Mindfulness And Well-Being For Yemeni Refugee Children Through ‘Yoga Gives Back’ Programme

The School of Foundation Studies (SoF) recently organized a Yoga Gives Back session as a fundraising activity to support a group of Yemeni refugee children. This initiative was spearheaded by Ms. Ruthira Nair, Lecturer of SoF.

Working together with Ms. Amutha, an external instructor who generously offered her services to spread the ancient science of yoga for the well-being of others, the event aimed to instil mindfulness and well-being amongst refugee children during the auspicious month of Ramadhan and Eid celebrations.

One of the unique aspects of this programme was the participation of students and staff from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, showcasing unity and a shared intention to improve the lives of others.

​The focus of the session was on Sun Salutation, known as "Surya Namaskar" in Sanskrit, which comprises 12 specific asanas or moves. Amutha, with the assistance of Ruthira as the demonstrator, introduced all 12 steps to the participants.

For over 80% of the participants, this was a completely new experience as they had never seen or heard of Sun Salutation before. Upon learning about the benefits, many expressed their interest in integrating yoga into their daily routine to create a sense of balance in today's fast-paced and digitized world.

The session also dispelled misconceptions that yoga is associated with any particular religion, emphasizing that it is a way of living a mindful life. For students, this was a wonderful opportunity to enhance their on-campus living experience.

Overall, the session provided participants with an opportunity to broaden their thinking and strengthen their concentration. It also offered some much-needed "me-time", particularly for working adults who often prioritize taking care of others. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "If you want to change the world, change yourself first." Being physically and mentally fit enables us to better help others.

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In conclusion, the Yoga Gives Back session organized by the SoF was a successful fundraising activity that brought together people from diverse backgrounds in support of Yemeni refugee children. It promoted the practice of yoga for well-being, dispelled misconceptions about religion, and encouraged participants to prioritize self-care while helping others. It was a valuable experience that enriched the lives of all involved.