire of prana or life-force energy. The repetition of movements (asanas) and the use of mantras (sacred affirmations) together prevent the mind from engaging in any extraneous thinking other than the task at hand. These practices combined serve to synchronize the hemispheres of the brain and lead towards more whole brain thinking. This sensory integration naturally increases the practitioner's awareness granting him or her an increased ability to be more self-observant and to recognize when their behavior has been crude, inappropriate or reactive. The reactive mind is a product of habit and past conditioning. As one progresses with yoga, one naturally becomes less reactive and more loving.

JM: Movement and breathing as well as the focused reflection of the mantras sounds promising in specifically targeting many of the issues encountered by professionals and families dealing with troubled teens. One final question, if you could create an ideal residential facility to help at-risk youth, what would your top seven ingredients be?

Sevara: Firstly, a vegetarian diet would be implemented. The energy used to digest heavy meats would be better utilized in healing the body and mind. Secondly, daily program of yoga practice. The practice provides a natural high and tires them out physically so they become uninterested in engaging in negative behavior. Thirdly, An hour each day of silent work. NO TALKING, and no iPods. This helps them hear their own thoughts and experience the thinking process. Next, daily seva or devotional service (community service) to build self-esteem and sense of community. Lots of sleep; early to bed , early to rise. Sixthly, abstinence from viewing violent or aggressive media. Finally, abstinence from competition and instead engaging in cooperative activities and projects requiring group effort. This encourages them to identify with their ego less, and promotes a more collective community involvement.

JM: Maybe, this can be the Divine Earth Youth Retreat Center someday. Thank-you Sevara for an enlightened look at the integrative healing power of yoga.

Sevara is a certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor, sensory healer, and award-winning multi-instrumentalist/composer. Jenni MacNeil is a secondary school teacher working with many at-risk teens and the proud mother of a spirited and challenging at-risk teen.