The Decision to do the Art of Living Course Saved me from Depression

Art of Living came into my life at a time when I needed it the most. I was in a totally miserable condition. I had given up all hope. I needed a helping hand from the Divine. My father died in 2007 in my own arms. It was very hard for me to face this loss as I was extremely attached to him. After spending almost a year in utter grief, another major problem surfaced: marriage. I would feel horribly lonely and sad most of the times, as marriage was not working out in my life.

I had no companion with whom I could share my pain, in the hopes of reducing the pain a little. I felt extremely victimised by life. I kept asking the question “Why me?” for which I got no answer in return. I was in a pathetically depressed condition. One day, my sister, who was staying in the U.S. then, called me and told me about Art of Living. She asked me to do a course, too, especially because there was one happening in my neighborhood in Gwalior, India.

She made me promise that I would do this upcoming course and I had no reason to say no. I started gathering more information about Art of Living courses. I called the course teacher, Meenakshi di, and she asked me to join from the following Monday. My sister’s determination to make me do it made me look forward to actually being a part of it. I was fully prepared. However, there were some unexpected guests at my home on the first day of the course so I couldn’t make it.

When my sister learnt of this, she forced me to join from the second day. She even explained my situation to the teacher, telling her that only Art of Living would help me from drowning in my situation. The teacher luckily understood my story and graciously agreed to let me start from the next day. I am so grateful.

The course proved to be a life-changing experience for me. It taught me a lot of things about life, which I had never understood before. It changed my perspective towards many things, people, and situations. It gave me a sense of courage and vigour to live my life with a renewed smile. Miraculously, I started feeling alive. It was truly magical. I don’t know how but everything started falling in place somehow. I felt enthusiastic and full of life. My negative emotions and depression started to fade away. I felt my life floating over an ocean of positivity. I took up a new job with full enthusiasm. I started doing well at my work, which really boosted my morale. I felt protected and secured at all times. Whenever I would have any kind of problems, people around me would always stand by me and help me solve them.

Just by being with Guruji, I was protected by this shield. Always.

One night, I had pain on my chest, and I got really worried as a similar thing had happened in the past as well. It had been really painful for me. I really did not want the same thing to repeat. I then just prayed to Guruji and said with faith, “Jai Gurudev.” Believe me, the very next morning, all the pain had disappeared. This was one of the sweetest miracles that I have experienced on the path, and I know there will be many such more in the future as well. I have the faith.

Till today, Gurudev is taking care of me at every step, I know it and I feel it each moment. Thank you Gurudev, for your abundant Grace and Blessings. Aise Guru ke charno main shat shat naman ho. (I bow down with Gratitude to the humble feet of my Master).

Jai Guru Dev!