Harnessing Mindfulness for Resilience in Challenging Times  Victor Ching, Registered & Chartered Psychologist; reposted from RECRUIT June 2020

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7339177618090467328

The pandemic has disrupted countless industries, pushing many of us into uncharted territory. In Hong Kong, the economic and emotional toll has been undeniable. Yet, amidst this adversity, the concept of “positive thinking” or “positive mindset” has gained traction. Some dismiss it as unrealistic, assuming it means forcing a rosy spin on every situation—like believing a harsh critique from your boss is a sign of their “appreciation” or finding joy in a breakup because you’re “back in the game.” This superficial view of positivity can feel disconnected, especially for everyday people navigating real struggles. 

But true positivity—rooted in mindfulness—is far from self-deception. It’s not about denying pain or pretending everything is fine. It’s about embracing our human emotions, understanding them, and making conscious choices to move forward. As a business owner, I felt the pandemic’s impact deeply: my training, clinic, and education businesses faced unprecedented challenges, with 20+ locations stalled for nearly six months due to closures in education and retail. Unyielding landlords refused rent relief, and with plummeting income against unchanged expenses, I wasn’t immune to frustration or fear. 

Mindfulness teaches us to acknowledge emotions without letting them define us. Instead of suppressing negative feelings, observe, acknowledge, and accept. Am I anxious about work? Stressed about finances? By understanding the root causes, we can distinguish between what’s within our control and what isn’t. This clarity is empowering—it grounds us to act intentionally rather than react impulsively. 

During the pandemic, I saw friends embody this resilience. One, facing unpaid leave, took up food delivery. A small business owner humbled themselves to take on part-time work. These weren’t denials of hardship but mindful choices to focus on what they *could* control. Their actions reflected vitality, resilience, and the indomitable Hong Kong spirit. 

For me, mindfulness fueled action. I secured international accreditation for four new courses, including Hong Kong’s first certified Mindfulness Instructor Training for Offices and Children’s Mindfulness Instructor Training. One course, launched in June, sold out in days. These achievements didn’t erase the challenges, but they were born from a mindful approach: recognizing my emotions, assessing my options, and choosing to response.

 

Victor Ching

Registered Psychologist (Hong Kong Psychological Society), Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society), currently focusing on training and consultancy, providing psychological services, serving as a guest lecturer at universities, and managing multiple businesses as a slash career professional.

#EmployeeExperience #PRIVILI #Mindfulness #VictorChing #TalentDevelopment