Service

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Releif :: Beirut, July 2006

During the Israel / Lebanon war in July 2006, Art of Living teachers and volunteers, upholding a vision of a “One World Family”, came together in a spirit of service and solidarity providing the victims and their families with medical supplies, trauma relief and emotional support.

Trauma relief workshops were given to 250 women and children over 4, 2h-sessions.

Children played interactive games, released anxiety through fun stretching exercises and breathing techniques. Women were taught relaxation techniques as well as powerful breathing techniques.

Trauma symptoms reduced significantly and smiles came back to everyone’s faces. Women reported becoming more patient with their children and getting better sleep while children were amazed how relaxed they could be.

Disaster and Trauma relief :: International

Over the years, whenever tragedy has struck our planet, The Art of Living volunteers, together with the International Association for Human Values, have come together in a unanimous spirit of service and solidarity, giving from the heart - food, supplies, shelter and trauma counseling or stress relief workshops to victims of the capriciousness of nature or man.

Recently, with the Katrina disaster and when the tsunamis hit parts of Asia, emergency supplies, trauma and stress relief workshops were conducted for the affected people.

In Iraq, Art of Living volunteers held relief camps for traumatized men, women and children.

Between 2003 and 2004, the organization helped victims of the Bam earthquake in Iran, those of the Beslan terror attacks in South Russia and those of the river Elbe floods in Germany, through counseling, distributing materials and restoring lives.

During the Jakarta floods in Indonesia, The Art of Living conducted free medical camps, repaired buildings and schools, and distributed food.
In Kosovo, volunteers cleaned damaged areas, provided supplies and conducted camps for torture victims and massacre witnesses.
At times of national crisis, such as in Madrid after the train bombings, the Art of Living workshops have also been effective in reducing trauma levels and stress.

Within hours of the 9/11 attacks, members of The Art of Living provided aid to trapped victims and fire fighters.
Over 100,000 people were provided food, shelter and trauma counseling, when a devastating earthquake rocked Gujarat in India, Communal kitchens and temporary homes were set immediately. Relief and medical camps were held to restore lives.

"I will always remember how this city rallied around its fire fighters during this tragedy, but I will remember most of all the contribution of your group."
- Fire Chief James Bossert, Battalion 32, in a letter to the AOLF.