The UAE is keen on promoting happiness and so is the Art of Living, which celebrated the milestone of touching 10,000 lives in the country through its flagship initiative, Happiness Program. In line with the vision of country’s Happiness Agenda, the program is fuelling nation’s transformation to happiness by providing sustainable scientific and holistic solutions for happy and stress-free living.

Globally, the Art of Living has transformed the lives of 370 million people through its 12,000 Happiness Centers across 156 countries in the last 37 years.

The Happiness Program that focuses on the science of breath uses a specially designed breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya – a unique rhythmic breathing exercise that reduces stress and raises energy levels, bringing one back to a clear and positive state of mind in turn increasing the overall health and happiness.

“The breath has proven to be an effective tool to remove stress and impurities from the system and bring clarity and focus to the mind. It plays an essential role in how we feel physically and emotionally. Over 80% of the emotional and physical impurities in the body can be eliminated through the breath. However, most of us only use 35% of our lung capacity and do not use the potential of the breath to detoxify and cleanse ourselves,” said Raksha Patel, Co-ordinator of Art of Living Dubai Chapter and facilitator of Happiness Program.

“The program has impacted the lives of millions around the world and people from all walks of life have been touched by the healing power of the technique. Besides the regular sessions, we are constantly running free programs for laborers, prisoners, trauma victims and other people in the need, making a difference to as many lives as possible. Our endeavor is to create a healthier, more content and happier society by providing the right tools and sustainable solutions, contributing towards UAE’s journey to become the happiest nation in the world”, concluded Raksha Patel.

From reducing stress to getting better rest, these techniques have demonstrated measurable impact on quality of life. Over 60 independent studies conducted across four continents have demonstrated a comprehensive range of benefits of practicing Sudarshan Kriya™ and related breathing exercises taught on the program.

The research results highlight that people practicing the technique regularly even for a month observe 70% decrease in depression remission rate, 56% reduction in stress hormones, increasing deep sleep to 218% while the well-being hormones raised by 50%.

The Sudarshan Kriya and other breathing exercises taught in the Happiness Program boost brain health and reduce 5 of the 6 major risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia. These unique breathing techniques eliminate stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energized, focused yet relaxed.

Sudarshan Kriya was developed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living,37 years ago. In his first ever visit to UAE, Gurudev will conduct a 2-day transformational meditation master class in Dubai on 16^th and 17^th November. The sessions will provide an incredible opportunity to accelerate personal growth and to remove deep-rooted stress, helping participants experience true joy and happiness.

As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “A disease-free body, quiver-free breath, stress-free mind, trauma-free memory and sorrow-free soul is the birthright of every human being.”