For the first time, a group of people with disabilities underwent Sorig Zhiney and Luejong training. The three-day event ended on Friday. Sorig Zhiney and Luejong is a mindfulness and yoga practice based on the Bhutanese traditional medicine system, Sowa Rigpa.
The Department of Traditional Medicine Services (DTMS) of the health ministry has been organizing the training for different groups of people, including the frontline workers and prison guards.
DTMS Chief Programme Officer Dorji Tshering said that the training was focused on people with disabilities to strengthen their mental and psychological wellbeing.
“Studies have revealed that people with disabilities are more prone to suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted persons with disabilities more than others.”
Fifteen individuals – mostly visually impaired – from the Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan (DPOB) attended the training.
“For people like us, the risk of suffering from mental illnesses is high. So, this training taught us the ways to promote our mental wellbeing,” said Dorji Phuntsho.
Another participant, Sonam Choden, added that they were taught meditation and yoga in detail.
“It will help us stay mentally as well as physically fit.”
DTMS plans to organize similar training and involve more people with disabilities in collaboration with DPOB.
Yeshey Dema (Intern), Thimphu
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
