Paneurhythmy is an unique Bulgarian practice, which blends rhythmical, graceful movements with musical accompaniments performed outdoor. It is practiced in Bulgaria and over 30 other countries at all continents. It was created by Peter Deunov, a philosopher and spiritual teacher from the beginning of 20th century. Participants are grouped in couples, standing together in one or more circles. According recent scientific researches, conducted in the National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, practicing of paneurhythmy has a favourable influence over factors related to stress management and improving life quality. There are some scientific researches on its positive influence made in NSA and Veliko Turnovo University.
As people connect to one another in a circle they revive their community awareness, the borders fall down among individuals, who live in one territory and living a life together is more tolerant and inspired. They are more empathic and sociable among one another, especially in big cities with hurried life. Paneurhythmy has influence on the following levels:
Physical health: The favourable influence of the rhythmic movements has been known since ancient times. Nowadays, it is used for healing, prevention and relaxation. Paneurhythmic movements are generally accessible and light, which allows to be performed by people of all ages. Their regular performance improves the movements and flexibility of locomotory system; the exercises are accompanied by a rhythmical breathing and they optimize the circulation and oxidation of blood. Paneurhythmy is also easily approachable for those, who have limited physical activity and could not practice common sports because of some medicinal contra-indication; and for those, who live sedentary lifestyle.
Psychic health: Paneurhythmy improves the general self-assessment, self-efficacy, stress resistance and emotional wellness. In this sense, the target groups are people under high levels of stress; people, who have difficulties in social communication; people with a tendency for depressive and anxiety conditions. A study, conducted in the National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, reports that practising of paneurhythmy even for one season increases significantly the psychological adaptation, (ego-resiliency) of practitioners, boosts their interest in life and their ability for successful adaptation, despite the severe challenges of the surroundings. The tests, applied in the research, have proven a decrease in symptoms of depression, strengthening of hope, stimulation of positive emotions and the feeling of well-being (happiness).
Socio-cultural aspect: Paneurhythmy brings joy in daily round of people and make them creators and manifestors of beauty. In its principles are included the ideas of equality and union of people regardless their age, national and social belonging, and religious beliefs. Paneurhythmy gives the opportunity for a supreme positive experience together in a group. It helps for establishing a community of people, who share and feel together the joy of life and communication.
Relation to nature in urban surroundings: that practice is performed outdoor in urban parks and gardens, hence compensating the lack in the human life, caused by urban environment. People re-establish their connection with the living nature and innate rhythms of life, thus they aware themselves as a part of the Existence. Nature presents entirely in the text of paneurhythmy.
