On 1^st April 2026, the Guia House of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau held a Plant Pounding Stress-Relief Workshop. The workshop was led by College Social Worker, Ms. Yan Leung, who guided students to relieve stress and restore inner balance through a combination of natural materials and mindfulness practices.

At the beginning of the workshop, Leung introduced the concept of horticultural therapy, explaining the close relationship between humans and nature, as well as how natural environments can help restore attention and regulate emotions. She then led students through a mindfulness breathing exercise, encouraging them to slow down, return to the present moment, and mentally prepare for the creative experience that followed.

During the hands-on session, students carefully selected fresh flowers and leaves, arranging them on canvas tote bags. Through repeated and rhythmic hammering, the natural pigments and textures of the plants were transferred onto the fabric. The steady sound of tapping filled the room, creating a focused and tranquil atmosphere that allowed participants to temporarily set aside academic pressures and fully immerse themselves in their interaction with nature.

Toward the end of the workshop, students shared and showcased their finished pieces. Each hammer-printed fabric displayed unique plant patterns and colors, reflecting both the beauty of nature and the creators’ personal emotions at the moment of creation. Through the repetitive and rhythmic motions of the process, students were able to calm their thoughts and experience a sense of inner peace and accomplishment through a simple yet meaningful creative activity.

Text: Kelly Wang