A CONVERSATION ABOUT YOGA, MEDITATION AND SELF INQUIRY with

Our Guest- Laura Nagi, Atty / Wellness Guide/ Practitioner

Laura Nagi is a coach, mentor and facilitator guiding ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs to the discovery of their Authentic Selves and the embodiment of Authentic Leadership.  Laura has dedicated years to a path of Self-Knowledge utilizing the tools of Mindfulness, Meditation, Yoga, and Nonviolent Communication as part of a journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation.  Laura believes that we are meant to THRIVE and that when we Lead and Live from a place of Authenticity and Integrity, that Passion, Freedom and Joy naturally flow!  Laura regularly speaks and facilitates workshops and retreats on Well-Being, Resiliency, Flow, Presence and Emotional Intelligence. She coaches and mentors private clients around the world, guiding them back to their True Selves so that they live their Best Lives.  Laura has lived on St. Thomas for the past 14 years where she has her own law practice specializing in family and immigration law, and mediation.

You can learn more here: http://www.lauranagi.com/authentic-leadership/ 

 Laura C. Nagi, Esq.

Conversation questions and comments;

These are for reflections used for guidance only the conversation takes on its own energy.

The first two are asked of all guests.

 -What does wellness mean to you?

- What do you do to support wellness in your life?

1. Let’s begin by you talking about Hurricanes Irma and Maria. What have been the personal impacts on you?
2. What have been the impacts of Irmaria on the University?
3. This is your tenth year as President of University of the Virgin Islands how has this experience and ongoing recovery affected your leadership?
4. Can you speak about leader stress since there is often little discussion of the almost superhuman expectations we have for those who lead.
5. Ten years is a significant period to be heading an HBCU since the national average is 3-5yrs. To what do you attribute this longevity?
6. How has Island life expanded / changed you?
7. Who are the heros/sheros that inspire you ...historical or contemporary?
8. We could devote a whole show to the transforming power of education in your life and mine please comment on the recent law providing free tuition in the VI.
9. Briefly share a couple of key misconceptions people may have of the University and by extension you as President.
10. Why do strong institutions matter for community health, growth, safety and vitality and therefore why is a strong and vibrant U.V.I. important for VI recovery now and for the future?
11. What are your dreams for the future of U.V.I.  for yourself?

Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening.

Conversation questions and guidelines;

These are for reflection used for guidance only the conversation takes on its own energy.

The first two are asked of all guests.

 -What does wellness mean to you?

-What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and  expertise.

1. Let’s begin by you sharing a definition of massage and the distinction between therapeutic massage.
2. Individuals may have concerns about being touched by someone who is not an intimate partner or friend. Talk about some of the misinformation about massage.
3. What are some of the health benefits of massage and what type of concerns can be addressed?
4. Are there techniques that anyone can do at home to relieve muscle and other tension/ problems? 
5. Are there oils / creams that are helpful to use with massage?
6. What have been some of the challenges that your clients have come in with after the hurricanes?
7. Is there a frequency of massage that is recommended to receive the most benefit especially for an ongoing health issue?
8. What other wellness practices can supplement therapeutic massage?
9. What are the varieties of massage that your center offers? What are the prices and your operating hours? Do you have a favorite massage?
10. You are a small business owner in the VI what’s your advice about longevity through the ups and downs. What do you know now that you didn’t know at the start of your business?
11. Share your contact information for follow up to make an appointment.

Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening. 

A reflection of the journey of Co-Hosts Dr. Marilyn Braithwaite Hall and Paul Doumeng have been on while producing weekly conversations for Rotary Wellness Wednesdays. The road to a full and healthy recovery 17 months after 2 category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria left their mark on all of us. Dr. Marilyn shares a "Basket of Wellness and Coping Skills" that are a combination of her training and many seminars she has attended. Tools for the toolbox.

• Talking about the communities strength and resilience to continue to work towards a better tomorrow.
• Progressive Mussel Relaxation.
• Breathing exercises.
• Suggestions on letter writing to an important person in your life.
• Power of good human touch.
• Constructive feed back without criticism.
• Music as a form of relaxation. Dance like no one is watching.
• Gratitude walk, appreciate your surroundings, sounds, smells etc.
• And more.....

Conversation questions and thoughts;

These are for reflection in advance and used for guidance only. The conversation takes on its own energy.

The first two are asked of all guests.

1) What does wellness mean to you?

2) What do you do to support wellness in your life, especially given your training and expertise. 

