Projecto Social
Commitment, the first step to happiness
Kundalini Yoga and Mantra technology as a support for transitions
We learn that commitment is the first step to achieve happiness, actually the only one, as the other six will unfold easily if you keep the first. To keep commitment we need discipline, and most of us, are commited to things that do not end in happiness.
We loose focus many times along the way and we end up, feeding unconcious patterns that only offer imediate relief from our suffering. When this relief takes the form of addictions or mental-health problems, the challenge to move forward in a different road gets bigger, and this is when Kundalini Yoga and Mantra enters.
This ancient teachings offer a variety of exercises, from conscious breathing, postures, meditation to mudras and mantra, all can be apply to strengthen the nervous system
and to build a strong sense of the self, so the first step can be made, this time to serve the soul and not the pain or the “story”.
Based on this belief, Associação Ram Dass Guru offers regular Kundalini Yoga classes as well as Mantra sessions for groups, such as addiction recovery, elders, adults and teenagers with mental disability.
Kundalini Yoga in social institutions
Since 2015 ARDG offers Kundalini Yoga classes at a addictions recovery center, ATT Farol – Associação de Tratamento das Toxicodependências. Recently the Social Project has expanded and our team of teachers work in differents institutions such as Psychiatric Hospital of Lisbon (Júlio de Matos), Mental Health Institutions like Irmãs Hospitaleiras, ARIA – Associação de Reabilitação e Integração Ajuda in Lisbon, LATI – Liga dos Amigos da Terceira Idade “Os Avós”, in Sintra.
The intention of this project is to support people who are going through challenging times and to bring yogic knowledge to places of need. ARDG values this partnerships that bring awareness to many lives.
Kirtan Travels
Kirtan Travels is part of Social Project and its aim is to bring mantras to places of need and wider community. The name of the project has been inspired by Guru Nanak’s travels, which he undertook during his life to many different places.
The word mantra literally means a mental wave, a mental vibration. Thus, repeating a mantra can help to quiet the mind and find inner peace. It can serve as a medicine for the soul, nurturing deeply our spirit, our inner voice.
The word Kirtan means praise. It is a time of devotional singing, when people come together to connect and tune in with themselves. Remembering, we are a spirit, having a human experience.
Chanting from the heart brings relaxation and supports them on their healing journey. It allows them to listen better to their inner voice and connect them to their breath.
Whether listening or joining in and chanting, both forms can serve as a meditative and healing process on this journey of life.
With the work at the institutions, Kirtan Travels wants to bring the Naad (sacred sound) as a support for people going through challenging times in their lives.
Here are some activities of Social Project in different institutions
Yoga and Mantra as part of a scientific research
Yoga and mantra meditation have gained significant attention in scientific research due to their positive effects on mental and physical health. Studies show that yoga reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. Mantras, repetitive sound vibrations, are linked to improved focus, reduced anxiety, and even changes in brain activity.
Neuroscientific research indicates that chanting mantras can activate brain regions associated with relaxation and emotional regulation. Similarly, yoga has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve heart health. As research continues, yoga and mantra are increasingly recognized as valuable tools in modern medicine and psychology.
The Psychiatric Hospital of Lisbon made a research with the participants of our sessions on the impact of the mantra chanting on their patients with anxiety and symptoms of depression.
An article about the metodology and the results of this research was published in the scientific magazine “Revista Portuguesa de Alcoologia” in autumn 2023.
Donate to elevate!
Gostaria de apoiar este projecto?
1. Faça o seu donativo
2. Be part of the volunteer team as a Kundalini Yoga teacher and/or musician
3. Faça uma proposta à ARDG para uma nova instituição que possa beneficiar da mesma
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