Mindful Wellbeing : Cultivating Balanced Life

Miss Arpita Ghosh, the Senior Counsellor of the Centre for Counselling and Health Services (CCHS), recently conducted a transformative session for the MA English with Digital Humanities (MAEDH) students. The session focused on the theme of mindful well-being and fostering a balanced life, addressing the unique demands and pressures that students face in their academic journey. Through an engaging blend of discussion and hands-on activities, Ms Ghosh offered valuable insights and practical tools for nurturing emotional health, self-awareness, and resilience.

Ms Ghosh’s approach to the session was both passionate and deeply informed, reflecting her commitment to holistic well-being. She emphasised that, especially in the demanding context of higher education, it is crucial for students to understand themselves on a deeper level. Knowing oneself thoroughly, she argued, is the cornerstone of achieving emotional stability, mental clarity, and personal satisfaction. In this vein, she encouraged the students to engage in continuous self-reflection, a practice that not only fosters inner peace but also equips individuals to handle stress, challenges, and setbacks with grace and resilience.

Throughout her presentation, Ms Ghosh delved into the art of mindful living, highlighting how it could be woven into the fabric of daily life, rather than being confined to specific moments. She discussed the benefits of integrating mindfulness practices, explaining that mindfulness, at its core, is about being fully present in the moment without judgement. This approach, she pointed out, has been shown to reduce stress, enhance focus, and build emotional intelligence—all qualities that can significantly impact a student's academic, professional, and personal life.

One of the session’s most powerful aspects was the series of interactive exercises that Ms Ghosh introduced. These activities allowed students to experience the essence of mindfulness firsthand. Rather than merely talking about mindfulness, she created a space where students could practise it. Some exercises were introspective, encouraging students to observe their thoughts, emotions, and reactions without criticism. These reflections enabled students to gain greater insight into their habitual thought patterns and emotional triggers, fostering a sense of awareness that can be pivotal in managing stress and anxiety. Other activities were collaborative, aimed at building empathy and connection among the students. By sharing their reflections and listening to others, students cultivated a supportive environment that underscored the importance of community in maintaining mental well-being.

Through her personal insights and clear communication, Ms Ghosh effectively conveyed the significance of emotional balance and mindfulness. She shared anecdotes from her own journey, which resonated with the students and reinforced her message. Her guidance on cultivating inner peace extended beyond theory, as she offered practical tips that students could incorporate into their routines—such as mindful breathing, journaling, and setting aside moments for silent reflection. Her perspective on mindfulness as a means of developing both self-compassion and resilience was particularly impactful, as it provided the students with a toolkit for navigating the ups and downs of academic life.

As the session came to a close, students left with a heightened sense of self-awareness and a shared motivation to integrate mindfulness into their lives. The principles that Ms Ghosh imparted—self-reflection, emotional equilibrium, and mindful presence—offered a pathway to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Her session underscored the notion that well-being is not an endpoint but an ongoing journey, one that requires consistent practice and compassion towards oneself. For the students of MAEDH, this session provided not only valuable insights into personal well-being but also a foundation for thriving in the fast-paced, complex world of academia and beyond.

Arpita Ghosh's recent session for the MA EDH students, was an exploration of mindful well-being. Her talk transcended the typical boundaries of a lecture, fostering a deep connection between self-awareness and mental resilience. With her clarity and passion, Miss Ghosh brought forward a vital message: understanding oneself is the cornerstone of a balanced, fulfilling life. Highlighting the necessity of emotional clarity, Ms Ghosh emphasised the profound impact that mindfulness and self-reflection have across various dimensions—academic, professional, and personal. She urged students to embrace practices that nurture mental clarity and emotional strength, creating a foundation of resilience that is essential in today’s demanding world. Her words encouraged a journey inward, guiding students to recognize the importance of self-awareness as they navigate their lives and careers.

The interactive elements of the session truly distinguished it, as Ms Ghosh's activities enabled students to practise mindfulness in real-time. By engaging in both introspective and collaborative exercises, students could internalise her teachings, moving beyond theoretical understanding to personal resonance. This experiential approach imbued her message with an enduring impact, leaving students with a renewed commitment to integrate mindfulness into their everyday lives. Ultimately, Ms Ghosh’s session was transformative, fostering a collective motivation among students to pursue a more balanced, mindful existence—an invaluable gift in a world that often prioritises achievement over inner peace.