The event was supported by Indian Consulates of EU, Turkey, Croatia, Scotland, Azebiajan, Spain and Poland, among others
Berlin, 13 June 2021: To address the mental health crisis brewing in the world as fallout of an unprecedented pandemic and its economic, social as well as psychological aftermath, The Art of Living organized ‘Europe Meditates’ that drew over a million participants from 44 countries. The Festival of Mental Health also included active participation from Indian Consulates of Turkey, Croatia, Scotland, Azerbaijan, Spain and Poland, that culminated with a global meditation session with global humanitarian and peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Along with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the dignitaries who attended the global meditation also included H.E.Santosh Jha, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, & EU, and Hon. Mr. Ryszard Czarnecki, Member of European Parliament and former Vice-President of the European Parliament.
“We, the European Parliament, have taken a number of initiatives to address this matter (mental health crisis),” said Hon. Mr. Ryszard Czarnecki, member of European Parliament, “I am particularly delighted that my friend Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with his Art of Living Foundation works tirelessly to bring a sense of relief and the message of peace and togetherness to people across the world through various initiatives, putting the happiness and mental health of the people first.” He also expressed satisfaction as thousands joined the event “with an aim of bringing a wave of relaxation and contentment through the ancient Indian gift of meditation.”
The pandemic of grief, isolation and financial losses across the globe has had an unprecedented impact on peoples’ mental health. To address especially the alarming rise of mental health conditions and to show new and holistic ways for health and wellbeing, The Art of Living in partnership with Sri Sri School of Yoga hosted ‘Europe Meditates’.
“A violence-free society, disease-free body, confusion-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory, and sorrow-free soul is the birthright of every individual,” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Meditation is a great tool to achieve these human goals that we all have.”
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also enumerated the distinct benefits of meditation for the body and mind, while emphasizing that meditation needs to be integrated into one’s daily routine as part of mental hygiene just as activities like brushing or showering make for dental and physical hygiene. “Meditation gives you deepest rest in the shortest time,” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said. “On one hand, it helps you overcome depression. On the other, it checks aggression that one can get into due to stress or other circumstances.”
Recent studies have shown that a regular meditation practice prevents against burn-out, strengthens the immune system, relieves stress and anxiety and on the side, does one thing above all: It keeps one energized and happy.
About The Art of Living
The Art of Living was founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and operates in 156 countries. It is one of the largest volunteer-based, humanitarian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the world. The Art of Living holds a special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, and is active in numerous other international bodies and committees in the areas of health, education and sustainable development. The priorities include aid projects in developing countries, trauma and stress management in crisis areas and rehabilitation programs for victims of violence and prison inmates. In addition, yoga and meditation classes are offered. A key component is the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a health- promoting breathing technique. For further information visit www.artofliving.org.
