Life in Kyiv, Ukraine
Spring is coming to Kyiv. Yesterday, I took a long walk in the National Botanical Garden overlooking the Dnipro River. Everything is ready to wake up. The cycle of the year continues, no matter what. The seasons keep changing. Meanwhile, we have entered the fourth year of the great invasion and the eleventh year of war with Russia.
I have been asked to describe the life in Ukraine at this time. It is a challenging task due to the complexity of life in Ukraine. The experience is directly related to an individual's physical location and personal circumstances within the broader context of war.
I live in Kyiv. My reality is limited to the events happening here. The city experiences air attacks every night. Recently, it's mainly been the drones. Sometimes, the drones are being shot down in the direct vicinity of my location. It is very loud; sometimes my house shakes and my dog barks like crazy. Courses need to be planned accordingly. I must be skilled and inventive. I taught the whole round of practice in February during the attack, and the participants did not even know it was going on.
Furthermore, I had to forego an opportunity to lead part of the rounds because it was unfeasible with the noise. To put it shortly, every night, there are drones. Every morning, I go to work and carry on as usual. Every Monday and Friday, our Ukrainian BBM team holds open sessions, where we practice and breathe together. Every day, I practice at home or on my way to work while driving. I make a special effort to breathe coherently after the attacks.
The Ukrainian Breath-Body-Mind program is unique in many ways. The breathing practices are associated with their effect on the autonomic nervous system and stress relief. However, there is another central component. The ability to self-regulate, to stay clear and focused, to endure, to have control during uncontrollable events is empowering. The program provides a clear sense of agency. In my opinion, this is priceless.
The Breath-Body-Mind Foundation supported us from the beginning and continues to provide support to this day. These days, a lot of programs all over the world lose their funding, but our program goes on. As we go through the global shift in alliances and rhetoric, it is more important than ever to maintain a clear sense of connection and the values that bring us together. It is impossible to stay isolated in the interconnected world. And so, practice after practice, Ukrainians continue to breathe for victory of the human spirit and dignity together with the help of our valued American friends.
By: Olga Kornyushyna, BBM Level-3 Teacher