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According to experts in disaster fields, 5 psychological phases are likely to occur after a disaster (American Red Cross Manual on Disaster Health Services). According to author’s research in over thirty-five disaster ridden countries around the world, these phases vary in length and intensity depending upon history of disaster, vulnerability, kind of disaster, extent of physical damage, and resources available. 1. Initial impact phase: characterized by increased anxiety and fears. 2. Heroic phase: survivors helping one other in efforts to deal with the catastrophe. 3. Honeymoon phase: experiences of joy at having survived and feeling important and special for receiving aid from various private and governmental organizations. 4. Disillusionment phase: increased frustration and resentment at officials and agencies for failing to provide assistance in a more timely & systematic fashion. 5. Reconstitution phase: thoughts and plans for reconstruction and acceptance of the need to assume responsibility for personal problems. STAGES OF EMOTIONAL RESPONSE AFTER A DISASTER Though disasters differ in their intensity, our research finds the following as universal reactions to disasters: 1. Shock and disbelief: In stage one; survivors are in shock, emotionally numb, and in some cases in denial, because the pain is too severe for any human being to bear. 2. Strong emotional response: In second stage, the survivor is emotionally aware of the problem and feels overwhelmed and unable to cope with it.  Common Reactions in Children: 1. Separation anxiety 2. Refusing to sleep or be left alone 3. Conduct disorder 4. Regressive behaviors: thumb-sucking, enuresis, or clinging behavior 5. Hyperactivity 6. Withdrawal 7. Somatic complaints: stomach ache, headache, joint aches, etc. 8. Sleep disturbances.  Common Reactions in Adolescents: 1. Withdrawal, 2. Anger 3. Increased aggression 4. Regression 5. Sleep disturbances 6. Nightmares 7. Increased daydreaming 8. Inability to concentrate 9. Irritability.  Common reactions in Adults: 1. Uncertainty and fear 2. Anger expressed toward builders and government officials 3. Feeling tense, edgy and jumpy 4. Loss of appetite 5. Sleep disturbances and nightmares 6. Withdrawal 7. Loss of concentration 8. Inability to make decisions 9. Aggression: domestic violence, increased alcohol/drug use, etc. 3. Acceptance: In this stage, the survivor begins to accept the magnitude of the disaster and makes and appropriate effort to address it. Survivors feel more hopeful and goal-oriented. At this time, survivors may take more specific actions to help themselves and their families. 4. Recovery: Last but not least is the recovery stage, in which survivors feel they have returned to their pre-disaster level of functioning. A sense of adjustment and well- being is restored and realistic memories of the traumatic experience are developed. Post Disasters it is important to be mindful of the following: 1. Continue your pre disaster routine (as much as possible): work, school, house- work, and other activities. Since there is a lot of uncertainty, it is best to focus on things that you have control, or can be certain about. Try to reduce the time you spend worrying about the things you cannot change; ask yourself “What can I do now?” rather than “Why did this tragedy happen to me, to us?” 2. Use your resources and support systems fully: Stay with family, friends, neighbors, and  co-workers who are positive and supportive; 3. Don’t hide your feelings talk it out: Talk, cry, and express, and share your feelings: grief, sadness, helplessness, or whatever else you may be feeling. You’re not in this alone. It is normal to have those feelings after such a disaster, and it is healthy to get them out of your system. If you don’t, they may be locked in your body, psyche, or soul, and become poisonous. Help your children to tell their stories, express their feelings, role model for them. Remember Shared sorrow is half sorrow, while shared joy is double joy; 4. Reach out to your spiritual support system: Go to your church, Temple, Mosque, or wherever else you may receive spiritual support. Meditate and pray. According to this author’s research, spiritual support has helped survivors tremendously; 5. Know your limits – and make time to rest, relax, recharge, and refresh; 6. Avoid self-medication: Drugs and alcohol may seem to remove stress temporarily, but in the long run they generally create additional problems or behavior that compound the stress you were feeling initially. Even caffeine and nicotine can have a negative effect on your ability to control the sources of anxiety in your life. 7. Find a positive lesson that you learned through your coping: Every experience, including disasters can have a positive meaning which is individually unique. After discharge, try to ask yourself, “How did I become a better human being after this experience?” This is called the post-trauma growth. 