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“Tranquility Path”, by Mental Health Foundation Officially Launched at Mai Po Encouraging Public to Foster Mental Well-being Through Nature

Posted on 5 May 2025

Mental Health Foundation (MHF) would like to announce the first ever “Tranquility Path” designed in collaboration with WWF-Hong Kong. The path aims to help the public relieve stress through the healing power of nature. Mr. Stephen Wong, Vice-Chairman of MHF and head of the project, stated that the “Tranquility Path” combines mindfulness exercises with the serene natural environment of the Mai Po Nature Reserve, helping participants reconnect with themselves and hence enhance their mental health.

MHF held the Tranquility Path kick-off ceremony today at the WWF Jockey Club Mai Po Peter Scott Visitor Centre with the theme of “Enhancing Tranquility Through Nature”. Officiating guests included Dr. David Lau, Chairman of MHF, Mr. Stephen Wong, Vice-Chairman of MHF, Mr. Thomas Leung, Chief Operating Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, and Mr. Yamme Leung, Director of Education of WWF-Hong Kong.

Located near the Education Centre of the Mai Po Nature Reserve, the “Tranquility Path” features seven mindfulness practice checkpoints, including Mindful Breathing, Sensory Practice, Visual Practice, Auditory Practice, Sense of Touch Exercise, Mindful Walk, and Gratitude Practice. Participants are encouraged to slow down, connect deeply with nature through their five senses, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.

Along the trail, participants will come across various exercise prompts, guiding them to engage with the environment with sights, sounds, smells, and sense of touches. These practices aim to help participants to increase self-awareness, achieve inner peace through the power of nature, and improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

After completing the exercises, participants can share their experiences, reflections and photos taken at the path with MHF via WhatsApp. MHF will then create a short personalized video for each participant, which they will receive a few months later. This video will not only serve as a reminder of their experience at the path but reinforce this habit in their daily lives. It may be as simple as practicing deep breathing, focusing on the surroundings while walking, or writing a daily blessing journal. These practices can enable participants to enhance self-awareness, release stress, and improve overall well-being. To encourage active participation, MHF has prepared gift vouchers as an appreciation for participants, hoping to inspire more people to adopt mindfulness practices in their daily lives.

Stephen Wong added that the mindfulness practices of the “Tranquility Path” aid participants in connecting with nature and reducing stress and anxiety. With consistent practice, it can also improve self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation. These benefits enable participants to face life challenges with a positive and proactive mindset.

Dr. David Lau, Chairman of Mental Health Foundation, noted that people are facing lots of pressure in their daily lives, and many lack adequate ways to relieve it. Dr. Lau emphasized that despite Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers, the city also has beautiful country parks, nature reserves, and green spaces. By engaging in five-sense activities in nature, people can release stress and improve their mental health.

Mr. Thomas Leung, Chief Operating Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, highlighted that connecting with nature can help reduce stress, improve focus, and achieve emotional balance. The “Tranquility Path” reminds us that “conserving nature is not only about saving species but also about safeguarding human well-being, encouraging us to reflect on our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world.”

Mental Health Foundation hopes to promote the concept of the “Tranquility Path” to the community in the near future, enabling more people to experience the power of mindfulness. By integrating the theme of “Enhancing Tranquility Through Nature” into daily life, MHF strives to facilitate more people in releasing stress, improving their mental health, and cultivating an attitude of cherishing the present moment.

The “Tranquility Path” was made possible by the generous support of various sponsors, including (in no particular order): Jebsen Group Charitable Fund, Lee Kum Kee Family Foundation, Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Ltd., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Race for Mind Wellness, Wai Yin Association, and others.

Officiating Guests (From left to right) Dr. William Chui, Vice-Chairman of Mental Health Foundation, together with Officiating guests Mr. Stephen Wong, Vice-Chairman of Mental Health Foundation, Dr. David Lau, Chairman of Mental Health Foundation, Mr. Thomas Leung, Chief Operating Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, and Mr. Yamme Leung, Director of Education of WWF-Hong Kong.

Officiating Guests together with Sponsors of “Tranquility Path” Sponors include (from left to right): Race for Mind Wellnes, Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Hong Kong) Ltd. , Lee Kum Kee Family Foundation, Wai Yin Association, Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited

Mindfulness Exercise checkpoints. Participants can scan QR code to get exercise information and share their experiences, reflections and photos taken at the path.

First “Tranquility Path” experience led by Mental Health Foundation and WWF-Hong Kong, promoting “Enhancing Tranquility Through Nature”

“Tranquility Path”, by Mental Health Foundation Officially Launched at Mai Po Encouraging Public to Foster Mental Well-being Through Nature

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