If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
The Dalai Lama
I am delighted to share the Community Recognition Statement organised by my Member of Parliament, Mr Matt Cross, MP, Member for Davidson. I attach the beautiful Community Recognition Certificate, which will have a place of pride in my home.
My thanks to Mr Matt Cross for his generous support and acknowledgement of my work and books in the NSW Parliament
As a psychologist, I continue to worry about the high level of medication of antipsychotic drugs and Ritalin being prescribed to kids in Australia and internationally.
A study by the University of Adelaide researchers in 2022 (Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 56(11), 1477–1490 found that:
A recent article in The Economist “How to stop over–medicalising mental health" (7 Dec 2023) sounded the alarm that Britain is over-medicalising the population, and offered this important, timely advice:
YES, COMPASSION NEEDS TO BE COMPLEMENTED BY THOUGHTFULNESS.
This is what my book series offers.
https://www.belindakhong.com/lunar-new-year-animal-adventures-books-for-kids
My latest book–Dragon and Friends’ Mindful Adventures: The Great Race Again!, the third installment in the series, Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids, is now published and will be officially launched in Sydney on Saturday, 23 March 2024 to celebrate the year of the Wood Dragon.
https://www.belindakhong.com/dragon-friends-mindful-adventures
The book promotes the important values of gratitude, appreciation, mindfulness, selflessness and compassion—important antidotes to many mental health problems.
Recently, I was invited to do a radio Interview with 2SER, Sydney. I discussed my concerns with the over-prescription of strong medication, and the impact of such powerful drugs on young minds. I further explored how we can foster kids’ well-being and development by encouraging them to learn from books that promote the integration of approaches from Eastern and Western psychologies and philosophies.
Listen to the 2SER radio interview here.
While medication has a role in managing some mental health issues, I believe that we can do better for our kids by offering them another approach that focuses on their strengths rather than their deficits.
YOUNG MINDS DESERVE BETTER THAN STRONG PRESCRIPTIVE MEDICATION!
The Tao of the Outback
With constant demands in our work and personal lives, self-care is not a luxury. It is a necessity for good mental and physical health. I have tried to balance the demands as a professional with activities involving creativity, contemplation and being with nature.
My creative hobbies include writing and painting. Periods of contemplation for me are found in daily meditation and mindfulness practices. Being with nature expressed in gardening and flower arranging gives me a sense of interconnectedness with the simplicity of nature, and the changing beauty of the seasons.
I have been painting for many years. For me, art is healing as it fosters:
Periods of concentration & calmness found in meditation and mindfulness
Creativity and joy in reflecting on the subject matter
Being present with what is evolving in the artwork
In the above video - “ARTWORK & THE POWER OF ART EXHIBITION”- I share two of my favourite paintings when I was invited to exhibit my artworks at the Power of Art World Contemporary Artists Exhibition, National Parliament, Canberra, 2024.
Art works and the Power of Art Exhibition, National Parliament, 2024
The first, titled Conversations in Shadow is a batik painting, using fabric, wax and oil paint. The painting features two ladies in conversation while cleaning bananas in the deepening shadow of the sun, a typical Malaysian village scene. The painting is my Year 12 examination art piece, and it won a State Art Prize. I was inspired by the work of the artist, Paul Gauguin and his paintings of Polynesian women. I added my own Malaysian accents in the local dresses worn by the women and in working with local fruits.
I painted this Chinese blue artwork when I first came to Australia. At that time, I had not seen the Australian outback except in my imagination. So, I used my Chinese background to interpret the outback. I soaked rice paper and newspapers in water to make papermache. I attached the wet paper on the canvas and used wax and the batik method of crackling to allow the acrylic paint to seep through the cracks, giving the impression of a burnt Australian outback. Gold leaves were sprinkled throughout the leaves and earth to provide texture, and shades of blue and grey painted over the scene to invoke a place of mystery and sanctuary, the spiritual path of the TAO.
Art has been an incredible creative outlet of work-life balance for me. I hope that you enjoy my paintings. And try this self-care practice for yourself.
