Earthquake in Chile

On 26th February 2010, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile affecting thousands of people. The Art of living Foundation in Chile undertook several initiatives to help victims start life anew, providing material support and conducting trauma relief workshops.

A group of 30 volunteers rushed to the "Rio Claro" Immediately following the disaster, a group of 30 volunteers rushed to one of the affected communities, the ‘Rio Claro’ community, teaming up with local government officials and other NGOs to bring relief to the victims. Volunteers provided on-site help including cleaning up of destroyed homes, providing food, supplies and support to the remote areas of ‘Rio Claro’ and conducted workshops for children in the affected area, distributing sweets and food, bringing smiles to the faces of many disturbed children.
The Art of Living Foundation will conduct a series of follow-up activities in the region in coming months, to:

Team up with "Techo para Chile" (an NGO that builds temporary houses) and conduct trauma relief workshops while temporary homes are being built for the victims
Train more instructors in the region to teach trauma relief workshops
Conduct more trauma relief workshops

Testimonials

M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”

Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”

Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”

Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”

M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”