8. Find love, express love, and forgive those who have caused you harm: Caring and loving produces positive feelings in us all, and helps us cope with the worst situation. Be generous with your hugs and physical expression of love, caring and compassion. Remember: letting go of anger, revenge and aggression is self-healing. 9. Update your family’s disaster plan and replenish essential disaster supplies. As preparedness is empowering. Resources: APA Help Center • Managing Traumatic Stress: After the Tornadoes http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/tornadoes.aspx • Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Children http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/tornadoes-kids.aspx APA • Building Your Resilience http://www.apapracticecentral.org/outreach/building-resilience.aspx Red Cross • Recovering Emotionally http://www.redcross.org/find-help/disaster-recovery/recovering-emotionally Red Cross/FEMA • Helping Children Cope with Disaster http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf http://publications.usa.gov/USAPubs.php?PubID=3321 Centers for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness and Response • Tornadoes http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/ Ready.gov. Federal Emergency Management Agency • Coping with Disaster http://www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster ** Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, and author of Disaster & Mass Trauma: Global Perspectives on Post Disaster Mental Health Management. Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-Making (ABC- CLIO 2010). Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Psychological Pathways for Conflict Transformation & Peace Building (Springer 2010). This sheet was originally developed in NYC for distribution on 12 Sept. 2001. For details, contact DrKalayjian@Meaningfulworld.com Useful websites: www.apahelpcenter.org, www.istss.org, www.selfhelpgroups.org, www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_369.asp, www.meaningfulworld.com.

“Meditation” in its modern sense refers to the yogic meditation that originated in India. In the late 19th century, theosophists adopted the word “meditation” to refer to various spiritual practices drawn from Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Thus the English word meditation does not exclusively translate into any single term or concept. Meditation has been integral in all deliberations in the Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP) at Meaningfulworld. Meditation is utilized at the beginning and end of all our monthly training and empowerment programs as well as at all of our humanitarian global outreach projects in more than 35 calamities to date. Although most religions incorporate some form of meditation, at ATOP Meaningfulworld we focus on the healing aspects of meditation and its mind-body-eco-spirit effect, and so it is not based on any religious foundation. ATOP integrates meditation in the final stage of the seven-step healing framework, the Biopsychosocial and Eco-Spiritual Model. We use meditation to reduce stress in the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system. Our mind wanders and moves inward and outward like a pendulum: When you are able to relax the CNS, you are relaxing your mind. Of course relaxation is challenging for many individuals, since we live in a culture that over-identifies with production and volume of doing, rather than being mindful and conscious. Meditation is an ancient practice that has been in existence for centuries, but only in the last two decades has scientific research supported its usefulness and effectiveness. A recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant proved meditation’s effectiveness in generating alpha brain waves, which are relaxing and conducive to the sleep state. When our mind is tranquil and serene, our body then follows the mind’s lead and relaxes, thereby releasing fears and creating a metabolic state that is tranquil and pure consciousness. This state is not only free of fear and pessimism, it’s also a more optimistic state that heightens problem-solving skills and promotes an expanded view of the world in which we live and our role in it. A review of scientific studies identified relaxation, concentration, an altered state of awareness while suspending logical thought, and the maintenance of a self-observing attitude as the behavioral components of meditation; this mode is accompanied by a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body that alter metabolism and decrease heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and brain chemistry. Meditation has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction. Meditation has also been studied specifically for its effects on stress, and studies have shown that it does in fact consistently reduce stress. In June 2007, the United States National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine