Unwind your mind

This was how students and staff of the University of the West Indies felt on a breezy afternoon on the greens of the Learning Resource Centre at the St Augustine campus.

They were participants in Unwind your Mind, an event that took place on March 15, and featured demonstrations of ways to achieve peace in their lives.

Under a “chill tent” they relaxed with acupressure on their hands and feet; had an area to lie down and take a breather from hectic classes; received free massages from a massage therapist and art therapy volunteers showed them how to make calming jars.

The calming jars were created using empty mason jars filled with a combination of water, clear glue and fine glitter. Participants were asked to shake the mixture and watch the glitter slowly settle to the bottom of the jars. This can be used as a form of relaxation or time-out in moments of stress.

There was also an animal petting area, to which many animal lovers gravitated. They cuddled adorable puppies, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Volunteers from the TT Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSP CA), encouraged the adoption of pets, volunteering and donations in aid of making a huge difference in the lives of animals at the shelter. Krystale Dookoo, a TTSP CA volunteer said, “Thanks to this event we got at least 20 volunteers and we also got people to adopt puppies and dogs.” There was also a laser tag booth, which promoted team spirit and was well received. Nixon O’Connor, a member of Gamers Coliseum, an outdoor laser tag company, elaborated on the game’s objective to get people more active. “We aim to get people away from the phones and computer screens so they can sweat. Our games promote accuracy and team spirit among players,” Connor said.

Aicha Williams, 19, who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, enjoyed the break from classes.

“I mostly enjoyed the chill tent, laser tag and making a calming jar.” Yoga and yoga leela, a form of Sangha or community yoga aimed at bringing people of different backgrounds and ages together, was used to wind down the day’s events. Yoga instructors from the Sage Path demonstrated how people could harmonise the body and mind through breathing techniques, sun salutation, and poses, including plank, downward facing dog, tree pose and lunges.

“The entire experience was very calming, especially yoga leela,” said 24-year-old Sangeeta Praimsingh.

Another participant, Dianna Jaimungal, 22, said, “I feel calm and more aware of my surrounding.” The event was revamped by the Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) of the university’s Division of Student Services and Development.

Darcelle Lewis, 22, a CAPS volunteer and graduate student in psychology noted, “We had a great turnout, I think people were really attracted to the petting of the animals. They also loved making the calming jars, as we gave out over 20 and then people came with their own bottles to make them.

This event was very successful.”