[Blog] Coffee Time and Meditation with Mr. Jason Lai
Wellness in Tough Times
“Meditation is a gym for the mind. Over time, you will notice the ability to handle stressful situations in a much more positive and grounded way,” said conductor and life coach, Mr. Jason Lai, who led our virtual “Coffee Time” and meditation session on July 3. Explaining why he feels hopeful during these uncertain times, Jason credited his outlook to his belief that “the nature of life is change.” Instead of stressing about things we can’t control, he feels it is important to find some space to have quiet time, to not to be active, and to not dwell in the realm of worry. “We need a lot of patience at this time – both for ourselves and others,” he said, pointing to meditation as a helpful tool. “We often think that meditation is for ourselves. But I challenge you to think of it as being not only compassionate to yourself, but also as a way to be compassionate to others, because when you have that compassion for yourself, then you’ll show that to others. That will change the world in which you live in.”
Below are some of Jason’s top tips for achieving wellness and mindfulness in tough times, which were shared at the session and beautifully distilled by graphic recorder and BX friend Chan Wai.
More Tips from Jason
“We are so good at judging ourselves, but meditation is non-judgmental. It’s about not giving yourself a hard time on something. It gives us a sense of space and clarity on life.”
If you are new to meditation or are interested to explore further, check out these additional resources recommended by Jason:
1) Guided Meditations
“Meditating in a group is very supportive and nourishing.”
Get started on your meditation practice with Jason’s 10-minute guided group meditation (recorded during his “Coffee Time” session), which is divided into four parts: (1) motivation and dedication; (2) being mindful of what you hold deeply for yourself, others, and the world; (3) body scan; and (4) breathing.
Jason also has a series of short guided meditation videos available online that are designed to help reduce stress and maintain mental and emotional wellness. Set to handpicked classical masterpieces performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the videos transport listeners on a calming musical journey towards a place of serenity and peace.
2) Book Recommendation
| “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki is a great read and attempts to explain that the only way to truly meditate is to let go of everything you think you know and approach it with a beginner’s mind.” |
3) App Recommendation
“I use Insight Timer on my phone to time my meditations and there are a lot of guided ones there as well.”
And finally, as you prepare to begin your meditation journey, Jason leaves us with these encouraging words: “Meditation is not like a block of time that you just finish and shut aside. Try to bring everything, the sense you have during meditation, into your day.”
Be present, be you, be well!
[Recording] Webinar: “How Has the Pandemic Affected the Landscape of Asia?”
Our first webinar, “How Has the Pandemic Affected the Landscape of Asia?”, was held on July 10 moderated by Ms. Jean Sung, Board and Executive Committee Member of BXAI, and featuring panelists Prof. Rumi Aoyama from Waseda University; Prof. Koo Mingyo from Seoul National University; and Ms. Bing Song, Vice President of the Berggruen Institute.
Exploring Asia-specific issues in the COVID-19 era, our panelists identified the many challenges that have surfaced but also the wealth of opportunities that have cropped up such as virtual globalization, interregional collaboration, and redefining the Asian identity. Ms. Sung wrapped up the session with a thought-provoking message, “Attitude is not aptitude and we determine our own altitude. If you think about people first, then the planet, then profitability for the planet and people, you will be able to build bridges across Asia and contribute to a harmonious world.”
Session Notes
1:29-3:02 Introduction of moderator and panelists
How has the pandemic affected the landscape of Asia?
3:03-9:25 Sharing by Prof. Rumi Aoyama
9:26-19:59 Sharing by Prof. Koo Mingyo
20:00-34:14 Sharing by Ms. Bing Song
34:15-37:58 Why do you think the infection numbers in Asia have been contained?
37:59-40:25 How do you see the Asian culture of obedience in response to the pandemic?
40:26-43:08 How do you see the advancement of IT, AI or medical technology?
43:09-49:45 Are there new opportunities for the young generation?
49:46-1:01:07 Q&A
1:01:08-1:02:41 Wrap-up message from Ms. Jean Sung
How has the pandemic affected the landscape of Asia? From challenges to Asian values and identity to new opportunities for the younger generation, check out the highlights of our webinar and major points shared by our panelists from China, Korea and Japan. Thank you again to BX friend Chan Wai for artistically summarizing another Virtual Community Event for us!
[Recording] BX Career Talk: Practical Tips for Career Development
Our virtual BX career talk was held on June 26 featuring BX Alumni panelists: Jimmy Gao, Mu Yutong, and Rokuro Watanabe, who shared about job hunting, interviewing, and networking in a world impacted by COVID-19. Moderated by BX Alumna, Yerin Chu, the session also addressed different workplace cultures, working abroad, and transitioning from school to work. On how to stand out from other candidates, especially during these unusual times, Yutong advised scholars and alumni to show prospective employers that they are able to work proactively and effectively, even from home. Looking back on his career path, Jimmy spoke about how his company’s culture of training allowed him to hone his skills and establish a firm foundation. “For the new graduates, don’t care too much about title or salary. Instead, see if the company provides its employees with opportunities to grow and learn,” he said. As for Rokuro, networking is crucial. “In terms of job hunting, networking and connections are very important and the Bai Xian community is an extremely valuable resource.”
Ms. Kartika Anindya PUTRI and Prof. Scott MACLEOD
Our Summer Program leadership workshop coaches, Ms. Kartika Anindya Putri and Prof. Scott Macleod, both from the East-West Center, explore the meaning of “passion” and share their observations on what leadership means in the world today through the lens of their own experiences.
