Psynet
Essay Competition on "My Vital Engagement"
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The aim of the competition is to encourage colleagues to pursue a balanced life through vital engagement and highlight good practices in the Force. Officers and civilian staff are invited to share their personal experiences of the subject of "My Vital Engagement".
Vital engagement refers to the process to which an individual devotes himself or herself, with genuine passion, in a particular activity which he or she finds interesting and meaningful. The positive experiences and enjoyment obtained from the activity also motivate the individual to continue the engagement in that activity. It is suggested that vital engagement contributes to an individual's overall well-being, happiness and a sense that life has a meaning, and therefore helping one achieve a better work-life balance. Vital engagement is also a long-term commitment instead of just a fleeting event, and a sustained engagement fosters growth and advancement in that individual. There are many different forms of engagement, such as sports activity, hobby, learning, aesthetic appreciation, volunteer service work, etc.
Entries to the competition will be judged with the following criteria:
* introducing experiences in vitally engaging in an activity (feelings, difficulties, insights, etc.)
* highlighting the gains (physically or psychologically), personal growth (e.g. being more mature and having wider exposure) or positive changes in life after pursuing that particular activity,
* providing suggestions or tips to colleagues who want to start a vital engagement,
* be well written, entertaining and interesting, and
* not exceeding 800 words for English and 1,200 words for Chinese, including punctuation.
The deadline for submission is March 15.
Dr Samuel Ho, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, the University of Hong Kong, who has rich experiences in the study of positive psychology, and Mr Eddie Li, Senior Police Clinical Psychologist, will be the judges of the competition.
A $300 book coupon and a certificate will be awarded to each of the five best essay writers, whose works will be shared with readers in the "PsyNet" column in Offbeat.
Entries can be submitted to Psychological Services Group by mail (5/F 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay) or through PEN (psg-gr@police.gov.hk). Envelopes and e-mails should be marked with "Essay Competition".
Meanwhile, PSG will conduct its first seminar in February under the theme of "Balances and Wisdom". Details are as follows:
Where in fact is Happiness? (1/2005)
Speaker: Mr Yim Yi King (Ah Chung), local artist
Content: We all wish to lead a happy life. However, life is often not as smooth as we expect. Many people try to pursue happiness through different means -- money, relationship, materialistic enjoyment or religion, but a large number of them remain unhappy.
Ah Chung said: "Happiness is found within your heart." In an open and candid manner, he will share his life experiences and the keys to happiness. He is also prepared for a heart-to-heart conversation with participants on seeking wisdom from a balanced life.
Date: February 26 (Saturday) 10 am - 12 noon
Venue: Auditorium, 8/F, Arsenal House, PHQ
Enrolment: Mr Poon at 2866-1992 during office hours or by PEN at psg-gr@police.gov.hk
Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group:
PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine: 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon). PEN: psg@police.gov.hk
The Psychological Services Group (PSG) is going to launch an essay competition as part of its three-year Mental Health Promotion Campaign - "Balances and Wisdom 2004-2007".