published an independent peer-reviewed meta-analysis of the state of meditation research, conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center. The report reviewed 813 studies in five broad categories of meditation: mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong. The report concluded that further research is warranted. Breath is the foundation and center of any meditation. Based on the fight-freeze-flight protection system, our past traumatic history may have inhibited complete expression of our breath. When we start breathing deeply, diaphragmatically, limbically (Dr. Ali), or through our belly, we are able to heal the remaining suffering of old trauma, we are empowered – we establish a healthy distance between the traumatic memory and its effect. Through breath, meditation links our body with our heart and mind, providing emotional self-mastery and mindfulness. Mindfulness helps us practice self-love. Love is the center and the pendulum of duality swinging back and forth from positive/negative, masculine/feminine, light/darkness, yin/yang… Remember, throughout the course of existence, we have swung farther and farther into the realm of polarities. All disciplined religions incorporate some form of meditation. Meditative quiescence is said to have a quality of healing and of enhancing creativity. The Prophet Muhammad spent sustained periods in contemplation and meditation. It was during one such period that he began to receive the revelations of the Qur’an. Meditation also helps us ignite the fire within, activating our passion and love for humanity and Mother Earth. In order to create fire, we need two things: oxygen and fuel. Oxygen intake and distribution improves with meditation. Oxygen helps us expand our thoughts, concentrate on the important, and relax the joints, muscles, and all of our internal organs. Beginning meditation classes will be held on April 18 and April 28, 2012. Kindly visit www.Meaningfulworld.com or e-mail Dr. Kalayjian at DrKalayjian@Meaningfulworld.com.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act It is a permanent attitude – Martin Luther King, Jr. – Published: Kalayjian, A. (May 2014). Establishing Forgiveness and Peace Gardens Around the Globe. International Psychologist. 54.1 (B). pp 19-21.   Although an abundance of peace organizations, non-governmental, as well as related university affiliations exist; conflict continues to flourish around the world. The roots of these conflicts and violence may be political, religious, territorial, tribal, generational, as well as those motivated by greed, rigidity, ego centrism, and shortsightedness. Since 1988 I have organized and delivered programs in over 45 countries to bring peace, conflict resolution, post trauma healing, forgiveness, and meaning-making through our organization, the Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention, Meaningfulworld (www.meaningfulworld.com). We have noticed repeatedly that in spite of the establishment of a number of peace centered groups there are at least a handful of oppositional groups, or extremist groups being formed in opposition to another group. In addition, many states including their police force have used extreme force, torture and violence in the name of peace and security. In the Middle East, we have seen Israeli government building a wall all around Palestine and complicating and delaying the check points. We have also seen many Islamic extremist groups formed to defy these new developments. Similar oppositional groups are formed in Africa, such as in Kenya, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, all in the name of peace and security while destroying lives and ecology. In addition to our educational and empowerment programs, we have recently integrated the establishment of Forgiveness and Peace Gardens around the world, in countries where we have collaborative centers and programs. These gardens have been welcomed as an alternative ecological connection, as well as a reinforcement of our educational programs. Forgiveness & Peace Gardens are a place where people can visit privately, or in a group, to renew their commitment to peace, and to be mindful of the importance forgiveness plays in establishing peace within, and all around. We can use these gardens to gather around and have educational, ecological, and emotional healing programs, especially on United Nations International Day of Peace annually 21 September. Peace begins in every individual, first on a personal level, and then spreads through our actions, behaviors, thoughts, and intentions. This extension happens both energetically as well as in learned and reinforced behaviors. Many individuals, as well as States, are not mindful of inconsistencies they engage in; they may talk about peace, yet yell, hit, or destroy in anger and rageful reaction. If one’s thoughts, actions and intentions are not harmonized we will not be able to establish peace on any