I am delighted to share the speech made in the NSW parliament by my Member of Parliament, Mr Alister Henskens, SC, the Member for Wahroonga.
Below is an extract of the speech. For the full transcript, please see:
Legislative Assembly Hansard - 20 September 2023 - Proof (nsw.gov.au)
Dr Belinda Khong - Alister Henskens SC MP - Member for Wahroonga
Thank you Alister for your wonderful support and kind acknowledgement of my work and books in the NSW Parliament.
DR BELINDA KHONG
Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga): For many years Dr Belinda Khong has been a dedicated psychologist in Wahroonga. Before her career as a psychologist began, Belinda was a lawyer and senior partner of a law firm she founded in Singapore. … Belinda is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a fellow of the College of Counselling Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society. She lectures at the Department of Psychology at Macquarie University… She is recognised for her integration of Western and Eastern approaches to psychology and psychotherapy, including her integration of Buddhist teachings.
Recently Belinda ventured into writing children's books that promote positive values and important psychosocial themes for families and children. The series, titled Lunar New Animal Books for Kids, offers tales centred around the Lunar New Year and various Chinese zodiac animals. Her first book was published last year, titled Am I a Tiger? A Mindful Water Tiger Cub’s Journey of Love, Friendship, and Self-Discovery. The book received a glowing endorsement from acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh, who called it:… “a great book for children, parents, and families who want a heartwarming introduction to the positive values of mindfulness, gratitude, love, and compassion.”
Following the success of that book, Dr Khong wrote her second animal zodiac book, titled Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures: The Great Race of Animal and Human Friends. The book contains illustrations by the talented Laura Stitzel. My Chinese zodiac animal is a water rabbit, so I was particularly excited about the launch of that book. It integrates Eastern and Western wisdom, presenting an inspiring narrative filled with illustrations, poems and unique animal characters. It explores themes of resilience, generosity and leadership, which are important lessons to teach our younger generations.
I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the book at Wahroonga Park with my colleagues the member for Davidson, Matt Cross; and the member for Willoughby, Tim James, who formally launched the book. The launch was a beautiful afternoon in the park and a wonderful celebration of the book, with a reading of an excerpt from Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures: The Great Race of Animal and Human Friends by Lynne, Matthew and Nicholas. Many children and adults were in attendance and were excited to hear from Belinda about her newest book.
The book presents the story of how Mei-Mei the water rabbit and her animal friends overcome their differences with humans to create a better community. It instils the importance of working together despite our differences, which is an important lesson to teach our children. Although the book's positive messages are aimed at children, there are many excellent life lessons to be taught to adults too. Teamwork, cooperation, open‑mindedness and personal growth are all important characteristics that we can take on board as adults.
I look forward to getting my hands on the third book of the Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids series, Dragon and Friends' Mindful Adventures, which will launch in February of 2024. I commend Dr Belinda Khong on her mission to provide parents with such great guides to facilitate conversations about mental health and mindfulness with their children. I thank Belinda for her great contribution to our local community over so many years.
At the book launch-9 September 2023 - With the Members of Parliament-Messrs Tim James (and son, Xavier), who officially launched my book; Alister Henskens, and Matt Cross.
I am delighted to share the Community Recognition Statement organized by my Member of Parliament, Mr Matt Cross, MP, Member for Davidson. I attach some extracts from the lovely letter from Matt, and the beautiful Community Recognition Certificate, which will have a place of pride in my home.
My thanks to Mr Matt Cross for his generous support and acknowledgement of my work and books in the NSW Parliament
Dear Belinda,
I am excited to write to you to share the enclosed Community Recognition Statement I made to the NSW Parliament on 20 September 2023 to mark the occasion of the Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures Book Launch. One of the greatest privileges I have as the local Member for Davidson is to acknowledge the inspiring and valuable work taking place in our community.
