The concept of “mindfulness” and “being mindful” is mentioned often these days due to the many uncertainties that have entered people’s lives in the past few months. Whether it is job security, health, or even loss of a loved one, there have been many stressors that cause people to run away from the present and suffer from living with an unhealthy mindset.

Being stuck at home all day or not even being able to meet up with friends due to restrictions on visitors or seating limits in restaurants/bars/cafes have further contributed to an imbalance in one’s life. Thankfully, there are many organizations that are offering much needed assistance in mental health, such as the Beijing Mindfulness Centre, who will be hosting a free mindfulness webinar tomorrow, March 23, from 8.30pm – 9.30pm.

Webinar: Stress in the Time of COVID-19, Mar 23

Theo A. Cope holds his MA and Ph.D. in Psychology and a B.A. in Gerontology. He is a certified Family Consultant and a Positive Psychotherapist (PPT), with certification granted by the World Association of Positive Psychotherapy in Wiesbaden, Germany. PPT is a trans-cultural therapeutic method, which began in 1968 by Dr. Nossrat Peseschkian.

He has lived and taught in different regions of China for the past 18 years and written on various themes of psychology and philosophy. He is the author of two books in the field of psychology. He practices mindfulness meditation regularly, uses mindfulness skills professionally and has integrated mindfulness into the topics he lectures on. Dr. Cope has given lectures and workshops for international companies in China as well as at international conferences.

At BMC, Dr. Cope delivers sessions on Shadow and Meditation, Psychology of Mindfulness, Thoughts Inside Psyche, etc. At this presentation on Mar 23, Dr. Cope will address how we can continue to adapt to this current crisis by providing a framework based on Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy and an approach of dealing with stress based on the idea of Stress Surfing. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation and throughout as well.

Loving Kindness Online Free Sessions, 8:30pm from Tuesday to Sunday until the end of March

Dalida, the founder of the Beijing Mindfulness Centre (BMC), told us that she has been conducting a call every night at 8.30pm on Zoom for people who are needing assistance with stress and anxiety. BMC will continue with their online loving kindness sessions until the end of March.

If you want to join their online Loving Kindness sessions, you can scan the QR code above. For previous recorded sessions, you can check out their website.

Photos: wellhappypeaceful.com, beijingmindfulness.com

Some of us have been in self-imposed quarantine all Chinese New Year. Some have been doing it by themselves, some with their families, and some, with the in-laws.

Spending 24 hours a day for the past 10 days in a confined space is already a challenge, add in the age and cultural differences (and sometimes language barriers), it becomes a recipe for an interesting life experience, needless to say.

One American expat tells us “While I understand that sometimes what my mother-in-law says and what she does mean two different things, it can get exhausting trying to figure out her double meaning for days on end.” She explains “When my mother-in-law says stuff like “you got fatter” what she means is “you look good”. I get it, but it’s still hard hearing that none stop for days on end.”

Another tells us that “My husband and I visit his mom almost every weekend. And while she and I are essentially girl friends, short term visits and what we experienced this CNY are two different things. Not being able to see my friends, have a social life, and essentially, being confined all together in one house, has taken a tole on both of us. She finds it frustrating having to explain the benefits of drinking hot water to me time after time yet still catching me chugging down icy cold soda waters straight from the fridge, while I’m getting irritated by her trying to convince me that OTC TCM liquids would protect me from the Coronavirus.”

Let’s just say that the past 10 days hasn’t been easy for any family to stay indoors and physically shut off from society and our regular life.

But what can you do if you’re intending on another week of self-imposed quarantine with your family?

Carve out time for yourself.

While this might sound like a no brainer, sometimes we put our family and their needs ahead of our own without even realizing it. Whatever you find most calming, be it reading a good book, watching a movie, yoga, or putting headphones on and cooking up a new recipe. Whatever it if that makes you happy, make sure to find time to put yourself first for a bit.

Disconnect (even just for a little while)

Pull away, even if only for an hour or two. There are so many people panicking on WeChat that it’s hard not to be influenced. Save your self a bit of headache and limit the amount of times you check your phone.

