Mindfulness series workshop by UTAR Centre for Healthy Minds & Wellbeing

Seated from left: DSA Head Loh Nyuk Leung, Woo and Choo with participants

The Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing, which is parked under the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), organised the “Tea.Life” mindfulness series workshop on 14 July 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ sense of happiness and help them to be fully present in the moment as they enjoy making tea.

The workshop began with an introduction to different types of tea by tea and culture promoters Woo Wai Fatt and Choo Kee Yuen. Woo, in his session, explained the different existence of flavours and the spiritual culture of tea that are produced by a leaf. He then taught the participants to distinguish the types of tea according to their colours and shared the culture and art as well as the tools of making tea.

Woo introducing tea

Woo explained that mindfulness is the ability to fully focus on one’s body and mind; a state of harmony for humans. Practising mindfulness can improve the quality of life and enhance psychological well-being. Besides, mindfulness can also help alleviate stress, improve sleep quality and enhance overall health. This workshop integrated the spirit of mindfulness into daily life through the multi-sensory experience of tea such as the aroma of tea and the rich essence of tea.

By slowing down the pace of life and experiencing the essence and fragrance of tea, participants were able to learn to increase their sense of calmness and focus, understand the health benefits that came with tea consumption, and discover the benefits of mindfulness and the way to reduce stress and anxiety. Participants then practised relaxation and inner peace by brewing tea and drinking it, after watching a demonstration.

Tea brewing supplies

Participants enjoying the tea

Choo demonstrating tea brewing

Participants brewing tea for themselves