Publication
Ink for Mettā 墨。映
Joanna To, Creative Arts in Education and Therapy – Eastern and Western Perspectives – Volume 6, Issue 2, December 2020
https://caet.inspirees.com/caetojsjournals/index.php/caet/article/view/254
Abstract
“Ink for Mettā” is the integration of Chinese calligraphy and mettā meditation in the practice of expressive arts therapy. Chinese calligraphy is a traditional form of writing with aesthetic appreciation value, and it is one of the Buddhist meditative practices for enhancing self-awareness. Mettā meditation is a Buddhist tradition of fostering loving kindness with an altruistic view from self toward others. Instead of tackling any emotions or thoughts arising during both practices, we should acknowledge them and return to the present moment of practice. The practices leave room for expressive arts therapy to explore the unattended emotions and thoughts for furthering well-being. The integrative use of Chinese calligraphy and mettā meditation is structured basing on a framework for using art in therapy, expressive therapies continuum. The concepts and applications of “ink for mettā” will be discussed, and the potential for further incorporation of dance and movement therapy will be explored.
Create together through the pandemic: Mandala-making with Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art for relaxation and emotional expression
Joanna To, The Journal of Creative Arts Therapies - Volume 15, Number 1, 2020
https://www.jocat-online.org/vol15no1page
Abstract
The coronavirus has been a threat to our physical and mental wellness, but lockdown has allowed us an opportunity to explore different online platforms to share the joy of art-making and nurture positive energy during adversity. LoveHKLoveU is a social media platform set up by the University of Hong Kong to promote love and care during the pandemic, where, among other things, ideas on guided visualisation and mandala-making are shared. The mandala are made using Japanese Pastel Nagomi Art to encourage relaxation, express emotions, and promote well-being. The two online posts reached over 8,000 viewers within two months.
Mindfulness Meditation, Mental Health, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Buddhist Monastics
MCF Tsui, JCN To, ATC Lee, East Asian Arch Psychiatry, Volume 30, Number 3, September 2020
https://www.easap.asia/index.php/find-issues/current-issue/item/876-v30n3
Abstract
Objective: To determine associations between mindfulness meditation and mental health and health-related quality of life among Buddhist monastics.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of Chinese Buddhist monastics aged ≥18 years who practised mindfulness meditation daily. Mental health was assessed by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), whereas health-related quality of life was assessed by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The number of years and the average daily amount of time spent in mindfulness meditation were collected …
以藝觀心 以法育慈 表達藝術治療 (in Chinese only)
訪問慈山寺高級教育主任杜駿雅，慈山鑑 2018
https://www.tszshan.org/home/new/uploads/publication/慈山鑑_2018.pdf
一筆一念 無念無我 表達藝術治療 (in Chinese only)
訪問慈山寺高級教育主任杜駿雅，慈山鑑 2016
https://www.tszshan.org/home/new/uploads/publication_doc/2016TSA_webV2-0926.pdf