Stress relief and meditation course comes to Boston College

The Senate of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) passed a co-sponsorship bill in support of the Art of Living, a stress relief and meditation course to be taught at BC from March 20 through March 25. The Senate awarded the Art of Living program $300.

Art of Living is an international humanitarian organization. Their stress relief program is taught in over 140 countries worldwide, as well as over 50 colleges across America. "Three universities have adopted Art of Living as a credited course," said Radhika Prabhu, A&S '05, who is spearheading the effort to bring Art of Living to BC.

The Art of Living Basic Course centers around breathing techniques and meditation for the purpose of relaxation and stress relief. Its methods have been investigated by the World Health Organization.

These studies have shown connections between the practice of breathing techniques and a reduction in symptoms of depression as well those of a number of illnesses.

Prabhu said the $300 would go toward the transportation for an Art of Living instructor. An entrance fee of $75 for the course funds a number of service projects that Art of Living sponsors.