The Mindful People Series: Lee Pui Yee the Global Citizen

In The Mindful People Series, we interview people from different walks of life and get them to share their mindfulness experience, as well as how learning and practicing mindfulness have made a difference to their personal and professional lives.

MiMo: How did you get into learning and practicing mindfulness?
Pui Yee: I was exposed to mindfulness some years back through a short meditation class that I’ve attended.  My interest in learning and practicing mindfulness was renewed when a friend of mine introduced me to the MBSR program.    
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MiMo: Tell us about your experience in the MBSR program. 
Pui Yee: The MBSR program appealed to my ‘rational’ self as I wanted a structured and secular way to familiarize myself with this body of knowledge. The program certainly lived up to my expectations.  The inquiry sessions were particularly useful in sharing insights and challenges with my fellow participants.  In addition, I have learnt various mindfulness techniques during the program and I now incorporate them into my daily activities. Finally, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention the instrumental role that Erin played as a coach, facilitator and teacher. 

MiMo: How has mindfulness contributed to your personal well-being?
Pui Yee: It takes time, effort and commitment to cultivate and practice mindfulness. Although I have just started on my mindfulness journey, I already noticed that I am more cognizant of my thoughts, emotions and actions as well as their impact on my overall state of well-being and those around me. 
 
MiMo: How has mindfulness supported you in your professional work?
Pui Yee: At work, I have learnt to appreciate the importance of taking a pause whenever I am confronted with a difficult or stressful situation.  It is amazing how a short minute or two that’s well spent (or, for that matter, a single mindful breath) can neutralize my negative (yet instinctive) emotions and reactions.

MiMo: How have you incorporated mindfulness into your daily life?
Pui Yee: For a start, I made a decision to set aside 30min every day for a formal practice. This is complemented by making a conscious effort to become more aware and mindful in my daily activities. That said, I confess that mindful eating is still something that I have yet to learn to appreciate!

MiMo: Any words of advice for people who are thinking about learning mindfulness?
Pui Yee: Stop thinking.  As the saying goes – the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The time is NOW.

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About Pui Yee

Pui Yee prides herself as a global citizen.  Aside from being an avid traveler, her banking and finance career has given her the opportunity to work and live in London, Brussels, Shanghai and Hong Kong.  She also spent a year in France in the name of pursuing a further degree.  Paradoxically, it is this extensive international exposure that has prompted Pui Yee to become more introspect.

​​Are you a mindfulness practitioner or do you know one who would like to share their mindfulness experience on the MiMo blog? Do drop us a message!
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