Stay Connected to Yourself
A few years ago, I got to know a new friend who always wore a smile which would brighten up everyone´s day. He grinned and glowed with pleasure no matter how busy his life was, as if he had no worries in everyday encounters. I learnt from him that the key was to practise mediation for years. Silent sitting and mediation are good means to help us escape from the hustle and bustle of city life for some while. Both methods release the stress and tension from our mind and body so that we can listen to our inner selves and attain mental and physical balance.
For 20 years, Dr Herbert Benson, an associate professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, has been studying g Tum-mo, a yoga technique. He believes the research on various forms of meditation can uncover unknown potentials that will help people fight against stress-related ailments. Dr Benson has found a very powerful Relaxation Response, defined as a physical state of deep rest changing our physical and emotional responses to stress, in healing the illnesses.
According to my friend, meditation is far more than a trendy leisure activity. It is a good way for us to mobilize our inner resources and improve our life. It provides a silent moment for us to be connected with our inner selves. In 10 to 20 minutes of quality time, we can conquer the negative impact of anxiety and feel peaceful. Mindfulness and concentration are important to both silent sitting and meditation. Meditators believe that an observer process can be awakened through meditation. As we meditate, we will be free from worldly concerns, become detached from our physical selves, and act like an observer to physical reality. Therefore, after meditation, we will have improved awareness and concentration and a clear mind, making us more productive at work and speeding us up for a trail run.
When I studied as an exchange student in Kyoto, I once attended a Zen lesson, during which the teacher asked us to sit in a Japanese garden. There were two stones in a garden, and the teacher told us there was another one which could be seen if we sat in the garden for four consecutive hours. I sat there for at least four hours, but failed to see the last stone when I left. I later got to understand why the teacher asked us to sit in the garden for such a long period. He wanted to awaken and enlighten us with the wisdom of meditation and life. It all depends on the coherence of our mind and eyes to see the third stone. When we stay connected to our inner voice, our mind can create endless possibilities. Introspection is what I have learnt from the experience. In the age of information explosion, we are easily swayed by our perception of public information and opinion. After we have attempted to slow down our mind, we become refreshed and are able to find out our true needs. The experience was so impressive and unforgettable.
Equally memorable was the Japanese Zen garden I sat in. I still remember its traditional design with an emphasis on the unity of nature and people. Thanks to the passion for nature of garden designer and the owner, the beautifully landscaped green garden set amongst bamboos and the soothing sound of running water offered me a peaceful and relaxing respite, a unique experience to have a direct dialogue with nature. The art of nature lured me for a pleasant stay. The natural environment nurtures us, the inhabitants, and makes life on earth possible. Yet its vital contribution is sometimes poorly understood as we go for a more and more materialistic life. Shouldn´t we act and alter the reality?
We cannot avoid facing stress-provoking situations every day. It is important for us to learn how to adjust our physical and psychological state in order to cope with stress. Silent sitting and meditation offer long-term healing solution for negative mood, perceived stress and broken hearts. Their common concept is voluntary simplicity. I understand spirituality is rooted in introspection which is in turn rooted in mindfulness and concentration. After all, it is not difficult to become psychologically healthy. It all depends on if we can think simple and live simple.
To me, the beauty of life lies in love, nature and arts. After years of planning and development, I and my team have established K11 in Hong Kong, with the vision of Art ‧ People ‧ Nature, to be opened by the end of 2009. I wish to share with you the perfect blending of art appreciation, humanistic experience, nature enjoyment and shopping.