It has been reported by the American Medical Association (AMA) that bullying and aggressive behavior, although not a new problem, continues to be on the rise.  It has extended onto the computer for what is now known as cyber bullying.  Yet, aggressive behavior still continues within the school environment and direct contact as well.  As a result, the AMA has declared the second Wednesday in October, this year October 10th, to be national SAVE (Stop America’s Violence Everywhere) Day.

“Vital Exercise for the Body and  Mind”
A pilot project conducted in 2004 and 2005 with 4th and 5th grade children in Colorado proves its positive efficacy on decreasing aggression and increasing concentration ability in elementary-level students.  This study now proves the positive influence it has on children.  The results of the pilot study were extraordinary.  In 2005 students self-reported 93% less
hitting, 56% less anger, and a 50% increase in their ability to control their anger, in addition to less headaches and better sleep at night.  One teacher reported, “The atmosphere in the room after yoga is more peaceful.”  Another teacher commented;
 
“I have personally benefited from the six ses-
sions of yoga and so have my students.  Their
focus is so much better and I really think they
are kinder and more patient with each other.” 
The principal stated, “I feel that it has made a
difference in our school community and cli-
mate with our 4th and 5th graders.  In the fact
that there have been less incidences of behav-
ior (problems) outside at recess...”.

In 2005 Dee Marie received the Esther Long Award from the Colorado Medical Society Alliance for innovative community heath programs in the state of Colorado.  In 2006 the program received the Health Awareness Promotion (HAP) Award from the national division of the American Medical Association Alliance.
The program entitled CALMING KIDS (CK) – Creating a Non-Violent World has now been incorporated into the academic curriculum of a Boulder school, Heatherwood Elementary, every October since 2004 and will continue in 2007 and into the future.  In order to expand the program, Dee Marie will collaborate with local yoga teachers, school teachers and school counselors in September and October 2007.  The current CK project plan of teacher training workshops will provide teachers who are currently working within the school system, with a lesson plan of how to use classical yoga techniques as an intervention

Calming Kids Program 
Highlights

Calming Kids: Creating a Non-Violent World - (CK)’s mission
is to address and manage childhood obesity, stress, self abuse, bullying, and violent behavior with a comprehensive, non-denominational, classically-based yoga program in the public school system. The methods include yoga psychology, breathing practices, concentration techniques, exercise postures, and conflict-resolution skits to control violence and aggression. The targeted age group (8-14 years) is more receptive to guidance, has less peer pressure, has a higher percentage of bullying than older teens, and is on the verge of developing high risk behaviors. The program’s emphasis is non-harming to oneself and toward others, learning to respect personal space, and high-level concentration practices to enhance academics and encourage nonviolent behavior.

Dee Marie, a local Boulder resident and 20-year yoga therapist, is the SAVE representative for the state of Colorado. Under the AMA Alliance, a division of the AMA which implements health care programs into the community, Dee has created a classical yoga program and booklet which specifically targets the issues of violence and bullying in schools. The concepts presented are yoga philosophy: kindness, compassion, and communication  combined with yoga science: moving energy with a high level of body and breath awareness.