level. We need to harmonize our head (thoughts), heart (intentions), and hands (actions) in order to be in peace. Central to our educational programs is the 7-Step Integrative Healing Model (Kalayjian 2002, Sofletea & Kalayjian 2012). This innovative model incorporates various theories including: psychodynamic (Freud, 1910), interpersonal (Sullivan, 1953), existential and humanistic (Viktor Frankl, 1962), electromagnetic field balancing (EMF, Dubro & Lapierre, 2002), learning theory, ecology, forgiveness (Kalayjian & Paloutzian, 2010), flower essences (Bach & other flower remedies), essential oils, physical release (yoga, martial arts), and mind-body-spirit chakra balancing exercises, prayers, meditation, indigenous rituals and celebration. The 6th step of this Model integrates ecological principles of Mother Earth, for engendering inner peace, peace all around, as well as physical, mental & spiritual health. Creating gardens as sanctuaries is important to reconnect with Mother Nature and honor our presence in this world in harmony with our Mother. Whether we have a window seat, a terrace, a porch, a corner in our room, or a garden is irrelevant; instead, what matters is a corner that we create with thoughtfulness, intention, and love to house a work of art that celebrates our connection with the earth and our unconditional love. Our feelings of fear, isolation, hopelessness, and uncertainty will decrease immensely once we establish and frequent this special sanctuary. We may explore a variety of themes, such as angels, flowers, wood, trees, bells, gongs, crystals, candles or colorful flags or scarves, with each theme representing an aspect of the earth. We need to be mindful to include something to represent love, something for passion, another for forgiveness, love, nurturing abundance, gratitude, and compassion. Therefore, we are mindful of including 7 elements: Water, such as a fountain or running water; earth, such as a plant with a planter; fire, such as candles; wind, created with chimes; rocks and crystals, especially rose quartz, jade or turquoise; sculptures, representing peace and forgiveness, and incense. We have sown the seeds to create these ecological peaceful places for students, faculty, clinics, hospitals, and community centers in eight countries in the Middle East, Haiti and Africa. Community is invited to gather around the garden to engender inner peace, to help forgive oneself and others, to raise consciousness on being mindful of one’s own feelings, managing and transforming negative feelings of anger, rage, envy, and greed, and replacing them with positive and uplifting feelings such as love, gratitude, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, abundance, and acceptance. These gardens will be in every house, in front of every university, secondary and primary schools and kindergartens, including in the slums, refugee centers, and other private or public community centers. Garden description: The garden should be circular, representing natural space. Evergreen short bushes are to be placed all around to mark the circularity, which represents unity, as well as follows the shape of a medicine wheel. Large river stones or rocks could be placed around the perimeter for definition and grounding. A small cedar tree could be central. The following flowers and herbs are recommended, with special attention to perennials for their endurance and practicality. > Hybrid Tea Roses, such as Peace, Pope John Paul II, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Innocence > Baby’s Breath, to connect us with our innocence and purity of our heart > Gardenias, for purity of purpose > Magnolias, to activate our heart > Allium Gigantean, for nurturing unity > Gladiolas, for sincerity > Bird of

Haiti Empowered and Community Healing Post Earthquake: Meaningfulworld Ambassadors Return to Work on Resilience and Meaning-Making Alexa Kauffman, Dr. Ani Kalayjian, Emily Bales, & Shayla Tumbling Imagine a place filled with energy, hope, life, and laughter – yet lacking in basic everyday resources and necessities, which we may often take for granted. Your home is rudely constructed out of concrete slabs or thin tin boards. Your food, growing out of dirt, is covered in garbage and rubble. Unpaved streets are littered with foot-deep potholes. The frenetic atmosphere adds to the scorching heat as scores of people stand outside, seemingly unaware of the sweat that drips down. Smoke rises from different piles of trash dumped on various street corners, as burning is a common means of disposal. The air continuously reeks of burning trash and the humidity traps the stench of the smoke, causing it to linger for hours. The streets are always overflowing with people and bustling with merchants, tap-taps, motorbike drivers, and schoolchildren always in motion, but with an unclear destination in mind. Despite the seeming apathy about the state of the country, we found, after a little encouragement, that the spirit