Breathing Hope into Palestine

Transcription

1 Breathing Hope into Palestine October 2008 July 2009 I have hope I finally have hope Course Participant, Bethlehem. Since October 2008, IAHV and AOL have run highly successful rehabilitation programmes to bring peace and harmony into the lives of men women and children across Palestine 5 The success of the programme was very clear and many positive changes were noticed in the students. Sajedah Al-Ramini, The Psychologist Counselor Center for Social Rehabilitation, Tulkarem. & Art of Living Foundation

2 The International Association of Human Values (IAHV) is a registered charity in the United Kingdom ( ). IAHV internationally, is an NGO which works in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is the sister organisation of The International Art of Living Foundation. Our Objectives are achieved through: Human Development Programmes aimed at uplifting the individual spirit Socio-economic Development Projects that provide sustainable solutions Encouraging regular dialogue between policy makers and planning agencies to ensure true sustainability At the core of its projects and planning is the recognition that to bring about a positive change within society, one has to inspire and transform the individuals within it. The strong communities pull together to support each other and to develop, nurture and expand on sustainable, locally developed projects. Art of Living Foundation The Art of Living Foundation is a unique global service organisation that runs educational programmes, which lead to the upliftment and resolution of issues faced by individuals and societies. One of the largest volunteer-based organizations in the world, the foundation s work has touched more than 300 million people spanning over 140 countries. The foundation has a non-political, nondenominational, secular and holistic approach, which recognises that diverse traditions and cultures have their roots in the same basic human values of peace, compassion, truth, belonging and nonviolence. The Art of Living initiatives offer each individual a stress-free mind, a healthy body and the opportunity to maximize their potential for personal and spiritual growth. The programmes present ancient techniques from the yoga tradition, including a focus on the power of the breath. These combined with simple points of wisdom from around the world, repackaged for the 21 st century, constitute a very effective process to bring relaxation, peace of mind, empowerment, improved heath and wellbeing. 2

3 Tulkarem Phase I In association with Ministry of Social Affairs The Ministry of Education The centre for Social Rehabilitation of Youths I have benefited a lot from the Art of Breathing. First, it helped me to walk up steep roads without panting. Second, it gave me a peace of mind and helped me sleep more quickly and soundly at night. Third, meditation and the Art of Living gave me an idea of how to look at life with more optimism and patience. To live every day and welcome every event with my life and bless each moment with gratitude. Thank you a lot and God bless you all (J.A) I had asthma and I used an inhaler (vento and cortisone and budicort). But when I start deep breathing gradually I didn t use an inhaler much, only one time. Now my breathing start better not heavy or tired. (T.M) Bethlehem 5 Art of Living Courses benefiting over 70 people 2 courses in collaboration with The Arab Educational Institute Sponsored by The International Association for Human Values, UK. 70 people benefited from: Art of Living Course Art Excel Course Youth Empowerment Seminar Prison Smart Course Non Aggression Programme Sponsored by The International Association for Human Values, UK Phase II Teachers and Organizers Ulla Sandbaek Catherine Kjerulf Ziyad Zaghal In association with United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) volunteers and social workers, school teachers and counselors. 150 people benefited from 5 Art of Living Courses Sponsored by Ahmad Abu Khaders Memorial Foundation Art of Living Foundation, Europe Teacher: Monica Formica 3

4 Ramallah 8 Art of Living Courses benefiting over a hundred participants 2 Know Your Child Workshops benefiting over 50 women The Art of Living Course had a great impact on me. I was always overwhelmed with a lot of things to do, now I am more focused on what I am doing at the moment. Course Participant, Ramallah In Collaboration with MUFTAH Teacher: Luckshmi Mirgh, Rajalakshmi Ratan I felt alive after such a long time.. I just wish all my days were just like this period. Course Participant, Ramallah We recommend implementing this programme in the rest of the ministry's institutions and centers for both students and teachers because it s necessary and will benefit all. As our employees said, it was a great program and it deserves attention. Mr. Ghasan Sabobeh, Director The Social Rehabilitation Center, Tulkarem, 4