Stay healthy

Just because it’s hard to get to a gym these days doesn’t mean you can’t still stay fit. There are plenty of home workout videos and apps out there. My personal favorite is Nike Training Club (NTC) that offers different types of workouts based on what you want to target and how much time you have.

Let the kids take charge

No, not let them run amok. Let the kids create their own games. Since they’re not going to be going on any playdates during this time, might as well push the limits of their creativity and see what they come up with. Perhaps write a story together or create a new recipe they can call their own. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity for them to discover a new hobby.

For those who need to talk to someone professional about what they’re going through, the Beijing Mindfulness Centre is hosting online sessions on Zoom all February.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237694, https://wanderlust.com/journal/5-rules-to-stay-zen-and-keep-your-iphone/
Photos: unsplash, ux-republic.com, Beijing Mindfulness Centre

Are you an expectant mama? Are you in need of some social time with other women who know exactly what you’re going through? Do you need to find some Zen and an oasis away from the demands of planning for the new arrival and frantic “nesting” at home? We have something that could be the answer to all your impending motherhood prayers.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I could have done with a gathering of soon-to-be-mamas that encouraged celebrating impending motherhood and allowed me to dabble in plenty of mindfulness and self-care. Whether waiting for the arrival of your first or second child, it’s always good to participate in activities that allow you to think, reflect, and engage. The “Embrace Your Wild” Coaching and Coffee sessions are the stuff of mama-to-be dreams and can be exactly what is needed on your journey.

Conducted by certified Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Practitioner, Sian Braganza, the Coaching and Coffee group sessions focus on celebrating the process of pregnancy and birth initiation into the wildness of motherhood. You will be given room to explore how you are changing and to embrace the new you.

The monthly sessions held at Moleskin Cafe are a wonderful resource for mothers and are all about having meaningful conversations with yourself and others. Prepare for a morning of playing with positive psychology and mindfulness activities. There is no judgment, and you will be given the space and time to fully immerse yourself in the session and to reap all the benefits to be had by prioritizing your self-care needs.

A happy mama or mama-to-be equates to a lot of happiness all round for your family and impending arrival. I’m a firm believer that when a baby arrives into the arms of a mom who acknowledges the importance of how they feel, rather than neglect self-care, they are already set to receive exactly the right kind of care and love that they need. To register Wechat: sianalynn.

Coaching and Coffee. RMB 100. 16 Aug. 11am – 1pm.  Moleskin, Sanlitun.

Photo: Pixabay

I love me any kind of pop-up, but a wellness-focused pop-up that’s inclusive and packed full of awesome mindful activities is just plain exciting.

Yoga clothing brand extraordinaire Lululemon will be bringing their pop-up Feel Lab to EAST Hotel from March 25-31. There will be a mindful meditation corner in Domain’s pop up area, and a display of all the guides that will introduce guests to all the wonderful self-affirming benefits of meditation.

Meanwhile there are a number of FREE community wellness classes! Guests can swing by BEAST– Body by EAST, and take advantage of the Vibrant Vinyasa Yoga class on March 25 from 1pm–2pm and on March 29, there will be a lunch hour Sweat Pilates class held on March 27 from 1pm-2pm. Don’t forget to go along and shake a leg at the Dance with Qiao class, which will run from 1pm–2pm. Followers and guests of East are all welcome.

Scan the QR code below to book your place now!

Photos: courtesy of organizers

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

The Bookworm Literary Festival 2019: Stress in the City, Mar 25
Enoch Li, the author of Stress in the City: Playing Your Way Out of Depression, is appearing at the Bookworm on Monday, March 25 as part of The Bookworm Literary Festival 2019. Li will talk about her journey from burning out at the top of the corporate ladder to living a more balanced lifestyle and embracing her inner child. Adults. RMB 60. Register here. 6-8pm. The Bookworm.

March Open Days at YCIS Beijing, Mar 26, 28
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) invites parents to attend their Early Childhood Education Open Day on March 26 and visit the school’s Learning Communities. On March 28, parents can discover the unique Learning Community model in Primary and Secondary schools, the integrated Chinese program, and how the curriculum and teaching prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. Adults. Free admission. 9-11am. RSVP here.

