Newsletter #75, by Jaya (27 January 2014)

Samarpan Online Group Meditation Newsletter

TOPIC FOR THE WEEK – Personal experiences of Samarpan Meditation #3, by Jaya

I have been working in Shaftesbury School, which is a school for children with special needs, for 13 years. The children have different ranges of disability. It is a very challenging but also very rewarding job. It was my real pleasure to work with these special children because of their innocence and love. They are very special to me because I learn a lot from them.

When I first started I taught Physical Education, yoga and relaxation classes. The students achieved a lot; they were calmer. So my Headmaster Mr Paul Williams, told me to teach yoga full-time. He is very supportive and now it is part of the school curriculum. So I teach yoga and meditation with relaxation.

When I came into Samarpan whatever I have achieved through meditation I wanted everyone to experience this, to experience Divine Energy. That’s how I introduced it to my students too. I have seen the change; they sit very calmly, totally engrossed, listening to the music. Some children say that they love being there; they don’t want to come out of that calmness.

It is impossible for some ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) students to sit even for a second. They are so hyper-active they can’t sit still. But when I have a group we light the candle, put on music and sit in a semi-circle. I pray to Swamiji to help these kids keep still; I chant the mantra three times silently and I see my students sitting beautifully. Some share their experience with me. I wish every school has meditation first thing in the morning for these tender souls. They are young and innocent and will learn anything.

Last week I started teaching in Hatch End High School, the mainstream school next door. Every year I get the Year 11 class because they are stressed and anxious with exams coming up. Before I started the teachers said that they had a few ADHD students, so if there were any problems I could call them. I always start my lessons with meditation to bring calmness and you can see the students enjoying that energy.

All these students who had behaviour problems also had a very calming lesson. One particular student said that she has never slept so peacefully as she had experienced during the relaxation that day.

I have a class of 25 students and all are very calm and I feel they do achieve a fraction of the good energy that Swamiji has given us. We are too blessed!

Jaya