by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.
Last time, I wrote about the importance of allowing space and uncertainty. As I write this article, I am finishing a few days of rest outside of Hong Kong to give myself some needed space. I was able to have longer hours of sleep, enjoyed what a different cultural environment could offer, and most of all, I deeply appreciated the good laughs, great companions, and the time for leisurely reflection.
Being able to sleep longer did not necessarily mean better quality of sleep. As you may know, it does take time to relax, sleep and pray. A tense inner world requires time to transform into a calmer and peaceful sanctuary. In any case, I was able to sleep longer and better rested in the final couple of days. I am thankful for that.
My godson very thoughtfully arranged this short getaway for me. I was able to connect myself to a lake, a woodland, and a mountain in just a few short days. It was deeply soothing when I found my mind and spirit reconnected to the natural world. Nothing could ever replace the integrating power of Mother Nature, which was probably why God created the natural world before humankind in general.
We are an integral part of the entire Creation of God, which means we are not and cannot exist independently from the rest of the Creation. It simply does not make sense why we think we can exploit the natural world for advancement without expecting disastrous consequences. We are simply fooling ourselves and condemning our future generations to a hastened demise.
We only need to notice a worrying increase in mental health cases among urban dwellers when they become detached from the natural world. Hence, it is of utmost importance for policymakers and us to preserve the natural environment while increasing affordable living space per resident and integrating more local vegetation within the living space.
This might mean less space for commercial development, but it might not mean less productivity per capita. By securing better mental and psychological health in the community, it is conceivable that productivity and quality of life of the residents may also increase.
Of course, quality of life is not just about a better natural environment or having a larger living space. It also entails a living culture that conscientiously cultivates respectful human relationships and embraces religions that promote psycho-spiritual health as well as social well-being. It is also about honouring plurality while encouraging unity, cherishing civil freedoms with a legal system that dwells not on fears but positive incentives, and giving its people—especially the younger generations—a positive outlook on life with a hope-filled future. And the list goes on.
Are these our experiences while living here in Hong Kong? Probably not so much of all these values and desires. There is certainly room for our personal and collective improvements. However, Hong Kong is still, by and large, a safe and livable city with its own charms.
Sadly, according to friends and acquaintances living in foreign countries, they are informed that Hong Kong is unstable and unsafe for visitors and civil freedom in Hong Kong is seriously restricted. Indeed, I have clearly encountered these negative publicities during my travels over the past two years until just recently. I am unsure of the exact reasons behind the forming of international community’s current perception of Hong Kong. But it certainly does not accurately represent Hong Kong.
As I have been saying to those friends and acquaintances, including leaders and lay people of the Catholic Church, who are worrying about Hong Kong, “Please come to see for yourselves what Hong Kong really is like.” Likewise, we should go to see for ourselves what the others are like, not relying solely on those publicities designed with an agenda. Go, meet and see. Take some rest and reflect for yourselves.
+ Stephen Chow, S.J.
