In 2023, I was honored to accept an offer from YTL Resorts to serve as their Guest Artist for at least 2 years, teaching daily movement classes and meditation sessions for a month at a time in Borneo and Bali. I’ve advertised these classes as “Mindful Moments”.
It’s been a surreal experience—living out my dream sharing my passions with others, while also being able to visit my elderly mother in Malaysia.
Since I started my work with YTL Resorts, I have had the privilege of impacting the lives of around 500 people from all over the world. I’ve taught Qi Gong practices such as the Five Animal Frolics and the Eight Brocades, along with a variety of meditation techniques. My aim has been to provide guests with multiple options, respecting that each individual’s journey to mindfulness can be unique.
From my interactions with attendees, I’ve observed a common desire: everyone wants to be at peace and to have good health. The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing feelings of calm and relaxation after each Mindful Moment session. I feel encouraged and hopeful to continue these offerings after witnessing the impact.
Here are some highlights from my experiences:
- A 7-year-old boy during a mandala session: He spent two hours creating his own mandala, which he titled “Oneness with Feelings.” Witnessing his vulnerability and emotional expression was deeply moving. I was pleasantly surprised that he was able to focus for that long given his age. I’m convinced that something about the mandala brings about this sense of flow.
- An 18-year-old participant: He brought his friends along to the meditation sessions, sharing how much he enjoyed the experience and how it improved his sleep. He expressed a desire to learn more about meditation and wanted to make this a daily practice.
- A retired couple from Australia: In their 50s, they were both very curious and a little skeptical about meditation and found themselves attending daily classes throughout their week-long stay. They later shared their intention to continue these practices following their vacation, as they found it profoundly impactful and surprisingly interesting.
- A 21-year-old woman: Struggling with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, she participated in a mandala session. Following the session, she felt more grounded and decided to incorporate mandala practice into her life because she found it to be fun and relaxing at the same time.
Many of the attendees were new to meditation, and several expressed a desire to establish a daily practice, having experienced its benefits firsthand.
Through this journey, I’ve discovered a profound love for this work. It aligns with my passions and my life’s purpose. Reflecting on how my path might have diverged had it not been for my divorce in 2004, I recognize that during this challenging time it led me to meet many teachers who planted seeds of wisdom which has now blossomed into a fulfilling career. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, sweetness can emerge from even the bitterest times. As they say, there is no rainbow without the rain.
Now, these “mindful moments” that I’ve created for YTL Resorts are blossoming into something else. I’m excited to now collaborate with the Gates Foundation to offer these practices as a semi-annual event for their alumni program. And who knows where this journey might lead next? What I know for certain so far is that I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. Through the integration of nature, mindfulness, embodied practices, and the arts, one can experience a profound sense of peace and clarity.