By Ms Mary Fernandes and Ms Yugandhara Kaskar for BISMumbai

On 30 October 2023, the educators of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, participated in a retreat that was not just a break from their daily routines but a journey towards personal mental health and well-being. The retreat was a transformative experience, offering sessions on yoga, meditation, and emotional wellness.

During the first part, Mr Rajesh Narayan, an experienced yoga practitioner with eight years of devotion to the discipline, led the session on yoga and meditation. Assisting him was Ms Tejal Shah, who initiated the gathering with a soothing prayer that instantly calmed the minds of the teachers. Ms Shah went on to elucidate the fundamental principles of yoga and meditation. Mr Narayan and Ms Shah skillfully guided the teachers through joint relaxation exercises and yoga asanas, focusing on core muscle relaxation. As the session concluded, Ms Supriya Thakkar delivered an enlightening talk, emphasising the essence of being a conscious human being, aware of their actions and thoughts. 

The second part of the day unfolded at 11 a.m., where Ms Rochelle D'Souza introduced Fr Godfrey D'Sa, the Director of Prafulta, who would speak on the theme, ‘Emotions: The Key to Good Health’.

Fr D'Sa initiated a profound dialogue, distributing a questionnaire to foster self-reflection and emotional awareness among the attendees. He invoked the wisdom of Socrates, who famously said, "Emotions impede thinking", setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of three fundamental emotional needs: acceptance, control, and affection. Fr D'Sa also enlightened the teachers about Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes, highlighting their importance in nurturing emotional well-being. Engaging with the audience, Fr D'Sa answered questions posed by the teachers, thus enriching the discussion with his profound insights.

The retreat provided the teachers with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of emotions and their pivotal role in promoting overall well-being. This day of self-discovery and rejuvenation would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the teachers of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, as they continue their noble mission of shaping the future.