The MindsMatter@FMDS program which aims to comprehensively address health and wellness concerns among faculty and staff at the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) was relaunched on 19 March 2024 at the Oblation Hall, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The program provides access to a holistic support system, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being.  FMDS faculty and staff initially gathered to recognize the winners of the previous year’s wellness challenge. Ms. Wyomia Pradas, FMDS Administrative Officer and Dr. Joane Serrano, FMDS Dean were awarded as 1st runner-up, while Ms. Josephine Macale, FMDS Administrative Assistant was declared as the Champion. Ms. Macale received a PhP 5,000 cash prize and a wellness kit, recognizing her dedication to wellness.

The event continued with a Harmony Workshop guided by Mr. Erma Tidon, the psychotherapist and wellness consultant for FMDS, focusing on promoting harmony and balance in daily life.

Harmony Workshop is an experiential and interactive workshop designed to provide participants with practical tools aimed at enhancing their well-being and interpersonal relationships. Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged in a series of structured exercises focused on:

  • Deep Listening and Grounding: Through guided practices, participants developed skills in attentive and deep listening and grounding techniques, fostering a sense of presence and awareness.
  • Release and Transformation: Various methods were used to assist participants in identifying and processing fears, traumas, anxiety, and stress, releasing and transforming them to develop emotional resilience.
  • Connection with Self and Others: Utilizing different techniques, participants explored avenues for cultivating deeper connections with both themselves and their colleagues, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Heart Opening: Incorporating breathwork, movement, and meditation, the workshop facilitated an exploration of practices aimed at opening the heart center, nurturing qualities such as compassion and gratitude.

Participants were able to embark on a journey of self-discovery and interpersonal connection in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, develop their innate ability to speak with confidence, and listen with compassion – fostering a deeper connection with each other so they can work together harmoniously.

The relaunch of MindsMatter@FMDS emphasizes FMDS’s commitment to supporting the holistic health of its faculty and staff. By providing access to resources and promoting wellness activities, the program aims to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

Written by: Dona Lyn M. Piamonte • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

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