UM Mental Health Awareness Month: “Mindfulness – How the mind learns to respond rather than react?” Talk
On 17th October 2022, MCM College organised a mindfulness talk in collaboration with Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College, and invited Prof. Katherine Chen, Associate Professor and Director of the English Language Centre, as guest speaker. At the beginning of the talk, Associate Master, Dr. Manuel Noronha thanked Prof. Chen on behalf of the college and presented her with a certificate of appreciation.
Prof. Chen briefly reviewed scientific study of mindfulness, and its capacity to train our minds to be less reactive, and hence reduce stress. She also advised how best to navigate ‘in the jungle of mindfulness’ information and products. She suggested how and where participants can learn mindfulness safely. Then she led a body stretching exercise, and participants were asked to share their first experiences of mindfulness. In the end, Prof. Chen encouraged the participants to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines such as face-washing or teeth-washing, and notice body sensations. 
Prof. Chen explaining the concept of metacognitive awareness
A taste of mindfulness through body stretching exercise
Student sharing first experience of mindfulness
Certificate of appreciation presented to speaker by Associate Master |