This acknowledgment of the Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures in the official parliamentary record, Hansard, is important both for history and to demonstrate the work you undertake in our local community to the rest of New South Wales….I encourage you and Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures to display this Community Recognition Statement proudly for all of our community to see, read, and acknowledge.
Matt Cross MP
Member for Davidson
THE POST (28 AUGUST 2023 ISSUE) BY ETHAN JONES
Integrating cultural learning into not just our schools, but our communities as a whole will see the growth in understanding each other’s own unique experiences. As well as exploring valuable lessons and resources, seeking out knowledge from a range of sources can be greatly influential to the improvement of an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Belinda Khong is an experienced local psychologist, who with over 2 decades of experience, has leaned into another chapter of her life, a chapter that continues to help inspire the minds of young people. She established the publication company, Phoenix Tiger Press, which pays homage and respect to the journey and experiences of her mother and father.
Utilising her knowledge and experience of both Eastern and Western approaches to psychotherapy, Belinda set her mind to curating a collection of positive stories that teach children a range of psychosocial and spiritual skills, with the help of a few zodiac friends.
“I wanted to give, through my books, a very accessible way for kids to talk about their problems”, Khong explained, “also to normalise their experiences”.
Belinda released the first book of her Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids series last year, titled ‘Am I a Tiger..? Mindful Water Tiger Cub’s Journey of Love, Friendship and Mindfulness’ to an amazing reception. This tells an inspiring tale of acceptance, belonging, and gaining confidence and comfortability with self- identity issues. “It’s very heartening that people say to me, that their children tell them, Mommy I feel like Water Tiger Cub today”.
Belinda’s journey into authorship was not always just about writing stories, in fact it was another avenue to keep providing assistance to those who may feel unsure in themselves. “I didn’t start doing books, I started thinking how can I give the families I work with a way for them to explore their feelings without a sense of inadequacy”, Khong explained.
Her newest release, Water Rabbit’s Mindful Adventures, will be officially launched on September 9 at Wahroonga Park at 2 pm by the Hon. Tim James, MP, Member for Willoughby, followed by a Book Signing at Berkelouw Bookshop, at Westfield Hornsby on September 23. The book promises to be another affectionate tale promoting the importance of positive values, mental health and building comfortable relationships with ourselves, and with others.
For more information on Belinda Khong’s Book Launch and Signing events, go
to https://www.belindakhong.com
TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE, GO TO https://www.hkpost.com.au/arts--culture/local-psychologist-leaving-her-mark-on-childrens-literature
The Sydney Observer (August issue) is now published. It features an article of my work and my book series—LUNAR NEW YEAR ANIMAL BOOKS FOR KIDS, and the release and book launch of my second Zodiac animal book—WATER RABBIT MINDFUL ADVENTURES: THE GREAT RACE OF ANIMAL AND HUMAN FRIENDS (ARTICLE-p.18; BOOK LAUNCH, p.11). To read the full article: https://www.sydneyobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Observer0823-web.pdf
The beautiful images of the orchids and flowers are taken from my garden and serves as a constant reminder of the perfection and imperfection of nature. They express the philosophy I try and incorporate in my life and my work.
My mother and I have always loved gardening and flowers, and orchids is one of our favourite flowers. My mother was a natural gardener, the original organic gardener, using rice water as a fertiliser.
According to the Buddha, flowers symbolise the cycle of life and death — the young bud matures into a beautiful blossom, then fades away quietly, returning to the earth to nurture new life.
Beyond their stunning beauty, orchids teach us important lessons about life and living:
• that change (impermanence) is inevitable, and in the nature of things
• that everything and everyone are inter-connected and deserving of equal respect and consideration
• that practicing gratitude for each present moment as it unfolds is the foundation for joy and happiness
• that if we can see clearly the beauty of a single flower, a single element, a single person, our attitude would be one of kindness and compassion.
“The Australian Constitution can only be changed in a process called a referendum. A referendum is a vote by Australians to decide if they will support or reject a bill–a proposed law – to change the Australian Constitution. A referendum will only be successful if it is supported by a majority of voters in a majority of states, and by a majority of voters across the nation as a whole (a double majority).”
