World Mental Health Day:
Art of Living Foundation Sri Lanka to launch `STOP THE MIND` campaign to prevent depression
A novel idea to de-stress!
While the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka is gaining momentum by the day. Nail-biting moments, betting, celebrations and endless drawing - room and office discussions as to who will take the much coveted cup have become the order of the day. When the cricket fever is keeping all the anxiety, stress and tension tucked away for another day. October 10th 2012 will soon arrive to announce that it’s World Mental Health Day!
To mark this day, the Art of Living Foundation a registered charity in the island-nation is scheduled to launch its new campaign to prevent depression. Aptly titled `Stop the Mind`, this campaign will host a live event on October 10th to deliver a new experience for students, youth, executives, sportspersons and home makers.
The Sri Lankan Government`s Health Ministry states that around one percent of the total population in the country suffer from serious depression and another seven to 10 percent from minor depression. The Ministry spokesman further states that depression is the second highest killer in the world and is expected that it will reach the top by the year 2030. While untreated depression can lead to suicide, the Ministry urges people to take measures for prevention.
The Art of Living Foundation`s `Stop the Mind` campaign is aimed at educating the public to prevent depression. In the heavy traffic of thoughts on the highway called mind, stop the mind for a few minutes every day - this is the credo and theme that the Art of Living youth and volunteers are to showcase to the people on October 10th 2012.
This new campaign is inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the world renowned spiritual leader and an ambassador of peace. The key insight for this campaign is well articulated in Gurudev`s interview by the famous television host Dan Shilon.
The inspiring interview is available for viewing on the You Tube under the title ` Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar`s interview with Dan Shilon`. In the thought-provoking interview Gurudev says “Stop the mind. It`s racing. It is always thinking of the past or anxious about the future. We are either angry about the past or anxious about the future. Take a fresh look at the world, the situation in front of you. You need to wake up and see. Let`s see what we should do now and for the future. That gives you a lot of energy, encouragement, enthusiasm and lifts you up”.
Come October 10th and The Sri Sri Yoga Hut in Colombo will be all set to receive people from all walks of life for this unique event. Those interested in participating in the live event can email their names to artoflivingsl@gmail.com or call 011- 2367067; 0771673800.