Healing through breath: How Art of Living helping soldiers of war-torn Ukraine fight trauma

In the shadow of Russia-Ukraine war, where cities lie in ruins and civilians face unimaginable trauma, a quiet revolution of compassion is transforming lives. The Art of Living Foundation, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has stepped into the heart of Ukraine’s suffering, not with weapons, but with breath, healing, and hope.

When Ukrainian army officers first walked into the Art of Living trauma- relief sessions, the sight was devastating. “My heart broke seeing them,” one Art of Living teacher shared. 

“Their hands, legs, and backs were wounded. The fear and emptiness in their eyes weighed heavily on me. Yet something extraordinary began to unfold. After learning Art of Living’s breathing and meditation techniques, these same officers reported feeling “calm, relaxed, centered, and secure.” The visible wounds of war, the emptiness, anger, and grief, began to lift,” the teacher added.

The impact has been so profound that Ukraine’s military leadership publicly recognised Gurudev’s work and honoured. The battalion commander stood before Gurudev to present an honorary award.

Speaking on behalf of his soldiers, he said, “Gurudev! We thank you for the knowledge and programs our men have received. When bombs fell, many of us rose to fight. But no one speaks of the other side of this coin, the vast emptiness of loss, anger, and hatred we live in 24 hours a day. After the courses by Art of Living, our lives began to change. Even those with major injuries now make plans for the future. There is life in their eyes again.”

This recognition extended to the leadership programs taught by the Art of Living, which have equipped Ukrainian military leaders with ‘adaptive leadership skills and the ability to make strategic decisions in high-risk, unpredictable conditions’. The Ukrainian military called this support ‘a key factor in the successful completion of missions and the protection of lives,’ an official release by the Art of Living read.

The testimonies from the front lines are heart-wrenching. Natalia, who has been serving the Ukrainian military since 2014, to perform the duties of MPZ (moral and psychological support) in the first regiment, described soldiers hiding in tiny 80-centimeter trenches under constant drone fire. 

Natalia recounted the story of a soldier who, paralyzed with fear, survived combat because he remembered a simple breathing technique taught in the Art of Living programs, the Ujjayi Breath, or the victory breath, the release added.