Academy St in Cork may seem an unusual location to lead mindfulness sessions for Ukrainian troops on the frontline, but that is exactly what happens behind the doors of Skyfound Mindful Academy.
War veteran Oleksandr Sarymsakov founded and runs the business with his wife Maria.
In addition to online meditation sessions for troops battling Russian forces in Ukraine, it also offers in-person meditation.
These sessions are popular among locals of Cork City, including Ukraine natives who fled war in search of a better life in Ireland, according to Oleksandr.
The centre offers sessions incorporating sound therapy meditation, oil massage, and tea ceremonies, among other activities.
His passion for mindfulness dates back to when Oleksandr provided a rather unorthodox service to soldiers in his native Ukraine before the current hostilities.
“In peaceful times I was engaged in spiritual practices and massage,” he told the .
“I carried a massage table with me in the car and gave soldiers massages while they were in their positions.
“This contributed to relief after wearing heavy body armour for a long time.”
When the Russian annexation of Crimea happened, Olexsandr fought as part of 80th Battalion of the Ukrainian army.
However, in 2018 he suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage.
It is believed the trauma was triggered by a concussion which came about after a shelling near Mariupol two years before that.
“The bombing happened several times but I got a brain contusion twice.
“A lot of people in the military have contusions but when you have several ones they can take their toll.
Oleksandr Sarymsakov with hospital staff during recovery for a devastating brain hemorrhage in 2018. It is believed the trauma was triggered by a concussion which came about after a shelling near Mariupol two years before that.
“I had taken meditation balls to the military zone when the bombing happened.
“We hid them underground and we used them to make sound baths and meditation for the guys during the war.
“This was particularly helpful for those suffering with PTSD.
“After the brain haemorrhage the doctor said there was no possibility of me ever walking or talking again.
“The left side of my body had become paralysed.”
The father-of-three spent two years in a wheelchair before relearning to walk.
Despite being left disabled by his injuries, Kiev native Oleksandr said he was determined to continue his work in the areas of meditation and spirituality to help those fighting the war, and those who have escaped the conflict.
“I think the Indian meditation practices really helped me to recover. I never regret anything.
“If it happens it happens and we have to make what we can of it.”
He stressed that war is impacting people in so many others ways, apart from death and injury on the battlefield.
“A lot of Ukrainian people have lost their homes and families and now have depression as a result which is why the mindfulness is so important,” he said.
The former commander of the sapper unit travels to a specialist military hospital in Ukraine twice a year for rehabilitation.
“From 7am in the morning I have the news on. I dread the phone during the day. There is a special app for military that lets people know who is still alive.
“Members of the group make a plus sign every day. If a member of the group doesn’t make a plus then you know they are no longer alive.”
When he calls his military friends, he says he usually just tells them “to hold their lives and stay alive”.
The father-of-three said that his military background makes him relatable to the soldiers he works with.
“They are relaxing around me because I have that experience of war which makes things less difficult.
“The mindfulness had really positive effects for me personally because it helped me to become stronger inside.”
