Based on a survey conducted in the first qtr of 2024, the Philippines was included in the 10 Happiest Countries in Asia. But are Filipinos really happy?
World renowned humanitarian, spiritual leader and ambassador of peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar graced the event organized by Art of Living Philippines to share his wisdom about the importance of finding inner peace and joy during these trying times.
Speaking in front of an audience of over 1,300 at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati, Gurudev shared how meditation can help in giving people access to their own happiness and well-being, while at the same time finding inner peace. "To access this treasure, we need to begin by focusing inwardly and for this we need some training. Meditation is training. As we meditate more, we gain confidence in our innate basic goodness and well-being. This unlocks our potential and gives our lives tremendous meaning." In the face of adversity, Gurudev also said that meditation not only opens a gateway to compassion but also connects people deeply with themselves and others.
The event was also graced by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., Secretary of DILG Benhur Abalos Jr., Secretary of DOT Jaime Bautista, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations Maj. Gen. Arvin Lagamon, and His Excellency Ahmed Abdallah Ibrahim Hafez, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
"As a child, when we cry it would not take much time before we smiled again. As adults however, when we cry it could take months and sometimes years before we can smile again. We have not learned how to manage our own mind. The secret to managing our mind and emotions lies in the breath," said Gurudev. This is what the Art of Living and IAHV teach people to do through their programs and initiatives.
Through a myriad of programs and teachings conducted by Art of Living and IAHV, Gurudev has reached and touched the lives of almost 450 million people in 180 countries- including 15,000 Filipinos- empowering and equipping people to tackle challenges at the individual, societal, national, and global levels.
The cornerstone of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's teachings is the Sudarshan Kriya (SKY)- a simple but powerful breathing technique that has been demonstrated in over 100 independent peer-reviewed scientific studies to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress; boost immunity; improve sleep; and increase life satisfaction; among other benefits.
Recognized for his significant global contributions, Gurudev has received 26 honorary doctorates and 55 government honors, including the highest civilian awards of Colombia, Mongolia, Paraguay, and Suriname. Twenty-nine days have been named after him in various cities and states across the USA and Canada.
Gurudev continues to help a growing number of Filipinos foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being through numerous educational and self-development programs offered by Art of Living and IAHV.
Prior to the event in The Fifth at Rockwell, Gurudev was the keynote speaker at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the theme: "Mental Health and Well-Being: Strengthening Resilience for Individuals, Societies and Nations." He talked about physical and mental well-being and how these considerations can be woven into ADB's development projects.
Related links:
7 Quotes To Live By (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar)
0 comments:
Post a Comment