We create a positive social and humanistic dynamic (social lift adjustment) in complex and sensitive areas such as townships or urban complexes under tension so that human energies are complementary to achieve a higher level of creativity and innovation.
Our organisation takes it’s name from Ahimsa, a sanskrit word meaning ‘non-violence’. The Trust has been created to promote non-violence, reconciliation and respect for nature and human nature through yoga. According to the Global Peace Index, the two stand-out marks against South Africa relate to violent crime and homicide, which are among the worst in the world.
This is apparent in the societal safety and security category, where South Africa ranks within the bottom 20 in the world – 18th – while the murder rate makes South Africa the 8th most violent country with a rate of 33 homicides per 100,000 people. Mother Earth is also suffering, day-by-day humans are destroying her. Our rivers, lakes, oceans and seas are polluted. Our fields, mountains and skies are polluted. Indeed the most dangerous pollution is mental pollution. How can we hope to achieve nonviolence and live sustainably without first correcting the state of the human mind?
For these reasons Ahim’SA is bringing a greater appreciation of non-violence, living togetherness and respect for nature to informal settlements in South Africa. Communities that otherwise wouldn’t have had access to yoga, and all it’s benefits, are now able to enjoy it and we are already seeing changes beginning to happen. Our pilot project takes place in Imizamo Yethu township, Cape Town, South Africa. The township is lacking important infrastructure; there is minimal water supply, few toilets and no sewerage system at all.
There are many challenges facing the Imizamo Yethu community. Violence is a pervasive and constant presence in many private and some public interactions, stemming from xenophobia, drug-gangs, taxi operator wars, domestic violence, poverty and the feeling of low self worth, and a lack of social cohesion. We hope you will join us in our mission; none of this is possible without you.
None of this is possible without you.
When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.
– Gandhi
Creativity by living together in the spirit of positive psychology
Living together with positive psychology is understanding what makes life most worth living and flourishing on multiple levels. These levels include the personal, relational and cultural aspects of our lives. We want to help people enjoy a fulfilling life. This is our goal.
Eradicate obstacles by developing the qualities of each individual
Yoga and other similar techniques help each individual increase their awareness of qualities and allow them to train body and mind in order to improve ,through practice, concentration, discipline and determination. This is the way to self-realisation but today’s world creates a lot of obstacles to reach that point. We are dedicated to help remove social obstacles like solitude, isolation, poverty, lack of education, physical weakness, mental torment, agitation and dependencies.
Prevention and pro-activity to build a new social foundation
Visualise a table. What is a table made for? Bringing people together, speaking, to exchange, negotiate, build a project, talk about ideas, create… We would like to welcome everyone around the table and build a new future with everybody’s engagement. This is a new way to see our responsibilities, for the planet, for the People, for the communities and everyone to live together.
Protection of Nature, the environment and a well integrated human nature
Nothing happens without Nature. We are the products of Nature and it is our task to preserve it. Our tomorrows depend on how well we will live together and how we will use or respect the planet. Let’s learn how to grow and protect what is our most valuable gift. Make our planet great again!
Empowerment of individuals
As much as possible, we want to give everyone the chance to live in a harmonious context and living with enhanced human qualities, in good communication with others, respecting Nature and living peacefully. It all leads naturally to expansion and evolution. Through our meetings, encounters, exchanges, workshops and trainings, daily activities, we will reveal passions, new horizons and wills to change for a better world. It will also bring opportunities for some people to become independent socially, find a different place to live, find or create professional opportunities.
