UNMIK
ON AIR
THE
ART OF LIVING
(Hysni
Recica)
Makfirete Hashani:
Makfirete before the course was always a bit aggressive, more hotheaded. I
tended to be aggressive when somebody approached me at work or in the family.
But after the course, I have found inner peace, I discovered a Makfirete I did
not know before. I have forgotten the
time when I was different. I take things easily now, I am quiet, and I am full
of optimism and enthusiasm for anything I do. I never get tired.
Hello and welcome to UNMIK on air
Makfirete Hashani, is surprised at how much she changed
after attending a course organized by the Art of Living Foundation, a
non-profit NGO. The program consists of
tension releasing physical exercises and revitalizing breathing techniques as
well as an introduction to natural principles of effective living.
Believed to be the second largest NGO in the world after the
International Red Cross, the Art of Living Foundation has branches in 140
countries and has trained millions of people throughout the world.
The foundation started its work in Kosovo in 2000 with the
aim of helping rehabilitate war and torture victims. So far 300 people have
taken part in the course, most of them war victims and disabled KLA veterans
MUSIC Up and under
Trauma, mental disorder, depression are very common in
post-war situations, while stress is more often associated with the pressures
of modern life.
Art of living teacher, Snjezhana Nisevic, a volunteer from
Croatia, says breathing techniques can have a great positive effect.
Snjezhana Nisevic: We
are all breathing superficially, and using only 30 % of our lungs, and 90% of
stresses, toxins, poisons, which is physical and emotional both can be released
through breath.
A Harvard medical team survey on the mental effects of the
Kosovo war, found that 70 to 80 % of the people experienced Post Traumatic
Stress Disorders. A 4-day stress-reduction course for participants from the
Drenica region, one of the worst affected areas was a big success says
Snjezhana. They spoke of release from pain, bad memories, insomnia and
depression.
Islam Veliu: The
fact is that the problem starts in the mind, so that is the root of the
problem, so if we remove the root of the disease then the person is cured. From
negative thinking many problems in physical body are manifested.
Islam Veliu, a professor of
Literature, is another beneficiary. He attended the course along with his son
who is studying in America. Islam is now fully convinced by the Art of Living
techniques.
Islam Veliu: I think
that this course is very important for all the people, ordinary people. You
might think you have a quiet life, but every night you are confronted with
worries and concerns. All kinds of little things one is not aware of. But the
books on positive thinking and these exercises here teach you to pay attention
to the physical and spiritual side in order to preserve a balance.
Continuity of practice is the key to success, stresses
Snezhana, adding that once people start, there is no force to drive them out of
the habit.
Snjezhana Nisevic: There are many lazy people, but the
moment they do the exercise, they enjoy it so much, that they simply have the
desire to continue the program. It is such a beautiful feeling of deep
relaxation that you forget about the time, your duties and your troubles, and
you really enjoy it.
Makfirete’ son was snatched
before her eyes by three Serb paramilitaries at gunpoint during the exodus.
Though her son was later released, she could never overcome the trauma she experienced.
But everything is different now, she says.
Snjezhana Nisevic: I feel inner peace, I do not know how I
could live before with all that stress, I am surprised, and I could not believe
that a human can undergo such deep changes in the soul.
Music up and under
Snjezhana Nisevic: The
first day did not look that interesting, I thought it was just some sort of
aerobic exercise with a bit more concentration on breathing. The second day I
could not believe the changes I felt in the body, and I could not complete the
practice because I was suddenly afraid. The third day I completed the course.
It is a feeling that cannot be explained. You can really feel you are getting
rid of a burden.
The Art of Living depends entirely much on donations since
it is a non-profit organization. They do not even have premises here and
organize courses in a Prishtina kindergarten after the kids go home. Once
you’ve learnt the basics, says Snezhana, you can continue at home.
Snjezhana Nisevic: Breathing
technique is the best preparation for deep meditation afterwards. The value of
this seminar lies in the fact that you receive the knowledge in four days of
learning these practices, and after four days you are independent from the
teacher and you can practice at home whenever you like.
And if you’re interested in
joining the Art of Living courses, here are a couple of contact numbers:
044/278 220 and 044 315 338.
That does it for this edition of
UNMIK ON AIR. Thanks for listening.