By Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On September 16, 2024, the Association of Salesian Cooperators of the Nerul unit organized a Holistic Healing Seminar at Don Bosco Nerul (DBA). The event featured prominent speakers like Dr Priya Alphonso Dias, a research scientist and writer of many research journals and articles and Fr Allwyn Misquitta, sdb – Spiritual Director at DBA. They provided valuable insights on nutrition, wellness, and the importance of adopting healthy habits. The seminar was attended by a total of 70 participants, including the Salesian Cooperators, Nerul Unit, parishioners of Our Lady of Visitation Parish and staff of DBA. 

Dr Priya captivated an audience with her holistic approach to healing. Her session emphasized the power of positive thinking, laughter, love, hugs, and daily affirmations as tools for therapy. She interspersed her talk with practical tips and nutritional advice, stressing the importance of obtaining essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and minerals through natural food sources. In her own words, she advised, "Let food be your medicine."

Dr Alphonso’s message encouraged the audience to embrace simple yet effective habits, such as consuming fresh, seasonal foods, avoiding processed foods, and steering clear of harmful practices like reusing cooking oil. She strongly advocated for eating from "God's pharmacy" — natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and honey. Warning against the excessive consumption of tea and coffee, she urged participants to focus on foods that nurture the body naturally. Her key takeaway: Don't make your fridge a morgue. Eat fresh foods.

Following her session, Fr Misquitta led an exercise and meditation routine. He emphasized the importance of starting each day by moving the body, highlighting how walking activates pressure points and contributes to overall well-being. His message was clear: maintaining healthy relationships and spreading positivity are just as crucial for holistic wellness as physical health. He shared his philosophy of keeping “four doctors” in mind—Dr. Diet (a balanced diet), Dr. Quiet (meditation), Dr. Exercise, and Dr. Cleanliness (in mind, body, mouth, and surroundings). Fr Misquitta’s calm and enthusiastic nature further added to the audience interest in listening to him. 

Fr Misquitta ended the seminar with an inspiring analogy: "To live a satisfactory life, maintain three factories—a tongue that is a sugar factory—speaking sweet to everyone, a heart that is a love factory—spreading love and kindness, and a mind that is an ice factory – maintain a calm nature."

The seminar concluded with the audience feeling enriched and inspired to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.