Nikita Gupta is a health educator who is available to students through mental health events, these events taking place in room M128 at the LAC campus.
Gupta’s main focus is to help people explore one’s self and the process of accepting one’s time living.
These healing circles offer a space to better understand how the body and nervous system works.
The work practiced in these circles is aimed at reducing harm to the mind.
Gupta started the meeting off with a check in, and then dived deeper into attendees emotions.
“There is so much heart here on this campus,” Gupta said.
The healing circle is one of many on campus resources that aids in mental health support for students as well as staff.
Gupta provided fidgets when in these events as a positive way to express emotions is what she describes as the power of discharging.
Students were also able to scan a QR code with a toolkit to help in healthy mindsets and restoration.
This toolkit included strategies such as breathing exercises, gratitude reflection, and discussing self care plans.
“It’s good to know there are different actions for different healings,” said Gupta.
An attendee in the healing circle was alumni and current staff member Melissa Rodriquez.
While not a student, Rodriguez does take part in on campus activities as well as being a part of the student union at LAC, where she helps to prepare events such as the upcoming Mobile Grocery Store.
Melissa Rodriguez takes part in discussing mental health exercises in Healing Circle in room M128 at LAC. Rodriguez actively engages with mental health strategies to develop health coping skills. (Regina Melchor)
Along with Rodriguez, Ali’i Oglesby has also attended previous Healing Circles as well as also working with the student union.
“My experience was very relaxing and helped to connect my mind,body, and spirit,” Oglesby said.
The healing circle is described as a safe space where those who are present are able to relate and mingle with one another.
Not only is it limited to the classroom, Gupta also holds yoga sessions as well.
“I use some of the exercises we learned when I feel stressed or just need to relax and take a break,” Oglesby said.
While not many students were in attendance Gupta hopes that students will make an effort to explore one’s emotional expression, and plans to hold more sessions in the spring semester.