of Haiti is still alive and well. Concern for family, safety, and country are still at the forefront of people’s minds, and they are eager to learn ways of helping their fellow man. Though culturally the intense feelings of caring appear to be masked, these surfaced when we discussed issues such as domestic violence, horizontal violence, and cleaning up Haiti. There is a desire to help and a “learned helplessness” that needs to be quelled. As soon as we stepped off the plane, the Meaningfulworld Humanitarian Team, Dr. Ani Kalayjian, Billy Prophete, Shayla Tumbling, Alexa Kauffman, and Emily Bales, began to work. We met with Dr. Joel S. Charles who informed us about the Chikungunya epidemic. We then drove to meet with the Minister of Health and had a rousing discussion about horizontal violence and the problems of education in Haiti. We arrived at the monastery, where we met with Father Wismick, VP of University of Notre Dame, and the international speakers for the Center for Spirituality and Mental Health (CESSA) conference. Over 250 attendees listened intently as speakers from Haiti and abroad spoke on Resilience and Trauma at the community level. Our team had three presentations, focusing on community healing, resilience, meaning-making and on the 7-step Integrative Healing Model and chakra balancing exercises. With Dr. Kalayjian’s moving words, participants pledged to tell three other individuals what they had learned, and to be mindful that peace begins with them, and that negativity or Horizontal Violence ends with them. During the second presentation we focused on forgiveness, as we asked people why we send love to those who’ve hurt us. At first the responses reflected religious reasons, as God was an external motivator for forgiveness, but as the discussion continued it became apparent that we send love to those who have done wrong to us because with love they will heal and stop hurting others. We donated the chakra-balancing exercises booklet to the library in the hope that people will continue the exercises all year long. After the conference we conducted a successful two-day research-intensive training program at the University of Notre Dame. Close to 35 physicians, nursing professors, nurse practitioners, and nursing instructors from six different regions in Haiti gathered to improve their scientific research skills and prepare for publishing. The majority possessed 7-30 years of professional experience in educating physicians and professional nurses and each showed an eagerness to learn research methodology and to improve communities in Haiti. We witnessed within the group a sense of generalized helplessness concerning challenges in Haiti and the desire to overcome those challenges. On June 18th, we arrived at a classroom buzzing with energy at the University of Haiti. Over 60 third-year psychology students were wide-eyed, eager to express their opinions and to have their voices heard. The first part of our training included EQ, the Four Agreements, inquiry & overview of UN Declaration of Human Rights, the MDGs, and the 7-Step Integrative Healing Model. We then surveyed their experiences of violence against women (i.e., seen, heard, experienced, or engaged in, etc.). Although the first conscious reports ranged from 0-100%, follow-up anonymous reports (when students were asked to close their eyes) indicated around 95% violence against women. We inspired the students to think about and take action to make a difference. As one student said, “Thanks to your team you worked hard to organize this training and I’m grateful because there is no change without sharing, and you shared a lot.” On June 19th, we ventured to Carrefour, to Mphelmat Maison de Infantes, an orphanage, where we were eager to train the staff members of two orphanages and were pleased to work with the kids! We emphasized the critical period of child development and the impact of separation from their parents for children ages 3-7, including symptoms of trauma and anxiety. We then proceeded to visit the orphanage Maison des Enfants de Nazareth. After being greeted by the beautiful children, we embarked on a tour of their facility. We took pause and were sad to witness the poor living accommodations and learning facilities. We then engaged the children in chakra-balancing exercises, which lifted their spirits and decorated all of our faces with smiles. On June 20th we arose to a beautiful sunlit morning and made our way to the University of Haiti. We met with the Dean of Psychology to donate Dr. Ani’s books to the library and to explore the campus to find the perfect place for the new Peace and Forgiveness Garden that we have been nurturing around the world. The Dean was grateful for our help and he discussed how the University of Haiti desperately needed professors. We made plans to develop online courses through Skype. We then rushed to the Mind-Body Institute to conduct a joint training session with MBI and the Foundation of E.D.O.