The power of the breath & a relaxed mind play a large role in healing
While the world went indoors to stay safe from the pandemic, thousands of men and women in blue and white fought for the lives of our loved ones. They breathed inside suffocating PPE suits for more than 12 hours a day and stayed away from their own loved ones only to work tirelessly around the clock. They were our healthcare workers, our Covid-19 warriors. When they saved lives amidst fear and stress, The Art of Living brought them some relief. During 2020, The Art of Living reached out to lakhs of healthcare workers across the globe with the power of online meditations and Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing technique proven to reduce stress, promote resilience, and boost immunity. This World Health Day, we want to thank our healthcare workers for their service and for giving us a chance to serve them. Remembering stories of hope and resilience that came from the red zones of 2020.
Found Sudarshan Kriya better than external breathing support
"I find The Art of Living course to be really important now because the pandemic that has taken on people’s lives is purely related to the lungs. ; and the breath. While the normal saturation levels are above 95, mine had fallen to 80-84 making breathing extremely difficult, and it felt almost like a near-death experience. Some patients even hallucinate when pushed to that state. When I actually went through the process of Sudarshan Kriya, I could feel how the breath traversed through the lungs, the apex; the lower part of the chest inflates and deflates while inhaling and exhaling as though a balloon. For the first time, I felt as though the full capacity of the lungs were being utilized. I found this technique much more effective than the use of any equipment to support breathing. I could also experience relief from anxiety and stress that were bogging me down. It was like an aha moment for me. With this practise it has been so evident that, if your breathing is right and to its full capacity, it is very unlikely that any ailment can affect you anytime."
- Dr. Nizamuddin Kotwal, ICU consultant
Ones who were not stressed were recovering faster
"Being a health worker, it affected me quite a bit and I wasn’t sure how to deal with the situation. But, when I looked at it from a different perspective, I saw that those who weren’t stressed about it were the ones recovering faster. And that is when I took up this happiness program and Sudarshan Kriya, which helped me step out of my fear zone, it helped me step out of my house and resume my activities in all normalcy."
- Nand Kishore, health worker and Covid-19 survivor
Overseas health workers share
The feeling of protection
"After doing the online morning meditation with Gurudev, I leave home feeling protected. Being a pharmacist, I go out every day during this scary time. Yet, when I do my evening guided meditation with Gurudev, I feel like I have been cleansed."
- Ms. Vijaylakshmi Sewnarain, Pharmacist, South Africa
Found a network of love
"It was a wonderful experience to do the online meditations with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. I am grateful for the generosity. I feel uplifted just by knowing on the other side, there are people waiting for us to meditate. Though I do it at home, it has
become a network of love and generosity."
- Ms. Ivanna, Psychologist & Counsellor, Argentina
Reduced burnout
"We found this program significantly reduced burnout and anxiety among our
providers, some of whom said the daily practices have transformed their entire lives."
- Dr. Hemant Sharma, Chief of Allergy & Immunology, Children's National Hospital
Brought positivity during tough times
"I was always on the other side of the curtain. But unfortunately, or fortunately you might call it, I was also detected positive on my third duty of covid. People think it is such a negative thing, but to me, it seemed as something optimistic that happened in my life. It has been such a life changing experience.
Earlier, I used to see patients, empathise with them, treat them, but once you get
affected, you really understand it is just not the physical ailment, but the mental
stress too that hogs you. And as it is rightly said, help comes to those who want to
help others.
When I was detected positive and admitted to the hospital, one of the staff nurses,
who was a member of The Art of Living team told me about the Online Meditation
and Breath Workshop, that was conducted exclusively for health care workers. That
changed my outlook of life. Sudarshan Kriya is one of the most important highlights
to this. Besides, the interactions, the thinking and the very attitude of looking at life
differently was a fun experience. It was rejuvenating, helped me look ahead and also
inspired many other people. The pranayama and the yoga exercises brought forth a
lot of positivity in me."
- Dr. Jinal Manek, Assistant Professor, JJ Hospital, Mumbai
Immediate relief from a breathing practice - how?
A Harvard Medical study conducted on 100 healthcare professionals shows that the practice has reduced stress levels, anxiety and depression among healthcare
professionals. In addition, it has raised the resilience level, sleep quality and
satisfaction.
How has a breathing technique been so effective in helping our heroes? Studies show the effectiveness of Sudarshan Kriya in reducing the release of the stress hormone and enhancing brain function. Know more.
If you found this article inspiring, share it with others! Learn Sudarshan Kriya in our
special entry-level program, the Online Meditation & Breath Workshop here.
FAQs on the brave story of Covid Warriors
Yes. People with mild Covid-19 symptoms can recover at home with proper care and medical guidance.
Preventive measures for Covid-19 include taking care of your diet and sleep, and staying as much stress-free as possible as stress affects one's immunity. Yoga and meditation are potent tools to help you fight stress on a daily basis.
Fear and anxiety are the most common psychological ailments associated with Covid-19. To make your mind more resilient against Covid-related anxiety, it is advisable to meditate every day for sometime.
