In a first for the Department of Corrections, approximately 30 custodial and non-custodial staff members at Mount Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) in Auckland participated in a yoga demonstration class as part of International Yoga Day 2021, on Friday, 25 June.
The Honorary Consul of India, Mr Bhav Dhillon (left), addresses MECF staff members. Next to Mr Dhillon, is the organiser of the Bhangra Fit and yoga wellbeing session, MECF staff member, Sammy.
“The health and wellbeing of our staff is a high priority for Corrections and MECF,” says MECF Prison Director, Dennis Goodin.
“Giving our staff the opportunity to be part of, and learn more about an activity that can relieve physical and mental stress and improve their wellness, is terrific. We really appreciate the support of the High Commission of India, Bhangra Fit, and the Art of Living Foundation for working with us to organise this event for our staff.”
Also attending and participating in the session, was the Honorary Consul of India, Mr Bhav Dhillon.
Certified and qualified yoga teachers Meena Satishkumar (left) and Andrew Melville of the Art of Living Foundation in Auckland lead the yoga session at MECF.
Addressing the MECF staff members, Mr Dhillon said, “I understand and acknowledge that your job can be demanding. In this regard, yoga can help to alleviate stress, relieve anxiety and improve the quality of your life.”
Staff started the wellbeing session during their lunch break with a vigorous cardio warm-up routine, led by Bhumika Dhingra of Bhangra Fit in Auckland.
Certified and qualified yoga teachers Meena Satishkumar and Andrew Melville of the Art of Living Foundation in Auckland subsequently introduced a sense of calm in the room, by guiding the MECF staff members through a variety of stress-reducing yoga poses and pranayama breathing techniques.
“This is the first time I have done Bhangra Fit and yoga, and it was a real eye-opener,” said MECF Security Manager, Rob.
“I usually run and go to the gym to keep fit and healthy. But, the yoga movements restored a sense of calm in me. I also became much more aware of the importance of correct breathing for one’s general wellbeing.”
MECF staff member and organiser of the Bhangra Fit and yoga wellbeing session, Jasjit "Sammy" Singh, who has also spent a little over 14 years as a Corrections Officer, hopes more Corrections staff can participate in International Yoga Day wellness activities next year.
“In my current role where I also work to support our Corrections’ staff’s health, safety and wellbeing, I will aim to facilitate International Yoga Day activities for more staff members in 2022.”