“And David danced before the Lord” (2 Samuel 6:14). Dancing has been a deeply human ritual for thousands of years, an act to foster community, express emotion, and manifest joy. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the City of David, Scripture tells us that David’s jubilation was so overwhelming that words were not enough; only movement could contain his gratitude.

Ancient dance practices recognized something we are only now rediscovering. In recent studies, dancing has been shown to improve mood and lower stress levels. This is how Ms. Liudmyla Matsenko copes.

Ms. Liudmyla is a 68-year-old participant of ADRA’s Mental Health, Winterization, and Protection (MHWP) project in Ukraine, a project that is possible through generous donors like you. Her life has not been easy: she endured a poor childhood, hard physical labor, and was faced with a lack of stability throughout her life. More recently, she faces daily water and electricity outages, as well as a constant sense of anxiety surrounding the drone threats. Amidst these difficult conditions, it is hard not to feel scared and discouraged.

However, through the MHWP Psychosocial Center’s activities, Ms. Liudmyla has found ways to cope and people to support her. Most importantly, Ms. Liudmyla has started a new activity that helps her cope with stress in a way that feels energizing and freeing: dancing. Every morning, she dances, which she shared gives her strength and a positive mindset for the entire day.

She has learned about the importance of establishing a positive mindset and setting boundaries against negativity, safeguarding her emotional strength while still extending compassion to others.

Her name itself feels fitting. Liudmyla—derived from the Slavic elements lyud (people) and mila (dear, gracious)—means “dear to the people.” In a time when anxiety could easily isolate her, she chooses instead to remain gracious, connected, and generous in spirit, a quiet source of strength for those around her.

The drones may still hum overhead. The outages may continue. But in her home, every morning, Ms. Liudmyla dances.