The debate around the Voice has centred mainly around the details of what the Voice involves, and how it will be implemented practically.
I have a more fundamental question which in my view, appears not to have been addressed to date:
What if after the Voice is enshrined in the Constitution, it is found not to be “fit for purpose,” for whatever reasons?
The Constitution can only be changed as indicated above. This means that if the Voice needs to be amended/revised/removed for whatever reasons, we need another referendum to do so.
As the Prime Minister, Mr Albanese said “it would be a very brave government” that ignored a representation put to government by the new Indigenous body.”
It would take an even braver government, and the majority of States and voters to deal with the Voice should that eventuality arises.
I am not talking about the workings of Voice for the next decade or the next generation, but in perpetuity once it is enshrined in the constitution.
Like many Australians, I am in favour of the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people in the preamble of the Constitution. But enshrining the Voice in the Constitution is a totally separate matter with serious implications for the country.
The Prime Minister and the government have a responsibility to govern for ALL Australians. As Australians, we have an equal responsibility to not burden future generations with an enshrined body that has far-reaching consequences, intended or otherwise.
I am not a racist just because I raise legitimate concerns about the Voice. I am a NATIONALIST who loves Australia as much as the next Australian. But I worry for Australia when we enshrine a body that has not been tried or tested. Like many Australians, I would need to know how the Voice is going to be dealt with if it is found or deemed not to be “fit for purpose.”
I am delighted to share a recent review of my “AM I A TIGER?” Below are excerpts from the review.
The Humanistic Psychologist (American Psychological Association Journal)
Seth Zuiho Segall, PhD, USA—Clinical Psychologist & Author
It is no exaggeration to say that our culture is failing at transmitting the virtues and wisdom children need if they are to flourish as individuals and as contributing members of their families and communities. … We transmit virtue and wisdom to the young not only through parental instruction, modeling and reinforcement, and school instruction, but also through immersion in a culture's treasury of fables, sagas, legends, and adages.
Khong's delightful new children's book, “Am I a Tiger?.. is a welcome addition to that treasury. The book, published during the Chinese Lunar Year of the Water Tiger, is the first of a dozen envisioned books-the "Lunar New Year Animal Mindful Adventures for Kids" Series.
Readers of The Humanistic Psychologist are probably familiar with Khong's work as a psychologist. She has been producing academic papers integrating Eastern and Western psychology for the past 25 years … What readers may not know, however, are her prodigious gifts as a children's writer. Her “Am I a Tiger...?” seamlessly integrates whimsy, wisdom, and poetry, happily adorned by Kelsey Roy's charming and beautiful illustrations.
The little tiger cub who is the protagonist of Khong's tale is on a quest all young children will easily identify with…. [H]e is out to discover his identity and the community he properly belongs to. .... The phoenix teaches him about courage born from mindful awareness and counsels him ... to "practice kindness" in all he does.
This is a tale only Khong could tell. Her experiences as a psychologist, mindfulness expert, Buddhist practitioner, mother, and grandmother shine through on every page … . The young tiger cub's final verse ("Differences are labels of the mind. ALL opposites are beautiful…") expresses the fundamental underlying harmony that is a quintessential feature of Chinese thought-and as Khong notes, of many other wisdom traditions as well.
The book offers an important experiential guide for parents to help kids develop resilience and good mental health. The actress Michelle Yeah calls it "a heart warming introduction to positive values." According to Dr Scott D. Churchill, the author "brings her psychotherapeutic ingenuity and intergenerational insight to bear in this beautifully conceived book that is destined to become a classic of children's literature."
The book contains explanatory notes about the Lunar New Year and a delightful zodiac calendar for readers to discover their own Chinese zodiac signs. This is a book that parents will enjoy reading to their children, and That children will cherish… [W]e can all look forward to the next 11 books in this series.
Much have been written about Michelle Yeoh’s award as best actress at the Oscars 2023. Like many women of Asian–Malaysian heritage, I applaud Michelle on her award, and for lighting the fires for the international recognition of Asian actors.