BXAI’s Virtual Community Events Draw to a Close
The Virtual Community Events series kicked off with “Coffee Time with the BX Community” on June 17 led by our CEO, Ms. Ronna Chao, and President, Prof. Katsuichi Uchida. They discussed “The New Normal”, sharing candidly about their personal experiences during the pandemic and thoughts about the post-COVID world. Four more “Coffee Time” sessions followed over the subsequent six weeks: Ms. Jean Sung spoke about personal branding, Mr. Jason Lai led a “Wellness in Tough Times” session which included a 10-minute guided group meditation, Ms. Mary Anne Choo shared about post-pandemic challenges and opportunities in the financial sector, and Ms. Angela Cheung divulged “the best career advice no one tells you”.
On June 26, four Bai Xian Alumni hosted a career talk, addressing everything from job hunting and interviewing during a pandemic to different workplace cultures, working abroad, and transitioning from school to work. It was a particularly helpful session for current scholars, who also had an opportunity to put forth specific questions to the graduates and hear viewpoints from different industries.
Three webinars were held in July and August, each of which was led by guest speakers who are influential leaders and experts in their respective fields. The first webinar, titled “How has the pandemic affected the landscape of Asia?”, was moderated by BXAI Board and Executive Committee Member, Ms. Jean Sung, and featured panelists Prof. Rumi Aoyama from Waseda University; Prof. Koo Mingyo from Seoul National University; and Ms. Bing Song, Vice President of the Berggruen Institute. Exploring Asia-specific issues in the COVID-19 era, our speakers identified not only the many challenges that have surfaced but also the wealth of opportunities that have cropped up such as virtual globalization, interregional collaboration, and redefining the Asian identity. On July 31, we had the pleasure of having global sustainability expert, Ms. Janice Lao, lead a discussion on the corrosive problem of economic inequality, and what can be done on a personal level for the betterment of society. The final webinar, “What does crisis management look like for different businesses?”, was held on August 6 and saw our guests Ms. Helen Chen, BXAI Communication and Development Committee member; Mr. Chan Wai, graphic recorder; Ms. Laura Cozijnsen, founder of Lighthouse Consultant Limited; and Ms. Aurea Yung, Head of Operations at Foodlink Foundation, share about challenges brought on by the global crisis. They spoke with a lot of insight about how they had to rethink and modify their business practices, look for new opportunities, and proactively prepare for future challenges in the post-COVID world.
Last but not least, scholars and alumni enjoyed the opportunity to participate in two engaging online workshops this summer: a presentation workshop titled “How to make an impression on clients, employers, and more!”, and an adaptive leadership workshop. The former was led by Ms. Angela Cheung, Managing Director of APV; and Ms. Treena Nairne, Director of Dashpoint Management, who focused on strategies that help us create value for ourselves and boost “call-back-ability” when job searching or finding new clients. At the “Become an adaptive leader: starting from today!” workshop, TomorrowToday consultants Mr. Keith Coats and Ms. Tamryn Batcheller-Adams highlighted the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-moving, ever-evolving world. They also spoke about how we can develop this crucial skill and build adaptive intelligence for ourselves.
It has indeed been a fruitful and rewarding summer for the Bai Xian community. Even in the midst of such challenging and uncertain times, we have been very encouraged to see so many of our scholars, alumni, and friends embrace this “new normal” by staying connected with one another and continuing to learn and grow. We look forward to meeting with you all again, whether virtually or in person, very soon. Stay safe and be well!
Special Scholarship Disbursement Arrangements for the 2020-21 Academic Year
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, BXAI will allow for special scholarship disbursement arrangements for the 2020-21 academic year. If online learning is offered by the Partner/Receiving University, scholarship disbursements will continue to be provided as per our usual disbursement policy as well as each school’s respective disbursement policy.
For further enquiries regarding scholarship disbursement for the 2020-21 academic year, please contact [email protected].
*Updated as of August 24, 2020
Tamryn BATCHELLER-ADAMS
Find out what the key ingredient to effective leadership is through our interview with psychologist and consultant at TomorrowToday, Ms Tamryn Batcheller-Adams.
Keith COATS
Keith Coats, cofounder of management consulting firm, TomorrowToday Global, shares about why he feels like he has “never worked a day in his life,” even though he has had two vocations. He also talks about why he believes the BXAI Summer Program is a valuable investment in life for scholars and aspiring leaders.
Prof. KOO Min Gyo
Professor Koo Min Gyo, Dean and Professor at Seoul National University, looks back at his early career struggles and shares about how he reached his turning point.
Launch of BXAI’s Virtual Community Events
Although we cannot meet face to face as planned this summer, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new series of Virtual Community Events – a special initiative developed to connect and engage the Bai Xian community.
Starting from next week, a variety of online sessions covering topical issues, community building, career development, and soft skills training will be open to all members of the community. These virtual engagement opportunities have been thoughtfully designed to enable participants to explore adaptive leadership skills and critical issues brought about by the global crisis in a safe yet stimulating environment amongst fellow Bai Xian community members.
Highlights of the Virtual Community Events include:
- Coffee time with the BX community
- BX career talk: practical tips for career development
- Adaptive leadership session
- Public speaking workshop
- Webinar: “How has the pandemic affected the landscape of Asia?”
- Webinar: “The Corrosive Problem of Economic Inequality”
- Webinar: “What does crisis management look like for different businesses?”
Join us for an exciting season of learning, exploration, and growth! More details on each session and registration are available on the BXAI Virtual Community Events website here!