Breeze’s (alias) first encounter with the Jockey Club Lo Wai Chinese Herb Garden, a part of our institution, came from a friend's invitation to participate in a "Five Senses Mindfulness Workshop" hosted by the Herb Garden. However, due to the severity of the pandemic, the event was forced to be postponed. This meant that the friend who had planned to attend together could not participate as scheduled. Breeze, living on Hong Kong Island, nevertheless decided to make the journey to Lo Wai Village in Tsuen Wan to start her exploration of the Herb Garden.
The moment Breeze stepped into the Herb Garden, she was greeted by a variety of Chinese herbal plants that were a feast for her eyes. It turned out that Chinese herbs not only have medicinal value, but their ornamental beauty also brings joy to the heart. In the first activity of the workshop, the instructor encouraged everyone to take a mindful walk through the Herb Garden, using all five senses to experience the environment. Breeze was attracted by a soft plant in the Herb Garden, watching it sway in the wind was incredibly soothing and left a deep impression. When the instructor invited everyone to take a new name based on their observations, Breeze chose without hesitation: Breeze.
During the pandemic, people could only stay at home, spending a lot of time with family members, which often led to friction and a lack of space to vent. Breeze, carrying the same pressure, walked into the workshop. Due to different lifestyle habits, she wanted her family to change but was met with refusal, causing her distress. However, in the workshop, with the guidance of the instructor and the surrounding green environment of the Herb Garden, Breeze learned to relax and release stress. Most importantly, after listening to the instructor's sincere sharing, Breeze began to understand the concept of thinking from multiple perspectives: although she was thinking for the sake of her family, she didn't need to worry too much, nor did she have to carry all the responsibility on her own. Providing a kind reminder was enough, there was no need to insist on changing others. Breeze, like being touched lightly by the wind, learned how to empty her mind, accept new ideas, and finally found a way out.
A change of mindset may seem easy, but everyone needs companions, listeners and space to break free from the confines and gain clarity of mind.