No Such Word As No!  

By Marsh Engle

As Published in Yogi Times, April 2007

     For some the attraction is found in the sun drenched beaches.  For others it's the hypnotic flow and rhythmic sounds of the music.  But for Subhadra Bowman her homeland of Jamaica signifies the beginning of a Soulful expression of life and a deep-rooted sense of strength, fortitude and stability.  She's a woman devoted to giving back to the country that awakened her commitment to grow beyond the defined.

     "Jamaican's simply don't know the word no," Subhadra shares.  "It's about staying power - a stick-to-it-ness.  My early years in Jamaica taught me there's nothing that I can't accomplish.  Sometimes that means moving beyond normal expectations to reach within to a place where new answers can be found - where we can find a fresh and different application."

     Subhadra - whose name symbolizes Divine Mother past, present and future - is most definitely a woman who walks a 'where there's a will there's a way' philosophy.  And it's this path that fuels her passion to return to Jamaica to launch the next phase of her dedication to positively impact the lives of youth.  Well-known for the 'yoga for kids' movement she helped to implement throughout the Los Angeles school system, her Your Kids Organization has inspired and empowered children through the art and philosophy of yoga since 1997.  Now through this organization, Subhadra heads-up the building of Bowman Annex in Jamaica - a child care & performing arts school.

"We are placed here to make a difference.  

With every contribution, we truly are creating change in the world."

Subhadra Bowman 

     For Subhadra this contribution takes form as a vision of providing the children of Jamaica new opportunities.  this includes creating a facility - slated to be unveiled in Summer 2008 - that will house after school program including yoga and dance, a computer center and child care for children 18 months to 5 years of age.

     Her focus is equally pointed to another program near to her heart - the YKO Student International Exchange Program (SIEP).  This program is dedicated to giving young adults a head start in intercultural communication by encouraging an exploration and understanding of people around the world.  SIEP allows at-risk high school junior and senior students from Los Angeles, Calif. to travel to other countries for a 4-week educational study program.  The first of this program launches in August 2007.

     Subhadra adds, "The program is unique in the sense that it blends different tools to help youth become responsible adults.  It includes a study of cultural diversity, peer mediation and teamwork skill-building, study of nutrition and yoga, plus financial planning and dress to succeed workshops." 

     To support the work of Your Kids Organization:  A 501c3 Non-Profit, visit www.yourkids.org or www.YogaAngels.com.