Tomek Niewiadomski discusses how to reduce stress and insecurity, and promote peace with spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living Foundation.

Tomek Niewiadomski: Dearest Gurudev, what is your message, your teaching?

Ravi Shankar: I am here to remind everyone—you are loved, you are worthy, and you matter!

I want everyone to be happy, I want a smile on everyone’s face, I want progress for the nation, I want poverty to be eliminated, I want all countries to come together as one, I want all conflicts to be resolved—all this is what I wish for.

Have these values been important to you since early childhood?

Yes, I always wished for people to be happy and peaceful, I couldn’t stand the conflicts. Whenever people fought, I would mediate and bring them together.

How could you be so mature so early?

It just came very naturally to me, I did not make any effort to be this way. But I see many people struggling with that naturalness in the complex world around them.

Have you ever used violence in your life?

Never.

Even as a child?

Not even once did I abuse or