The experience of a world champion in doing nothing

I can call myself the world champion of doing nothing. It may sound unusual, but it’s true. Since I was young, I often worried: am I doing enough? Growing up in Hong Kong, a city of intense competition, I felt the pressure to excel. That created a lot of anxiety.

In 2012, I started practicing mindfulness. It helped me manage my emotions and think more clearly. I’m now an educational psychologist and see many mental health challenges. I believe introducing mindfulness in schools is essential.

That’s how I became interested in the Space-Out competition — started in 2014 by Korean artist Woopsyang. The contest involves sitting still for 90 minutes with no talking, movement, or phone use.

I joined one in October 2024 in Hong Kong. Participants sat on yoga mats, and every 15 minutes, judges checked our heart rates. Spectators selected finalists based on facial expression and motivation.

I focused on my breathing, bodily sensations, and subtle environmental changes. Though the contest was about zoning out, I was fully practicing mindfulness.

I was surprised to be named the winner. The trophy — inspired by Rodin’s The Thinker — now stands in my living room. It reminds me to take a few minutes each day just to pause and do nothing. That is a real gift.

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