Art of Living: Stress-free Mind and Long-lasting Happiness!

March 16, 2019

‘Om! Om! Om!’ With eyes closed, hands in Maha Mudra and a serene smile on their face, a group of thirty people chants Omkar in unison. They perform the Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing and meditation technique based on ancient wisdom. The San Diego chapter of Art of Living Foundation (AOLF-SD) located in Mira Mesa has one goal – teaching participants how to cope with daily hurdles and achieve true inner peace.

The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization with centers in 157 countries. Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual guru in 1981, AOLF’s mission is to create a one world spiritual family across different backgrounds and religions. According to Shankar, “The Art of Living (AOL) is more of a principle, a philosophy of living life to its fullest. We have one goal - to uplift human life everywhere.”

Manish Shah, a volunteer teacher explained the local chapter’s work. “The San Diego chapter of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF-SD) has been active for more than 20 years offering various educational programs for all age groups. Free introductory sessions are conducted at various San Diego libraries.”

AOLF facilitates deep self-reflection and nurtures quality life through meditation courses, retreats and knowledge sessions. The processes and techniques taught in these programs empower people to live gracefully, through the good and bad times alike.

“Volunteers from different religious and cultural backgrounds are the essence of the San Diego chapter. They actively engage in community services and reach out to San Diegans from all walks of life - students, veterans, working professionals, homemakers, to spread the word about breathing based meditation practices,” said Manish Shah.

AOLF’s flagship workshop, the ‘Happiness Program’, offers practical tools such as ‘Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY)’ to expand inner peace, self-awareness, and love. SKY employs varying rhythms of breath to bring the mind to the present moment - not just as a concept, but also as an immersive experience.

Simon Tattersall, a long time follower at the San Diego center, insists that everyone should check out the Happiness program. “The positive effects are immediate- increased awareness, happiness, connectivity and more centeredness.”

Multiple independent research studies conducted by prominent scientific organizations investigate the effects of SKY on mental and physical well being. These demonstrate a significant reduction in stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. For example, one of the studies showed 70% improvement in remission rate in depression in one month. Another study showed five times improvement in immune function and white blood cell count. Physical and biochemical parameters such as blood pressure, lung capacity and cholesterol levels improved in both healthy and health-compromised individuals. Detailed references for the studies and their outcomes are available here.

The Art of Silence, an advanced course, is the ideal vacation for the body, mind and spirit. Typically held as a residential retreat, it comprises of rejuvenating yoga, two to three days of guided silence practice and advanced meditation techniques. It helps to withdraw attention from outer distractions and quiet the mental chatter, thus evoking deep rest and renewed energy.

Every AOL follower is a success story itself. Vidya Deshmukh turned to AOL to cope with anger, sadness and guilt after her mother’s sudden demise. “I was able to sleep after months of insomnia. My very first SKY practice gave me the closure needed and I was able to let go! I am overall a much better person both in my personal and professional spheres.”

Participating in the Happiness program and Silence retreats is Mirium Rauch’s way to deal with work pressures and long hours. “I was blown away by how much energy I had!” said Rauch, a high-tech defense contractor and a devoted follower. “My regular practices help me deal with day-to-day challenges more professionally, with less emotion.”

Lusel Sih was introduced to AOL in Hong-Kong while facing family challenges and battling depression. She completed progressive training and retreats at Boone, NC, Irvine and San Diego centers. “Still in awe”, says Sih about her profound experience of the Silence course. “The true nature of joy and harmony that I discovered from within, simply put me in silence.”

In addition to changing the lives of individuals, the foundation also works to improve societal issues. In partnership with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), it implements a prisoner rehabilitation program to reduce offender recidivism and to improve rehabilitation outcome.

Project ‘Welcome Home Troops’ helps veterans to battle PTSD and restore mental wellbeing. Along with the United Nations Social and Economic Council, AOLF implements service projects to support women empowerment, disaster relief and environmental sustainability.

Whether through improvement in individual lives or in communities, the AOLF continues to inspire change and spiritual well-being every day. Using ancient techniques and promoting a lifestyle focused on inner peace helps the modern human to synchronize body, mind and soul. Find out how you can join at www.artofliving.org.