Mindful Parenting Intro Session: Through the Calm and the Chaos, Mar 26
Learn mindfulness-based techniques to help you pause and calm down rather than react and lose it at your kids. This English-language session is led by certified mindfulness teacher and masters of Marriage and Family Therapy graduate Masooma Kachelo. Adults. RMB 100. Register here. 10-11.30am. Roundabout Boutique.

Blogging in Beijing’s Quarterly Meet-up and Networking Series: “Standout Stories”, Mar 28
Social media spaces are already congested with compelling narratives. How will you make your story stand out? The Blogging in Beijing WeChat group invites everyone to their quarterly networking event on March 28 at Lincey Italian Restaurant & Cafe. In this month’s free gathering, we move on to the strategies you can use to make your stories stand out in the already-congested social media spaces. The speakers include the Beijinger‘s Kyle Mullin and marketing professional Miguel Roberg. Ages 18+. Free to attend (but registration is needed as there are only 25 seats). 6.30-9pm. Lincey Italian Restaurant & Cafe. For more inquiries, contact Andy Penafuerte on WeChat (ID: anp3rd).

Pauline’s Cuisine: Protein Power, Mar 29
Want to bulk up or just looking to add a little more protein to your diet? Pauline’s Cuisine has the class for you. Learn to make fresh ricotta, chickpea salad, a frittata with spinach, honey sesame tofu, and sweet cashew dip, and then sit down to lunch on the delicious food you’ve made. Adults. RMB 420. 10am-1pm. Pauline’s Cuisine, Lido. (WeChat ID: paulus155)

Artistic Encounter with Filipino Artist Jensen Moreno at Joy EL International Academy, Mar 30
Joy EL International Academy, in cooperation with The Filipino Teachers in China, presents the fourth TFT (The Filipino Teachers) Speaker Series, featuring Jensen Moreno, a well-established Filipino artist whose works spotlight high-profile personalities and are exhibited in some private galleries. Jensen has been a passionate teacher of art for over 12 years and is dedicated to enhancing students’ creative potential to achieve success in many aspects of their lives. All ages. Free admission and refreshments will be served. 9-11am. JOY EL International Academy.

The Danish Chamber of Commerce in China Charity Spring Ball 2019, Mar 30
The Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC) invite everyone to the biggest Danish party of the year, the Grand Danish “Hygge” Gala for Charity on March 30. Enjoy the night with a grand party courtesy of legendary Danish guitarist Tim Christensen, famed classical Chinese cellist player Zhu Yibing, Beijing-based explosive party-starters Solid Gold, and many more! The DCCC hold their 23rd annual Gala Ball this year, teaming up with Beijing Hefeng Foundation of Arts Summer School to make this evening bigger and more charitable. Adults. RMB 1,300 (non-members), RMB 1,100 (members). From 6pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center. (emily@dccc.com.cn)

Art Afrik Watoto at ART+798, Mar 31
The African continent is home to many different cultures and traditions, and your family doesn’t have to fly thousands of miles to experience them this spring. ART+798 brings the feeling of unique African traditions to Beijing through the Art Afrik Watoto event on March 31, full of learning activities for children. A creative doctor from Uganda will introduce an African folk story with visual arts. The activities also include a fusion of storytelling and music, as well as a high-energy folk dance session for kids! Adults. RMB 299 (non-members), RMB 199 (members). 2-4pm. Art+798 International Art & Reading Space. (173 0105 7981)

Recurring Events

Beijing Farmers Market at Nali Patio, Mar 26
Nali Patio hosts the Beijing Farmers Market every Tuesday this month. Shop around for second-hand clothes, DIY toys, homemade food, and farm fresh goodies. All ages. Free to attend. Visit this page for more info. 11am-2pm. Nali Patio courtyard.

Hello Future Kindergarten Songs and Stories, Mar 26
Hello Future Kindergarten hosts a weekly toddler playgroup every Tuesday morning from 9.15am to 10.15am. There’s reading, singing, dancing, and crafts for the kids, and coffee for mom and dad. Hello Future recommends that parents and not ayis attend this playgroup. Ages 6 months-3 years and parents. RMB 70. Scan the QR code on the poster to register. 9.15-10.15am. Hello Future Kindergarten, Cathay View West Gate, Maquanying.

