Breathing out stress

The world-famous Art of Living workshop comes to Yemen for the first time

The Art of Living workshop, which focuses on relieving stress through breathing techniques, was held in the Taj Sheba hotel, Sana’a, during 7-12 March. Led by Rajendra Kapoor, the course had several dozen participants, including Yemenis and expatriates. The workshop took place for over two hours each night for six consecutive nights.

The Art of Living course is “a practical course of experience and knowledge designed to develop the full potential of life.” It seeks to utilize “the healing power of the breath, adapted to modern life.” Through various breathing techniques, participants learn to reduce stress and improve their health and self-esteem. The Art of Living Foundation was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and has reportedly reached over 300 million individuals in over 150 countries.

“The art of living comes before the science of living,” said Kapoor. He added, “I want the participant to become an instructor and help others on how to breath.”

Abdul Razaq al-Ward, a music student, heard about the workshop from his friend and was enthusiastic to begin. “I have always read about yoga and meditation, but the reading wasn’t enough so I joined as soon as I heard of it,” he said. While he is participating he stops smoking, as part of the soft requirement laid down by Kapoor. On the first night of the workshop, he made a recommendation that all participants refrain from eating meat, drinking alcohol, smoking, and chewing qat. The workshop included breathing exercises, meditation and other relaxing activities. Dina Mahioub heard of the workshop through her colleagues. She joined to relax and ease the stress she was under through work, but she received even greater benefits from the workshop, she said.

A second workshop is scheduled to begin on April 4, also at the Taj Sheba Hotel. See the Editor’s Pick section on page 10 for more details.