Bill Herman of the Art of Living Foundation has been the force behind the Youth Leadership Training Program. During his recent visit to Boston, Lokvani talked to him about his past and future plans.

Bill Herman has been associated with the Art of Living Foundation for the past 20 years and has dedicated his life to the organization since 1991. Bill, who has a Masters degree, was a high school teacher teaching arts in the Chicago area. For his honeymoon, Bill decided to go to India. While in the US, he had heard about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation. While in Bangalore, he decided to visit the Ashram and take the Art of Living Part I Course, which as of today has benefited more than 20 million people around the world. “There is an in-built ability within us to calm the mind, relax the body and energize the entire system within minutes. The secret lies in the breath.” The course explores this secret. “It features a unique and powerful breathing technique, the Sudarshan Kriya ®, which is traditionally understood to use specific rhythms of the breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions and restore peace of mind.” This would change his life forever.

After he returned back, he continued to be actively practice the art, until he realized that it was time to dedicate his life for the well being of others and teach them the power of breathing, and the happiness that it brings.

Lokvani: What Art of Living courses do you teach?
Herman: I teach four courses – The Course: Part I, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, ART EXCEL and The Youth Leadership Training Program.

Lokvani: Can you tell us a little bit about these courses?
Herman: Besides the Part I course, Sahaj Samadhi is natural meditation to rest the mind. ART EXCEL stands for All Round Training in Excellence and is a program specifically for children ages 8-13 years. The Youth Leader Training Program (YLTP) is my focus area in which we help children 18 and above take responsibility for their own lives and make a difference to their community.

Lokvani: Can you give us specific examples where YLTP has made a difference:
Herman: The first YLTP was held in Brownsville Texas in summer of 2002. Since then, youth leaders have conducted many awareness camps in the rural areas of Texas, Mexico, Argentina and Belize and cities such as Washington DC and Pittsburgh.

Lokvani: What are your plans for the future?
Herman: Katrina has had a major impact on me. Even now, people in the New Orleans area are still trying to rebuild their lives. They are under a lot of stress and the youth have a major role to play. The 10-day Art of Living course and intensive training in organizing and leading Trauma and Stress Relief programs for those displaced and affected by Hurricane Katrina will be held from June 12 – 23, 2006, followed by an optional 2, 4 or 6-week fieldwork which will focus on assisting in cleanup and rebuilding, and organizing trauma and stress relief programs for those displaced and affected by the Hurricane Katrina.

Lokvani: How has it been to be teaching as part of the Art of Living Foundation?
Herman: It is been a very rewarding experience in which I have come to realize that each and every one of us can make a difference and make this a better world to live. My wife is also full-time dedicated to this cause and as such it is our life!

Lokvani: What is the best way for people to reach you if they have any questions?
Herman: I can be reached at billhermanjgd@yahoo.com.

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