1. So delighted to have you join us today. Where to begin. You and I have a connection from way back. Your granddaughter and my eldest daughter went to the same pre- school in Boston/ Paige Academy an African centered learning community. Now here we are talking together on the radio in the Virgin Islands. Amazing! You have such an extraordinary life story of teaching , creative expression, travel and the arts. It’s Black History month so let’s start with your name. Share with the listening audience audience how you received the name Oyoko and its impact on your life.
2. You taught elementary school for 31 years in St Croix. Talk about the role of culture, education,creativity and expression in the life of children and adults for intellectual/ emotional and social growth and development.
3. You have published several books and have contributed poetry to many publications over the years. Your recent collaboration with Danica David “Creative Callaloo” is a stunning book of Caribbean expression. Please read a poem for us that captures the essence of Caribbean artistic expression.
4. How do you write your poems? Talk about the power of words and how they can heal and reveal.
5. February in addition to Black History Month is also a time of love be it romantic, self focused, platonic, familial or communal. Can you share a love poem with us and how it came to be?
6. You have been focused on enhancing the lives of children and families through the Children’s Museum on St Croix. We had Sara Hughes, Executive Director of the VI Children’s Museum on the show last week and she shared the 5 year journey of bringing the museum into existence. Tell us about the Children’s Museum of St Croix and it’s journey.
7. How can someone get involved with supporting the Museum?
8. You have an infectious joy for living. There are many retirees and those nearing retirement that listen to the show. What gems of wisdom would you offer to them to deepen their life and living well especially as we continue down this recovery journey?
9. Read us another poem that is one of your personal favorites and why?
10. Do you have regular poetry readings or offer workshops or support for those aspiring or veteran poets?
11. How can someone contact you?

Closing thoughts or words of encouragement to the audience. What’s the take away for those who are listening.

Addie Ottley, Owner of WSTA AM radio station in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands promotes Rotary Wellness Wednesday in a 47 second ad.

In the aftermath of two category 5 Hurricanes (Irma 9/6/2017 & Maria 9/13/2017) that hit the U. S. Virgin Islands directly, left a devastated community with lots of damage and despair. As the Islands began a lengthy re-building process, the need arose to help the mental health and wellness of it's people. Managing the daily stress while re-building our homes, schools, hotels, government building, power grids and lives became extremely difficult to stay positive. The need was to create a Radio show and try to reach as many people as possible.

Project Sponsored with Grants by: Rotary District 7020 Disaster Relief Fund & the Community Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Ginny Darden, Project Coordinator
Anna Paiewonsky, Project Coordinator/Grant Writer
Dr. Marilyn Braithwaite-Hall, PhD- Consultant Co-Host
Paul Doumeng, President Rotary Club St. Thomas 2017-2018 Co-Host
Mel Walters, Podcast Editor

5/2018  BACKGROUND

The US Virgin Islands experienced an unprecedented two Category 5 hurricanes within two weeks during September of 2017. These forces of nature created destruction and devastation in the property, infrastructure, businesses and natural topography of these beautiful islands. Lives were lost, families and children displaced and an overall transformation of a new normal emerged. Initially, the distribution of food, water and supplies were paramount as was the restoration of electrical power and running water. Currently, 8 months after these disasters, the day to day reality of living has shifted to a recovery phase and ever expanding  rebuilding period. Students have returned to school, albeit for some in different locations on and off the island and with shared facilities. Governmental and private employers have provided safe enough environments for their staff to resume operations. Others have closed and are looking at the feasibility of re-opening. Homeowners are sandwiched between insurance pay-outs and starting to re-build while they search for qualified contractors. Life continues forward. Yet, there are internal impacts of these two natural disasters, these two traumatic experiences that are not so externally evident to the casual or concerned observer. The return to daily life and its common markers of familiarity obscure the emotional and psychological results from these experiences.

Research indicates that most persons will not experience negative long term emotional and psychological impacts from disasters. However, there are short term challenges and consequences that everyone experiences, which if not addressed in a thoughtful and systematic manner can become serious long term problems. In addition, wellness and resiliency after traumatic experiences is never automatic and must be intentionally nurtured.”     

Members of this small community are connected to one another through work, volunteer organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, athletic associations and nature. It is through healthy connection with ourselves and with others that wellness is enhanced. Additionally, when health and well-being is affirmed and embraced post disasters / traumatic experiences, those who are not recovering well will be clearer and supports can be provided.