5 I am filled with happiness, my heart is filled with love. I can finally breathe, I can finally take in air without a burden stopping me. The hole that I tried countless times to close, deep in my chest is finally sealed. I can finally smile even when I am sitting alone, instead of wanting to burst into tears. I accept myself exactly the way I am now. What I used to call flaws before are not flaws anymore, they are simply me, they create me as well as my beauty. Today, I breathe knowing that I truly am strong and beautiful from the inside. I now know that as hard as the wind may blow against me, I know I will keep standing nothing will shake my hard shell now. I have hope, I finally have hope, after sitting around for so long just waiting, waiting for the end, waiting for something good to finally happen. Now I know that if I never lose hope, never lose strength, never lose faith in myself, as long as it may take, I have to keep walking, running, to the light of the happy ending, because in the end it had to be alright, and I am like never before, ready to wait. 5

6 His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values, has inspired a global phenomenon of caring, sharing and service, which has spread to over 140 countries across the globe. Through personal interactions, teachings and humanitarian initiatives, Sri Sri has reached out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide. Ranging from over 25,000 villages across India to the townships of South Africa, and to more than 150,000 prison inmates around the world, Sri Sri has transformed lives and provided solace. His wisdom, his legendary charisma and his selfless service have inspired people from all walks of life, including farmers, students, housewives, professionals, social workers and thinkers alike. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Awards & Honours 2008 Phoenix Award, Atlanta, USA Honorary Citizenship, and Goodwill Ambassador, Houston, USA 2007 Proclamation of Commendation, New Jersey Architect of World Peace Award, India 'Light of East National Award, India Honored by United Nations Millennium Campaign (UNMC) for his contributions towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals Honored by the city of Washington DC by proclaiming the week of his visit as Human Values Week 6

7 The Art of Living Course The Art of Living Course gives participants the practical knowledge and techniques to unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life. Whether happy and successful or feeling the stress of poor health, disappointments, or fear, every participant is cared for and comes away lighter, with effective techniques for releasing mental and physical stress and increasing his or her health, energy, peace, selfknowledge, awareness, and joy. Youth Empowerment Seminar Both fun and challenging, this 18 hour seminar provides teens with a comprehensive toolbox to both manage their own emotions and stress as well as dynamically navigate through adolescence. The programme broadens youth's vision of the world and provides the practical knowledge and skills they need to realize their highest potential. Independent research has also shown that the processes learned on the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES) reduce anger violence and depression, as well as improve focus, clarity of mind and concentration. All Round Training in Excellence During the initial 18-hour program youth learn the six gold keys to success through innovative games and interactive processes that reinforce human values. It is a highly effective stress management and human values training program. Through fun and laughter, children learn valuable lessons on how to share with others, work and play in harmony and develop a sense of belonging. Children become more self-expressive and comfortable and natural even with diverse groups of people. Students are also taught yoga and effective and powerful breathing processes which help to eliminate fear, anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. Meditation, being an important tool to tap the children's hidden potential, forms an integral part of the program. After undergoing the program, children demonstrate enhanced of creative skills, improved memory and concentration, development of leadership qualities and healthy emotions, clarity of mind as well as improved interaction with their peers. Non Aggression Program NAP programme is taught in schools to reduce anger, violence and rage in children and youths. The programme consists of four daily sessions of one and a half hours each and includes breathing techniques, knowledge, games and laughing. 7

8 Future Plans Expand and develop programmes in existing areas Establish regular follow up s in existing centres and organize advanced courses for local members Introduce Art of Living courses to surrounding regions (Hebron, Nablus) Training of local people to become programme facilitators Arrange Residential Youth Leadership Training Programmes Introduce the programme to local Educational Institutes Establish the organisational structure within Palestine Course Organizers and Teachers Ulla Catherine Monica Luckshmi Farnaaz Sandbaek Kjerulf Formica Mirgh Sharief For Further Information : Dr. Farnaaz Sharief Sue Hindle Phone: Phone: [email protected] [email protected] Registered Charity No: