As a cessation of hostilities has begun we are both happy and cautiously optimistic. In either case it is time to re-double our efforts on our work to support the healing process.

The Olive Tree Yoga Foundation is taking two important steps to support this process.

1) OTYF is training our teachers in Trauma Sensitive Yoga to be able to combat the immense levels of PTSD in the region. 92 % of children in the region were reported to exhibit symptoms of PTSD prior to the conflict. Our North American teachers will be learning here and then traveling to the region to teach and to train our Middle Eastern teachers.

2) We are establishing a mentor program to connect our teachers in country with teachers here in North America. This will serve to provide our Middle Eastern teachers with support, a connection to possibility and continuing personal and professional development to continue to support the healing process.