What is the SKY Happiness Retreat?
SKY Happiness Retreat is a total well-being training offered to thousands of university students, faculty and staff across the country. Participants gain foundational stress-management and leadership skills, develop a personal evidence-based breathing and meditation practice, learn a short personal yoga practice, develop strategies for social connection and community building, and engage in peer-driven service initiatives. The SKY Happiness Retreat introduces SKY Meditation, an evidence-based meditation practice integrated with breath work that can significantly increase one's well-being and calmness, and significantly reduces anxiety and stress markers. The retreat features interactive group processes, experiential learning, emotional intelligence training, breathwork, yoga, evidence-based meditation, and service leadership. It's one of the coolest places to connect with yourself, make awesome friends, and, most importantly, have fun!
As each session of the retreat builds upon the previous one, we suggest that all participants plan to be there for the entire retreat for an optimal experience and to commit that time to their own well-being. This is always communicated in advance and is mentioned in the registration form as well as the interview/orientation call prior to the day of. We understand however that unexpected circumstances may occur, and anyone who needs to leave the retreat can do so at any point. We also allow any participant the opportunity to transfer their registration to the next retreat without having to pay an additional fee.
I already meditate, why should I be a part of SKY Campus? Are there any benefits to doing so?
Several students, staff, and faculty have expressed immense benefits with respect to their Happiness, Resilience, Increased Energy, Stress Relief, Productivity, and Connection from our programming.
You’ll learn evidence-based breathwork and meditation - SKY Breath Meditation enables one to decrease physical and mental strength and allows one to drop into a deep state of rest. One also gains tangible tips and tools to manage your mind and emotions. There’s also a power in a positive community to help support and enhance your personal practice. Many share how the community is key for them.
What are the goals of SKY Campus Happiness? What do you do?
We spread happiness, peace and social connection in and around campuses globally by offering tangible tools for stress relief which enhance physical and mental health. We also plan and execute community service projects which hone leadership skills and make a difference in our society. Our flagship program is the "SKY Happiness Retreat" where participants learn SKY Breathing Meditation, an evidence-based meditation practice integrated with breath work that can significantly increase one's well-being and calmness, and significantly reduce anxiety and stress markers. Our club has had over two thousand participants in our breathwork and meditation programs conducted so far, from a variety of majors, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds.
I am a prospective member, what do I need to do to be part of these campus clubs?
We have no formal membership requirement. Those who become members normally start by taking our flagship program the “SKY Happiness Retreat”, or by attending our weekly meetings or other breathwork and meditation workshops. Prospective members can learn more by visiting our
website, signing up for a
SKY Happiness Retreat, or checking out our
Instagram.
Who can be part of SKY Campus Happiness Programs? Do members have to subscribe to any views or meet any requirements?
SKY Campus programs welcome everyone regardless of their views, race, identity, traits, background, socioeconomic status. Students from diverse majors, ethnicities, identities, and religions, have expressed that our programs have had an immense positive impact on their lives with respect to their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness and beyond.
You speak about ‘spiritual’ wellness, are you a religious organization?
No, SKY Campus Happiness is not a religious organization. By 'spiritual' we mean universal human values like friendship, generosity, compassion, care for the environment and service to humanity. In fact, one of our goals is to promote human values, regardless of the religious, cultural, racial, ethnic, or social background of people who participate, respecting and not questioning any religion people may practice
Do you charge fees for membership or attending your programs?
A majority of our programs are free and open to all students, staff, and faculty. Some programs may have an entry fee such as special retreats that span multiple days where food and/or other materials may be provided to the participants. We aim for these to be minimal and non cost-prohibitive.
For advanced programs offered, we regularly provide need based scholarships.
What kinds of students make up your members?
SKY Campus programs welcomes everyone and consists of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and some faculty, staff, and alumni from diverse majors, ethnicities, identities, and backgrounds.
Do you have a connection with any organization?
SKY Campus Happiness which is a comprehensive psychosocial program tailored for university populations–students, faculty, and staff–offered by the International Association for Human Values and Art of Living Foundation and designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Who is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the founder of the International Association for Human Values, and “a humanitarian, spiritual leader and an ambassador of peace”. He is globally renowned for his peacebuilding work in several countries. He is the person behind the evidence based SKY Breathing Meditation practice that is a key part of the SKY Happiness Retreat.
What is SKY Breathing Meditation?
Having the mind “calm down” or “shut up” can be challenging, especially when we need it the most. The breath is a powerful link between the body, mind, and spirit. SKY Breathing Meditation, also known as Sudarshan Kriya, “is a powerful yet simple rhythmic breathing technique. It incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath, harmonizing the body, mind and emotions.” And it has a host of benefits!
Is there any research on SKY Breath Meditation?
Over 100 independent studies conducted on four continents and published in peer-reviewed journals, have demonstrated a comprehensive range of benefits from practicing SKY Breath Meditation. SKY has been shown to improve emotion regulation, decrease stress, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce PTSD, and more.
More information, including research specific to campus programs can be found at:
https://www.skycampushappiness.org/research