Michelle had kindly endorsed my book “AM I A TIGER?...”. As fellow tigers, the protagonist of my book—Water Tiger Cub (Michelle is also a water tiger) and I—are absolutely thrilled for her.
Beyond her Oscar win, Michelle has used her international fame to bring awareness to the suffering and plight of earthquake victims in Nepal (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/13/opinion/michelle-yeoh-oscars-earthquake-relief.html) and to animal welfare, in her role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program.
If we focus on the significance of her award for just Asians, coloured people, and women (as important as they are), we may lose sight of the most important lesson of her win—the opportunity to help fellow human beings, regardless of their nationality, race, and gender. Michelle has demonstrated by her actions, a way to help—simply and effectively. To me, this is the real meaning of the term “inclusivity”—that we help all living things (humans and animals) in need whenever, and wherever we can. I look forward to Michelle continuing to be a role model for promoting positive values—kindness, generosity, and compassion towards all, everywhere.
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (EEAAO) Wins Best Picture.
The movie has been described as “wacky, weird” a “sci-fi film,” a comedy, a drama etc. I watched it twice. The first time, I found the multiple storylines, and the metaverses a bit confusing. Then I watched the movie a second time, not really thinking about what the movie is about. It was then I appreciated why the movie resonated with audience all over the world.
Below is a summary of the various levels of meaning I took away—from a psychologist’s perspective.
Family dynamics and intergenerational legacies—shown as complex, and complicated involving e.g., familial expectations, the need for approval, filial piety; the difficulties of Evelyn and Waymond, being the “sandwich generation” trying to balance the needs of elderly parents and children, and work-life demands;
Mother and daughter dynamics—illustrated by the on-off relationship between Evelyn and her daughter, Joy. Ultimately, when Evelyn accepts Joy for who she is, says “Ok” and let her go, they found each other again—not in another metaverse—but in the actuality of their lived worlds. Given Michelle’s close relationship with her own mother, I found this theme especially poignant;
Marital dynamics—between Evelyn and Waymond demonstrate the breakdown of a partnership that is short on communication, and long on “what might have been,” for Evelyn. The receipts which she showed to Deidre, the IRS officer, are expressions of Evelyn’s unfulfilled dreams. When Waymond explains to Deidre that Evelyn is spinning out of control because she has just been served with divorce papers, and Deidre empathises due to her own martial breakdown, Evelyn appreciates that Waymond has always been supportive. They found each other again, through this mutual understanding, rather than through marital expectations;
The Metaverses—which Evelyn alternates between can be seen as metaphors for the chaos in Evelyn’s mind when her real life circumstances break down, and the need to escape to a universe where she is a “superhero” is appealing and soothing;
At the Existential level—the movie portrays what life feels like when the protagonists experience meaninglessness, and the need to make sense of their current limited life situations. Ultimately, the protagonists found meaning—in family, love, and joy in the present moment;
At the Spiritual level—perhaps, the most subtle theme of the movie, ideas from Buddhist and Taoist philosophies—that when one accepts one is nothing, void and empty, one can be anything and everything. The spiritual theme of Nothingness is not a form of nihilism, but rather adopting an attitude of being open to what comes into one’s life and embracing the possibilities. The symbol of the bagel (meaninglessness) is neutralized and balanced with the symbol of the “googly eyes,” the idea that one can create meaning in life with expressing kindness, generosity, and compassion.
While the movie’s primary aim is to entertain, it is not just an entertaining film. Its Metaverses portray deeply personal dramas, while its existential, and spiritual themes speak of potentialities and meaningfulness.
The movie’s themes resonate with audience of all culture, nationality, race, and gender worldwide. Although the main storyline showcased the experiences of an Asian migrant family in America, these experiences are not unique to Asians. EEAAO is foremost a movie about human experiences enriched by expressions of empathy, kindness, compassion, and positive values.
I highly recommend the movie for watching and reflection.