Pax-Amare: Breathing jars for the mind and soul

Saw Htoo (Hay Soe) is a Doman S23 member, Opportunity Scholar, and Prosperity Scholar. While obtaining his dual degree in entrepreneurship and philosophy, Saw Htoo found a passion for social entrepreneurship, a sub-discipline of the field which is dedicated to helping others. He believes that social entrepreneurship has many undeveloped projects, “reevaluate what your passions are and you will find that there are a lot of spaces in the world that need that passion.” At Doman, he is working on Pax-Amare, a project he describes as a social enterprise inspiring hope and healing while alleviating poverty in Southeast Asia. Growing up in a Mae La  refugee camp, Saw Htoo saw the dire need for these communities to not only be given aid, but to be seen. After immigrating to the US, Saw Htoo saw the stress and anxiety associated with the American lifestyle. This project is aimed to help alleviate this stress and anxiety while honoring his roots by capturing the lost art of breathing. Saw Htoo directly sources the herbs used in Pax-Amare’s breathing jars, herbs that are traditionally known to aid with meditation and mindfulness, from indigenous tribes in Thailand. Saw Htoo has partnered with the nonprofit Stars Do Shine to donate a portion of the profits to help displaced youth who do not have access to homes or education. Saw Htoo is passionate about learning and growing, especially in his social skills; currently, he is user-testing, which he sees as an opportunity for growth as a self-described introvert. Outside of Pax-Amare, various volunteer groups, and his studies, you can find Saw Htoo outside enjoying the great outdoors and meditating.

Bridges of humanity // 4.2.23

Saw Htoo, a Karen refugee from Myanmar, comes from a culture that has deep spiritual ties to Nature. Living in a world where physical and material needs are overindulged at the expense of Nature, he believes it is important to rekindle our spiritual light rooted in the love of Nature. His dream is to build a bridge that connects his spiritual roots to urban environments to find healing, hope, and our common humanity.

The journey is the way // 4.2.23

Saw Htoo comes to Doman to witness the journey of his peers. They help each other find their next stepping stones. Among those stepping stones is where he discovers who he can become and what he can build.

Finding wisdom in friends // 4.2.23

Saw Htoo likes to reach out to friends and get lunch with them to find wisdom in their lived experiences. The search for wisdom makes him fall in love with listening to authentic human stories. His curiosity about other’s journey has led him to potentially test 200 units in the Waldorf Astoria.