Some of the best things in the world have resulted from people's movements where ordinary people volunteer for a great cause. The Art of Living, the largest-run volunteer-based organization is a testimony to that. From reviving dry rivers to relieving trauma and bringing inner peace through breath and meditation, The Art of Living volunteers have achieved phenomenal feats.
Volunteering is not just great for the world’s betterment, but also for personal growth. Four volunteers at The Art of Living share their personal stories on how volunteering has changed their lives.
Finding happiness amid a stressful corporate life
“As I moved into the corporate world right after college, I found myself getting more stressed by the day. That is when a good friend from college came to my rescue and introduced me to the warm community of volunteers of The Art of Living. As I volunteered my time to organize stress-relief workshops for others, I found my stress melting away. I felt at home in the big city with this group of happy-go-lucky volunteers. I broke free of my fears and complexes and discovered that service was the easiest way to feel joy and contentment. I got more efficient at work because of my Sudarshan Kriya and meditation practice and found a larger purpose that gave a new dimension to my existence.” - Sakshi Pandey, 32, Deputy General Manager of an Agritech startup
From zero confidence to the habit of confidence
“There is this energy within us all that wants to reach out, share and care. But we are usually bound by an invisible spell that stops us and makes us stiff and shy. I have seen that spell-breaking whenever I have spent time working for a cause that I am passionate about. I have seen my ego break as I have asked for funds for a project. I have seen my shyness dissolve as I stepped out of my comfort zone to interact with communities for whom I was working and other fellow volunteers from different backgrounds. I used to be low on confidence and only after serving my community has confidence become a habit.” - Apeckshya Parajulee, 31, Faculty, The Art of Living Nepal
Contentment is in giving
“I bumped into The Art of Living as a second-year engineering student looking for eternal happiness. As I spent my time volunteering, I realized the greatest love is in giving. Love and happiness are related. The more you give, the more love and contentment you feel. During the past few years, I have been involved in various service initiatives of The Art of Living. I have helped to organize medical camps for Nepal Earthquake relief, lived on salt and rice for days to electrify rural belts in Arunachal Pradesh, and hiked the mountains to assess the ground problems in Himalayan villages. My volunteering stints have changed my mindset completely. When I began volunteering, I’d meet several disappointing bottlenecks. But now, I face problems with a solution-oriented approach. When I see misery, I am inspired to make a difference through service.”
- Vivekananda, 30, Program Coordinator, Save Himalayas & Development Consultant
No challenge seems big enough
“Volunteering has improved my personal skills a lot. I have received recognition as a dedicated social worker. I am able to build a superb network of the ‘right’ connections in diverse fields. However, I have been able to nurture these skills without any intention of achieving them. I volunteer because it is a huge source of contentment for me. I feel my life is worth living when I can make a difference in someone else’s life. Through the continuous process of volunteering, my mind has reached a perpetual ‘yes’ state of mind where no challenge seems insurmountable.” - Suma Jaya, 35, Scientist
Written by: Vanditaa Kothari
