Webinar description

Reserving time and space for self-care is important for nurturing psychosocial and spiritual well-being. However, during the COVID pandemic, we may not even have the physical space to let us enjoy the “ME” time in the past two years due to quarantine or lockdown. The situation is even worse in locations with a high population density and tiny houses, such as Hong Kong or Shanghai. Many of us can feel anxious and suffocated being trapped with our family members under the same roof. This self-care session aims to create an imaginary space as an invisible container for individuals to nurture a sense of security and comfort and encourage spontaneity in expression.

Space usually refers to the geometrical and three-dimensional area an object or a person occupies on Earth. In addition to the physical space, space also has the psychological meaning of personal boundary and flexibility and thus relates to both intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. The availability and accessibility of the personal space become important, particularly when an individual encounters issues that threaten personal or interpersonal needs. According to the premise of the mind-body connection, the awareness of psychological space can be achieved by exploring the physical space. We hope that through freeing the space, our mind and the body can also find a place to breathe.

The experiential process invites participants to create and explore a safe space for themselves through imagination and creativity. This “ME” space is also the place where participants can increase their range of play. We all need to create and express ourselves, just like children, who are all natural and spontaneous artists. However, when we grow up, our range of play will be limited by our judgment, norms, and perceptions etc. In this workshop, participants will be invited to ignite their imagination and creativity, as well as enjoy a moment of tranquillity in the unique space.

This workshop will use Chinese ink and calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy is about the flow of ink on a two-dimensional area defined by the size of paper. The process of Chinese calligraphy is an external expression of the artist’s inner feelings and thoughts. The process is a mindful integration of movement, visual art, and breathing. Also, in Chinese calligraphy, space will be skillfully reserved to maintain an optimal balance between the black and the white; and, at the same time, leave room for viewers’ interpretation. The movement of the brush, together with the balance of the ink and the space, invites everyone, regardless of whether one can read Chinese characters or not, to contemplate and reflect upon the present moment.

If possible, please come prepared with ink, brush and paper for Chinese calligraphy. If you don’t have this, you can use watercolour, paintbrush and drawing paper or other materials of your choice.

Presenters