“I saw the answer without seeing anything. I felt what I should do to focus on my life. I should let everything go and just concentrate on something. I can’t really explain it. It was to concentrate the way I concentrated on the coyote’s eyes. I did this for the rest of the journey and came back to room 836 satisfied and calm.” R.R

“ It was terrific experience and I enjoyed the shamanistic drumming very much. They should come back”. G.E

“The experience was quite interesting and fun. It helped me to realize some of my goals and where my attention needs to be focused. This was enjoyable and challenging at the same time, and I am looking forward to being able to do this again.” J.L

“ I found that the constant rhythm actually brought me to a level of consciousness that was deeper than my normal meditation state, and I felt my whole body relaxed. I’m really glad I had the chance to experience this.” E.H

“What is my true calling in life? Was my profound question. I went back down to my animal… After talking to this prairie dog it opened a door inside me that lead me to some sort of enlightenment, and it was rather important.” Y.E

“It helped me discover something I lie to myself about daily- that I need love, and companionship.” Y.H.K

Quotes from 10th and 11th grades students from Stuvysant high School

“The panther that befriended me represents something I want to become. A panther is both strong and protective, yet intelligent- those are the qualities I desire. This journey helped me realize what I really want to become and what characteristics I want to bestow.” J.L

“The constant sound of the drums in the background kept me focused and help me to sort out my feelings.” G.M

“It was something new and exciting and it allow me to open my mind to new things.” N.K

“I have been able to learn a lot about myself from my power animal, which happens to be a rabbit… This meditation helped me to see that music, which was big part of my life before, was missing from it now. And I missed it…I think I might go back to playing the clarinet” S.T

“I think that the shamanic drumming we did in class were very powerful… The Answer I gave my partner and the one he gave me were both quite accurate. “ E.A

“Like the lion, I am fiercely competitive and love to win at everything. I like to be a leader and can be bossy at times. I also have a very volatile temperament, and finally there is the fact that my zodiac sign is the Leo…The exercise served as a vehicle through which I could contact my own knowledge, absorb it, and better apply it to my life. J.S

“Last week, I experienced something like never before…I was flying in the air…I felt as if a big weight had been lifted off me…The birds were all different colors. They represented all the confusion that were in my thoughts…When I opened my eyes, I felt relaxed and couldn’t help but smile.” N.K

“I asked my question. “How I can gain a perfect body?” It looked at me and than it lashed my arm. I was shock. Why would my power animal try to make me lose my own personal power? He asked me, “Are you angry that I hurt you?” “Of course,” I said. Then It came slower and asked “Why? Do you value your body? You asked me how you could gain a perfect body and I showed you. By valuing your body you have a perfect body” It was a profound moment and a very sincere one…Over all it was a very personal moment of enlightenment. L.L.