SUMMER SCHOOL 2009 - THE ART OF
BREATHING
The International Art of
Living Foundation/ The International
Association for Human Values.
Trainer: Luckshmi Mirgh
June 25th,2009- July 5th,
2009
Summer School 2009 at the Arab Educational
Institute had a unique theme - the Art of
Breathing. From kids to women they all
participated and enjoyed their time with the
various trainers and volunteers who came all
the way from Holland, India and the UK to
work with the Palestinian people.
The Women’s group took an Art of Breathing
course given by the Indian trainer: Luckshmi
Mirgh (of the International Association for
Human Values and the Art of Living
Foundation). Luckshmi worked with the
women on breathing techniques to widen the
lungs, relax the women and give them inner
peace. The six-day training course was at
the beginning something new and even weird
for the women. They had to be with
themselves, focus on breathing and follow a
vegetarian diet all the time with no coffee
or tea.
Taking care of everyone, never relaxing and
always worried about everyone else is how
the women’s agenda usually works, so when
they had to take care of themselves they
found difficulty. But slowly they began
doing the breathing techniques, focusing on
their breath and relaxing. They were
committed to the program and participated
fully in all the techniques which they found
beneficial to their daily life.
As one of the women expresses:” The
meditation and relaxation of the body and
soul took us to another world”. They
noticed changes in their behavior, health
and daily activities. One woman said: “ I
used to be very stressed especially now that
my daughter’s wedding is in three weeks.
Now after the course I work with more
energy and in a relaxed manner.” Another
said: “ I have breathing problems and use
an inhaler 4 – 5 times a day, but now after
having done the breathing techniques I use
the inhaler not more than once a day.”
The women were glad with the course. They
expressed their gratitude to Luckshmi with
singing, dancing, and a lunch gathering.
They noticed valuable changes in their
lives and attitudes and will hopefully
continue the art of breathing course in the
following months.