Photos: Dazzle Jam via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers

Many Chinese people will admit that the gaokao, or the national college entrance examinations, was one of the hardest challenges they faced during their younger years. Beijingkids reached out to some locals after several young Beijingers were reported to have turned to banned drugs to relieve stress before and during the exams, and one couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

“Really? That’s a very western problem,” marketing professional Wang told us. “But I’m not very surprised if they do it because the education system here is just difficult, and there are a lot of pressures in the school environment.”

Wang, who asked us not to use his real name, said that he knew students who turned to other substances to deal with anxiety or stay focused before and during the test. “They used American ginseng to stay awake, while others had taken poppies. I took some anti-depressants but they didn’t work.”

Global Times reported that the Beijing Gaoxin Hospital is treating patients as young as 14 for substance abuse, with most of them taking so-called “smart pills” that contain chemical compounds like amphetamine and methylphenidate. These are highly controlled medications for stimulating the central nervous system and mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When taken in large doses, these substances can induce drug dependence or addiction.

The newspaper found that these substances are being sold through social groups on QQ, a Chinese instant messaging software. Beijingkids could not independently confirm whether the reported social groups are still active as of publishing time.

Other local news reports said these narcotics, also described as “magic bullets” for their potency, have already been censored on market apps, while one outlet found that there were parents who bought “smart drugs” for their children in the hope that those could improve their academic performance.

A WeChat blog by an influential Chinese subscription account published in late February received controversial responses, with some commenters claiming that they “don’t have a choice but to try every method to get better grades,” and others criticizing the authorities for “not being able to control the sale of narcotics on social platforms.”

In a separate investigation, our team searched on Taobao to see if it is still possible to obtain these banned drugs on social media.

A thorough search led us to a seller who said they do not have Ritalin (a trade name of methylphenidate) but instead offered us modafinil, a eugeroic or “wakefulness-inducing” drug, at RMB 600 for a box of 100 tablets, as well as its compound armodafinil.

Armodafinil is a prescription-only medicine, but one can freely buy it on Taobao.

In China, modafinil is classified as a tightly controlled psychotropic, a kind of drug that can alter brain functions. Both drugs can only be bought with a prescription.

The seller said they would import the drugs from India and sent us a link with a different product image where we can place the order. Just like any other Taobao purchases, the medications would be delivered to your door in about 3 days.

A “Parental Obligation”

There’s a notion that the gaokao determines students’ future, giving rise to the metaphor 独木桥 (dúmùqiáo, “single-plank bridge”). To make it across that narrow “bridge” to the promised success beyond, they have to spend long hours in preparation, including attending tutorial classes and undertaking mock exams.

And all of these pressures come on top of mounting homework. In fact, a Chinese online education institution reported in 2015 that before Chinese teenagers reach the age of 18, they have spent on average 10,080 hours on homework – twice the global average, three times more than their peers in France, four times more than Japanese students, and six times more than South Koreans. Those hours would have allowed Chinese youngsters to attend as many as 4,000 concerts or watch 7,000 soccer matches, the report said.

Monika Paula Gorowska, a Ph.D. candidate in the Institute of Psychology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, says that in the highly competitive Chinese learning environment, it may seem a “parental obligation” of local parents to provide their children different kinds of assistance to deal with educational pressures, including purchasing ‘smart pills’ despite being “completely unaware of what these drugs are for.”

The educators who commented on the issue believe that such action reflects a well-meaning but misinformed attitude on the part of parents.

“The more disturbing notion with this phenomenon of parents being complicit in this behavior is that it changes the standard of acceptability, and parents are … sending the message [to their high-school aged children]that it’s fine to go to any lengths to get a desired outcome, even possibly to their own detriment,” explained Kindall Tyson, a licensed therapist and secondary counselor at Tsinghua International School.

“No one thinks that buying a pill can harm a child,” said Rachel George, head of Student Support at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), “and those parents may have good intentions since they’ve been told that ‘smart pills’ would help keep focus, but in reality, they’re just offering a temporary solution.”

George believes that there’s a “bigger push” for parents to know how they can help and understand the complexities of student stress. What she recommends is they should empower students to problem-solve without external assistance, so that stress does not manifest in extreme forms such as drug addiction.

