From chronic stress to environmental crisis, the remedy to many of the challenges we face today, can be found in ancient wisdoms, according to the founder of the cultural content and experience creator anchored in the (re)discovery of Chinese arts and cultural heritage
The practice of mindfulness has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially in the west, but its roots can be traced back to eastern traditions. For Summer Song, such ancient wisdoms are invaluable to modern life.
“There are cultural practices that are all about living and breathing mindfully. For example, you can integrate a moment of mindfulness into making and drinking tea. The practice of being present is also apparent in Chinese calligraphy, where the strokes are reflective of one’s emotions in the moment,” shares the founder of CulturedGen, a cultural content and experience creator anchored in the (re)discovery of Chinese arts and cultural heritage.
Guided by Song’s own journey of conscious living, CulturedGen introduced its first Re:Qi Retreat in February to help individuals reconnect with their inner selves by taking time for self-care. Inspired by two of the world’s oldest healing systems: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, the two-day, one-night retreat at Villa Samadhi, which is nestled within the Labrador Nature Reserve, was designed to nurture one’s physical, mental and spiritual energies, and integrate with nature.
See also: Re:Qi Retreat: How This Wellness Retreat in Singapore Can Help You Achieve Mindfulness
“We try to bring together these time-tested practices, and how they can help us manage the challenges we are facing in this new reality,” explains Song. Highlights include acupressure massage, movement medicine and barefoot meditation. There is also the collaboration between TCM physician Jun Negoro, and chef Ace Tan, known for his “progressive Asian cuisine”, based on the TCM philosophy of food as medicine to nourish the body, and balance qi, or vital energy.
Re:Qi returns to Villa Samadhi this month with a three-day, two-night programme, from August 20 to 22. Song is excited to include tai chi in the line-up. She picked up the Chinese martial art earlier this year and has tapped on the expertise of her own tai chi master, renowned martial artist Ge Chunyan.
“Many may see tai chi as seniors exercising in the park. But it is a mind-body practice that is much needed in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Tai chi teaches us to cultivate the internal, and to embrace the power of softness, intention and deliberation,” Song explains.
See also: These Ancient Asian Healing Techniques are Making a Major Comeback
