Hi, my name is Eugene Vovk, born in Kiev, living in Georgia. I was living peaceful life, doing tea ceremonies and organising meditation and dance retreats. In 2020 I realized a dream - I opened a retreat center in the mountains and started organizing embodiment programs. During the pandemic our place hosted hundreds of people, giving them shelter, hope and energy to live.

In 2014-15, I was already at war in Ukraine, working in crisis management for Amnesty International. At that time I spent 15-20 days a month on and behind the front lines, often under rocket fire and several times in captivity. During that period, I was in dire need of something that would make me feel alive. It was then that embodiment practices came into my life, allowing me to integrate the war experience and make it a resource for growth and development in my life.

Unfortunately now the war has entered a full-scale phase, forcing most of us to defend our home with weapons in hand. The Russian plan for a swift takeover of Ukraine has failed - and at the same time it is already clear that it will take time for Ukraine to win outright.

A prolonged war is exhausting and embittering, robbing us of hope and humanity. This is why I believe it is important to create a place where Ukrainians can restore peace and humanity. A place that will be safe. A place where Ukrainians will not feel like guests. A place that will welcome hundreds and thousands - and become a symbol of a future peaceful life for millions.