The focus should also be on parental attitude and shifting learning cultures, our interviewees said.

“There are some Chinese parents who are very ambitious and demanding and have a parenting style that is rather authoritarian. But having a healthy relationship with a child is already a preventing factor. With a dose of proper education and practice, parents may become authoritative, which means they foster support, flexibility, democracy, and responsiveness,” Gorowska said.

“The heavy emphasis on achievement is a cultural factor in Asia that will remain, but shifting the culture surrounding learning and paying attention to the multifaceted way that people learn will better suit the needs of all learners,” Tyson explained.

Having a Sense of Fun

George said she has encountered many stories of student stress, including one recent instance in which she realized that some youngsters seem to lose their sense of fun due to mountain-loads of assignments and extra-curricular activities.

“I asked some students what they do for fun. What surprised me was they couldn’t say a thing because their entire lives revolve around studying and exams, so kids don’t know the concept of fun. So I had to give them homework: to enjoy their weekend!”

George explained that doing so would help the students control their schedule, which is one way to manage stress. Gorowska and Tyson, meanwhile, say that letting them practice mindfulness activities would help.

“Mindfulness is one tool in the varied toolbox of positive coping strategies that helps provide them a sense of autonomy and also helps them to understand that they are not slaves to their negative emotions,” Tyson added.

George also advises teachers to be responsible when giving assignments to pupils, and to working closely with parents. She shared with us too the Five-Finger Problem-Solving Method for beating student anxiety, which she presented during a recent workshop that she co-hosted at her school.

– Thumb: Step one – Identify the problem. What happened? What’s the matter? What do you think is the problem?
– Index finger: Step two – Assess the problem. How big is the problem? Is it small and can be solved quickly, or is it larger and will need more time to solve? How does the problem make you feel? Make sure you explore emotions/feelings, and stress that feelings lead to thoughts which lead to actions.
– Middle finger: Step three – Generate possible solutions. Ask: What would you do to solve the problem? Allow your child to generate original thoughts without much prompting.
– Ring finger: Step four – Consider possible outcomes. What’s the worse that could happen? And the best?
– Pinky: Step five – Evaluate solutions. Ask: How well did it work? What could you have done differently? What would you do again?

Has a student reached out to you regarding anxiety, or do you feel that a youngster is stressed out? If you are unsure about what to do, we recommend that you get in touch with a mental health professional or a support group for proper advice. Check out our list of mental resources here, or read our coverage of mental health topics here.

With additional reporting from Grace Zhang
Photos: giovannacco via Pixabay; Taobao

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Street Dance Classes with Sunshine Studios, Mar 6
Sunshine Studios is organizing two street dance classes and dance team courses for different levels of dance ability. For regular classes, you can choose from four sessions. Through joining the dance team courses, members can get four hours of expert training per week leading to a final performance. All ages. RMB 130 per hour, RMB 280 per week. 6.30-8.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. (enquiries@sunshine-studios.co.uk)

National Theatre of China: Beijing Fayuan Temple, Mar 6-10
The drama Beijing Fayuan Temple portrays a series of historical events from 1888 to 1927, from the end of the Qing Dynasty and the early years of the Republic. The performance integrates intricate elements like life and death, country and family, and emperor and courtiers. These brutal and cruel histories presented through the court, populace, and temple on the stage are a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the major aspects of Chinese history and culture. All ages. RMB 280-1,080. 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). (6655 0000)

International Women’s Day Brunch, Mar 8
The International Women’s Day Brunch is organized by AustCham China and the Australian Embassy. This year, Fortescue Metals Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines will attend and join a discussion with CGTN anchor Cheng Lei. Gaines is a highly experienced business leader across a range of industries and economies and will bring a broad international perspective and a unique insight into leadership, diversity, and business. Adults. RMB 450. Noon-2pm. China World Summit Wing, Beijing. (6505 2299)

Dylan Werner Workshop at Pure Yoga, Mar 8-10
Dylan Werner’s workshop at Pure Yoga is a three-day course where you can learn about Master Vinyasa, Buddha Palms Yoga, fascial stretching, and conditioning. Dylan Werner, with 18-years of experience, brings the advanced concepts of yoga and movement to all levels of yoga ability. Adults. RMB 3,000, RMB 750 (single class drop-in). 6.30-9.30pm (March 8), 9am-5.30 (March 9), 9am-6pm (March 10). Pure Yoga, WF Central.

