The Education for Life Outreach Program through Ananda Portland offers support and connection to families with holistic education and community friendships. The programs and classes will enrich our lives and expand our awareness of what’s possible in raising kind and compassionate children. Everyone gains greater self-understanding through the tools of Education for Life.
What makes you happy? Seeing a beautiful sunset, achieving a goal, learning something new, hiking in a forest? Education for Life is a holistic way of looking at life and growth that supports our natural development, an unfoldment of who we are. We offer life skills in the form of Tools of Maturity and Specific Gravity to children, parents & caregivers, so we can grow into happier, more balanced individuals focusing on the joy of learning and the art of living.
We are here to help prepare children to meet life’s challenges. The book Education for Life was written by J. Donald Walters, also known as Swami Kriyananda, founder of Ananda worldwide.
The origins of the teachings come from a great Indian spiritual teacher Paramhansa Yogananda who brought yogic principles to the western world and authored Autobiography of a Yogi.
These tools are not just for children, they apply to all ages! We are hardwired to seek happiness so we can come to an understanding of how to embrace ourselves and expand our compassion for others.
Learn more about Education for Life at edforlife.org.
EFL Outreach Programs:

Our small class size and dedicated experienced teachers provide a family-like, small school community, which makes us one of the most unique programs in Oregon.
The cost for the Winter program is $756 for Winter Quarter, you can pay in 3 installments to the school of $252.00 or as a one time payment. Please contact Melissa Heart for details and a tour of our program. efl@anandaportland.org
Melissa Heart and EFL (503) 671-9112
Helping Kids Grow in Mind/Body Wisdom with Rose Neal
To be scheduled 2023
Learn the basics of brain anatomy, the physiology of stress, ways to manage emotional upheavals and techniques to integrate positive experiences for greater health and wellbeing. What you learn will be essential in supporting mind/body health for you, your children, and kids in your care.
Upcoming Programs being scheduled:
Calm and Compassionate Children, with author Usha Dermond
Yoga and Games for 4-8 yr olds using EFL principles, with Melissa Heart
The Early Years, with Trina Gardner
Art and Consciousness, with Dana Andersen
Energy Medicine, with Chris Wheeler
EFL for Parents, Teachers and Homeschoolers, with author Nitai Deranja