Ethno-political conflict, Ossetia (August 2008)

Peace in times of conflict

Ossetia, (August 2008)

Since August 2008, the region has witnessed tension and clashes on the brink of war between Georgia and South Ossetia. Despite numerous peace efforts, the ethno-political conflict in South Ossetia, which began in 1989, remains unresolved.

Trauma relief to military, peacekeepers, civilians

Against this backdrop, The Art of Living stepped in to bring solace to people traumatized by the conflict. A team of volunteers from Russia, including doctors and psychologists, has been working round-the-clock in Tskhinvali since August 20, 2008.

Nearly 1,500 people have benefited from the trauma relief sessions, which include breathing techniques and meditation. So far, 200 Russian military soldiers, 80 Russian peacekeepers and 200 South Ossetian peacekeepers, directly in the line of firing have attended the sessions. Around 1,000 people including civilians, teachers, school children, doctors, journalists, and staff of the Presidential administration have also experienced benefits from The Art of Living’s interventions.

Volunteering continues inspite of war

Despite the fierce fighting between Russian forces and South Ossetian separatists on one side and Georgian forces on the other, the volunteers are staying put and attending to people from all walks of life. The effort is being hailed and supported by the Minister of Health Care, South Ossetia and the Presidential administration.

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.”