Genato, Charles Ronald K.

June 25, 2021

PH2-C

Yoga: Self-care Amidst the Pandemic

Today, our class was invited to attend a basic yoga session via zoom, with Mr. Perlito Pagay, a
well-versed yoga instructor basd in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During this time of the pandemic, it is
very important to find ways in order to relieve stress and anxiety, and this session is a welcome
alternative to initiate steps to improve our physical well-being.
It is said that yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is practiced in order to align
one’s mind, body and spirit. Through regular practice, it enhances mental clairty, reduce stress and
improve motor functions. As a result, it prevents a person from becoming ill.
I never thought that I needed yoga until I attended this session. The past couple of months has
been a struggle since I am juggling my responsibilities at work and trying to catch up with my backlog
subjects in school. Mr. Pagay was kind enough to introduce various breathing techniques that relaxes
me, since I have been up since early in the morning finishing all the deadlines of the courses that I am
taking this summer.
It was nice to see that students and teachers alike took time to immerse in the experience. The
music was tranquil and it gave me an hour and a half of peace, as I detached myself from my social
media apps on the phone, and focus on giving my mind and body its much needed respite.
It is my hope that I can continue to learn about this practice. It reminded me that I have a close
friend who is a yoga instructor that I need to reconnect with, and maybe find time during the day to
incorporate the practice in my daily schedule of activities.
Considering that I am now nearing my 40s, I need to recalibrate my daily habits and incorporate
more self-care activities in my routine. This session is a welcome reminder for me, and for the
participants to practice self-care, especially in this time of the pandemic.