2 minutes read

New York kids use meditation for better performance

On Monday I shared how I conducted a class on Hinduism to 44 5th graders at the Village Community School in New York City. The class also included a 5 minute guided meditation. Today I received a very sweet testimonial from the teacher sharing how the meditation had influenced the students.

How inspiring to hear that they loved the meditation. It's practical and applicable in their lives and they see this. What enlightened "young grasshoppers" they are.

Here's the teachers email to me:

Hi Dandapani,
I have a wonderful anecdote to share with you today, from our music teacher, Jeannette. Yesterday, many of the students performed in a Winter Concert (singing and playing instruments). They performed twice, once for the school, and the second time was for the parents in the evening. Apparently, our students had such a good time with the meditation you lead (it made such an impression on them), that they proposed to the music teacher to have a meditation session before each performance, to calm their nerves and get them ready to perform!

For each meditation, a child from one of our classes lead the whole group (at least 40+ kids), in a round of breathing, and they said exactly what you said: "breathe in and out, get a good thought, hold on to it..."

What was so funny was the music teacher had not been to our meditation but when she told me about it, the words were exactly as you had said them! How fabulous! I just thought you should know what a success the time with you really was for them.

Many thanks again,
Natalie
Village Community School

5th Grade Hinduism and India class beginning to meditate.Children meditation in NYC Dandapani teaching meditation learn to meditate meditate meditation Meditation Class in New York City New York kids meditate Teaching New York kids to meditate

Dec 13, 2011 Spiritual Adventures

Chickpea and Mushroom curry

This is another simple recipe and it goes well with the chapatis that was featured a few days ago. You start off with a little bit of oil in your wok or pan. Fry a pinch of mustard and fenugreek seeds till the mustard seeds starts to pop. Then add some garlic and fry this till
Learn More
Dec 13, 2011 Speaking

Meditation Class in New York City

Our approach to meditation is simple and systematic. A clear understanding of what is involved is shared, a plan outlined and tools given to create or sustain a meditation practice. The rest is up to you for true progress with meditation lays solely on your consistent effort.
Learn More
Dec 12, 2011 Spiritual Adventures

Cauliflower Kuzhambu

Today’s recipe is Cauliflower Kuzhambu. This dish really shows off a number of South Indian flavors and cooking techniques. Making it in a strictly traditional way can be a little complex and might seem overwhelming at first glance. I've noted a few shortcuts that can cut the pr
Learn More
Dec 12, 2011 Speaking

New York 5th Graders and Hinduism

A couple of weeks back a friend asked me if I would be willing to teach a class on Hinduism at his son's school. They have been studying India and Hinduism in their social studies class and he thought it would be nice for me to share some of my experiences and thoughts with them.
Learn More
Dec 9, 2011 Food & Cooking

Buttered Capsicum

Well, ok, this is technically not 100% Indian but it's got some spices in it so I'd like to say it's a hybrid dish. It's another simple dish but a delicious one nonetheless. So, start by slicing your capsicums up. I usually slice them up into inch square or slightly larger. Yo
Learn More
Dec 7, 2011 Food & Cooking

How to make chapatis

Chapatis or rotis are simple, delicious Indian flat breads that are made from whole wheat flour that goes perfectly with many curries. Its really simple and easy to make so you should definitely give it a go. Ok, what do we need? Here's the list of ingredients: 2 cups of whole
Learn More