Rumble in the Jumble: Femme Festival, Mar 9
The popular Rumble in the Jumble pop-up market aims to take the celebration of International Women’s Day further in their March “Femme Festival”, which honors the beauty, strength, and power within women. Aside from Rumble’s signature community bookstall, and the vendors and artisans who will sell all things creative and artistic, this edition also features activity providers including Black Rabbit Tattoo who will do personalized tattoos on site; a pop-up poet called Boriqua in Beijing, writing customized poetry on the spot; and embroiderer Emilie 工dea who will mend your clothing items for free in her “Surgery for Broken Clothing” session. All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong. (WeChat ID: CharLouise)

Be You Beijing Women’s Retreat, Mar 9-10
Be You Women’s Retreat organizes an overnight stay at EAST Hotel, with goodie bags, a class with Jindafit, brunch with free flow bubbly, hair and make-up, a photo booth, a Berry Thoughtful Workshop, and much more. Adults. RMB 2,400 (single room), RMB 1,900 (double room). EAST Beijing. (8426 0888)

Photography Art: Greetings from South Korea, until Mar 10
Three Shadows Photography Art Centre presents the exhibition Greetings from South Korea, which shows multifaceted aspects of Korean photography across three different periods. This theme is divided into three parts: “Limb Eung-Sik: History Through the Lens”, “Reinventing Our Time”, and “Same Seasons, Different Memories”. It will be the first tour of the exhibition after its appearance at the Jimei×Arles International Photo Festival in Xiamen in 2018. All ages. Free. 10am-6pm (closed every Monday). Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. (6432 2663)

Green School Family Camp 2019, Mar 10-16
This family camp takes place at Green School in the jungles of Bali. Participants will gain experiences from various environmental activities, such as bamboo raft building and Balinese mud wrestling so that they can arouse thinking about the symbiotic relationship with nature. Ages 2-7. RMB 5,300 (kids), RMB 7,700 (adults). Ubud, Bali (WeChat: 186 1034 6037)

Harrow Beijing Careers Fair, Mar 12
The inaugural Harrow Beijing Careers Fair will present business activities, especially career prospects, to secondary school pupils in the Beijing area. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge of possible career paths as they plan their next educational steps. All ages. Free. 4-7pm. Harrow Beijing. (6444 8900)

2019 Avenir Business Competition at BCIS, Mar 16-17
No experience is necessary to take part in this entrepreneur competition at Beijing City International School (BCIS). An experienced entrepreneur will guide students on-site, and there will also be talks from local entrepreneurs to inspire students with their stories. The event will be conducted in English and is associated with the Queensland University of Technology. Ages 14-18. Free. Noon. BCIS. (Register here)

National Geographic: A New Age of Exploration 2.0, Mar 23-Jun 23
To celebrate its achievements over the past 131 years, National Geographic magazine is holding a special exhibition: Classic Image Feast 2.0, to explore the wonders of the world and discover the beauty of China. The exhibition will showcase classic images of China and include a new display called “China Memory”, which allows visitors to rediscover the grand beauty and cultural heritage of China. All ages. RMB 70-100. 9am-5pm. Beijing World Art Museum. (5980 2222)

First Aid Training for Parents, Mar 24
At IMC’s first aid training for parents, you will learn how to protect and help your child in a variety of situations. From small things, like teaching your children how to get to emergency services, to bigger things, like basic life support and how to deal with environmental emergencies, this course covers all the basics of first aid you need to know. Adults. RMB 300. 9am-noon. International Medical Center (IMC). (6465 1561)

Baby Book Club, every Tuesday
The British School of Beijing (BSB), Sanlitun is delighted to announce Baby Book Club. Through this event, you can introduce your young kids to the wonderful world of reading every Tuesday at the school’s Li Building. All babies must be foreign passport holders and accompanied by his or parents, and not an ayi. Ages 0-2. Free. 10-10.30am. Sign up at receptionsltey@bsbsanlitun.com (10 seats only). The British School of Beijing (BSB), Sanlitun. (8532 5320)

Photos: courtesy of event organizers

“It is only by drawing often, drawing everything, drawing incessantly, that one fine day you discover, to your surprise, that you have rendered something in its true character.”

