Day of Mindfulness for healthcare and human services professionals
Co-organized by Plum Village Mindfulness Academy and
Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong
“Without recognizing your own presence,
how can you recognize the presence of others?”
Thich Nhat Hanh - The Path of Emancipation
Working in the human service fields can be challenging yet fulfilling. While taking care of others for their physical, emotional and spiritual sufferings, nourishing one’s own mind and heart is important for the helping professionals.
In his 2010 Hong Kong teaching tour, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) and the monastics from Plum Village hosted a Day of Mindfulness for over 200 friends from the healthcare and human service fields. Thay’s teaching was well received and inspired the local healthcare community the importance of spiritual practices. Since year 2012, seasonal Day of Mindfulness were held in collaboration with Centre on Behavioral Health, HKU to sustain the practices in a non-seclarian and scientific manner and promote a better understanding of mind-body care.
In this Day of Mindfulness, apart from listening to the dharma talks on how the teachings of the Buddha can be applied to modern days human service work, participants will learn the practice of mindful breathing, walking mediation, eating in silence, total relaxation, deep listening and loving speech. These practices will help us to slow down, to take a break in our busy life and nourish the physical and emotional wellbeing. Through the practices in this mutually supportive and caring environment, the community will cultivate the peaceful mind and joyful heart to support our work in the human service professions.
