Speakers at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Live Well event at the University of West London
Speakers at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Live Well event at the University of West London

Live well: Promoting holistic wellbeing through meditation and plant-based eating

Intro

The London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) at the University of West London (UWL) recently hosted an insightful day-long conference entitled “Live Well: Promoting Holistic Wellbeing through Meditation and Plant-Based Eating.” The aim was to bring attention to holistic health practices and plant-based eating to improve overall health and wellbeing and inspire positive lifestyle changes among students.

Article body

A plant-based pizza on offer at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Live Well event

UWL students and staff had the opportunity to learn from health and wellbeing experts at the event. A panel discussion allowed the audience to ask questions and find out more about holistic health practices. A free plant-based lunch was also provided, skilfully prepared by chefs and students from the Pillars Restaurant, which emphasised that nutritious food can also benefit the planet. Workshops ran throughout the day, from Tai Chi and Qigong to sound bath meditation, to give students an idea of holistic living in action.

Attendees at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Live Well event watching a lecture

Belinda Calaguas, who led the workshop on Tai Chi and Qigong, explained:

Qigong is an energy exercise; it’s about cultivating the energy in your body.”

Ariane, who took part in the Tai Chi and Qigong workshop, commented:

I didn’t expect it to be this challenging, but I find it quite interesting!”

Invited meditation and wellness practitioners highlighted the transformative power of meditation in enhancing overall wellbeing and academic performance, with David Oromith from Samadhi Retreats & Meditation describing Buddhist meditation as:

the act of bringing yourself back and training your mind.”

He then discussed how the body could be used to supplement this exercise:

There is a connection there between the body and the mind, and we often think it’s just the mind [used to meditate].”

Attendees at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Live Well event stretching in a lecture theatre

The chair of the organising committee, Dr Sherine Kwok, reported the event as an opportunity to cultivate community spirit, health and wellbeing in the student body:

By providing up-to-date information on the benefits of meditation and plant-based diets, the event stimulated growing interest among students in sustainable and holistic approaches to mental health and wellbeing, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient student population.”

Dr Kwok would like to extend her gratitude to the UWL Knowledge Exchange Seed Fund and the Students’ Union for their support.

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