Camille Pissarro

Every two weeks, Atelier Sanlitun opens its creative doors to the public for life drawing sessions. Whether a complete novice or seasoned artist, you can go and practice your drawing skills in an inclusive and friendly environment.

Paper, pencils, charcoal, paint and easels are provided and attendees are encouraged to bring along their favorite brushes and drawing books if they prefer. A qualified teacher will lead each activity where you can enjoy the pastime of drawing, and learn new techniques.

Edgar Degas (Pastel)

Drawing and painting can be therapeutic and can help with stress. The arts are a wonderful way to achieve mindfulness by bringing attention to the senses, whether it be through seeing, hearing, or tasting. Drawing can provide a focus for sensory perception and allows you to make time to be present in the moment.

There are special early bird deals until February 22. When you buy 20 lessons you get one for free, and when buying 30 lessons you can get two for free. Deal. RMB 180. Starting from February 18. Mondays (every two weeks). 7.30pm – 9.30pm. No. 68, Xinzhong Street, Dongcheng District

Photos: Courtesy of organizer

According to RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the US, one out of every six women have been the victim of sexual assault, fifty-four percent of sexual assault victims are under 34, and every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

The office for National Statistics reports that one in five of all women in England and Wales will have been the victims of sexual assault since the age of 16. This is the equivalent to an estimated 3.4 million female victims and 631,000 male victims. A shocking eighty-three percent (5 in 6 victims) of adult victims do not report experiences of sexual assault to the police. These statistics do not take into account the estimated 2.0 million adults aged 16 to 59 who experience domestic abuse each year.

According to UK Children’s Charity, NSPCC, one in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused, one in three children are sexually abused by an adult and did not report it, and 2,800 children were identified as needing protection from sexual abuse in the years 2016 to 2017.

These numbers are not only extremely shocking but speak of a wider and growing problem with domestic sexual abuse, rape, child sexual abuse, incest, and more, that permeates around the globe. This epidemic creates a number of challenges for local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the very fabric of society.

The effects of trauma-based experiences, if not dealt with, can last a lifetime and some victims of sexual assault will experience debilitating symptoms that can interfere with daily life. The good news is, there is light at the end of the tunnel should you seek it.

What You Can Do

Recovering emotionally from disaster can be a long journey, but with time and perseverance one can overcome the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma caused by sexual abuse. Understanding the raw emotions and responses that follow traumatic events can help support healing and recovery, and offer coping mechanisms for difficult thoughts and behaviors. Seeking psychological intervention can be effective in preventing and dealing with existing long-term effects, as well as helping you on the path to recovery.

Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse

Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Psychologist Dr. Bojun Hu has initiated a support group for women survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse and incest. The small groups of eight to ten people will facilitate therapeutic discussion centered on the following:

• Managing disclosure
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem and body image
• Intimacy and sexuality
• Seeking support
• Self-care

This group will be completely confidential and is aimed at supporting women to cope with feelings such as grief, fear, loss, shame, self-blame, and anger. Together survivors of sexual abuse will be given the tools to start healing and issues regarding, power, control, body image, trust, intimacy, and well-being will be tackled using in-depth discussion and yoga practices.

The sessions will be a place for women to strengthen their cognitive and emotional processing, relax, and reconnect the mind and the body. This group will be a source of hope, comfort, and an opportunity for women seeking support to unite with other sexual abuse survivors as they usher in an era for power, autonomy, and wholeness.

To sign up please email fc-rec@ufh.con.cnto express your interest in joining the group or to ask any questions you may have. Female Adults. RMB 600 (per 1.5hr session). RMB 1,200 (mandatory one-hour pre-group interview). March 21 – May 9. Thursdays 6pm-7.30pm. United Family New Hope Clinical Center, 9-11 West Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District (www.ufh.com.cn/ 5927 7120)