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International Meditation Center in Tucson helps many relieve stress during pandemic

Some in our community are using meditation to bounce back from the emotional pains of the pandemic.
Posted at 8:17 AM, Jun 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-23 20:18:46-04

As we deal with uncertain times, our fears could get the best of us. That's why KGUN 9 is helping you get through the changes from Covid-19 with our initiative The Rebound Arizona.

Some in our community are using meditation to bounce back from the emotional pains of the pandemic.

"Feel how your mind is completely focused on your breaths and you give yourself a break from your thoughts," Susanna Bair said at the beginning of her meditation session. These sessions help many take a break.

"I go through days when I don't want to hear anymore. I don't want to think, don't tell me. I don't want to read the news," said Frances in Tucson.

"We feel there are these potentials in the heart that don't often come out. People can live their whole lives and not really tap into what's possible," said Puran Bair.

Husband and wife duo Puran and Susanna founded iamHeart, an international nonprofit that aims to teach others to meditate using their hearts.

"You can feel it throbbing in your chest and that's a wonderful bio feedback because it tells you you're in touch with something. You're in touch with your inner world. You know your self," said Puran.

When the pandemic hit, iamHeart was already offering some meditation sessions online.

Our in-person programs are all canceled because we do five-day group retreats. We also do a residency here in Tucson for two weeks at the Catholic Retreat Center. We had to give that up this year," Puran said.

Despite the curveballs from coronavirus, meditating virtually has some big benefits.

"I think it's actually easier for people. Sometimes people are little bit shy about showing up in a group and then there's the travel aspect and so on," said Puran.

I am Heart continues to reach the Tucson community and beyond.

"My hearts a little more open and more relaxed instead being armored and afraid," said Walter in California.
Even young Mya in Kansas is using mediation to get through.

"Our town started opening back up so I started going out and I started playing with all my friends. Then we got two cases so then we kind of stayed away."

People from around the country and even the world are coming together to turn their pain into peace.

"The more grief and pain we can feel, the more joyous and happy we can be," said Susanna.

And that, Susanna says, is how we know the heart is strong enough to overcome whatever may come our way. iamHeart hopes to resume in-person meditation at some point.

For now, the non profit have many options online.

One is a free daily meditation called Energize Your Day, click here for more information.