I attended ART OF LIVING Part I Course at Thane from 9th to 14th March. It was from 7.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. It was a refreshing experience. Basically they teach Pranayam and Sudarshan Kriya which are very beneficial. I can feel perceptible change in my breathing patterns. Previously I used to experience breathlessness and tiredness at the slightest exertion. But now, I feel calm and fresh throughout the day. I am practicing what has been taught every morning and find a lot of change. The programme was very well conducted. We could meet people from all walks of life and by the time the course got completed, we had become a close-knit family. I am thinking of doing the advanced course also but will have to find four days for myself as it is a residential course. The AOL foundation has been established by Sri Sri Ravishankar. During the course we were given homework also. One of the day's homework was that we must help five people before attending the course the next day.

I racked my brains and tried to think of five good deeds! Finally an idea flashed upon me. While going to the station by two-wheeler I offered a lift to a college student who was also going to the station. But I do not go by the normal bus route which is very crowded and travel by the highway and park my vehicle at Thane (East). This girl has never travelled by this route. Midway, she got doubts as to who I am and why I was pretending to be a good samaritan! I explained to her that my intentions are thoroughly good. I showed her my ID Card. I told her abount the homework given to me in the AOL Course. But still the poor soul was not convinced and started shouting at me and told me to stop the vehicle at once. I was worried that she should not jump out, hurting herself and me in the process!! Finally we reached the station and the girl realised her mistake and apologised profusely!! It was an experience i related toeveryone at our course.

The next good deed was giving a seat to my co-passengers on the crowded train. This deed was welcomed with broad smiles. Next I purchased some fruits for the house out of which I gave some to a poor orphan on the train. Then I wielded the brush and gave a good scrub to our toilet in the office. I also relieved the maid of some of her work in the morning.

Usha Murali
Mumbai
March 2004