The exhibition offers an immersive exploration of the profound connection between nature and mental well-being, curated by MAELab with support from National Parks Board (NParks). This exhibition blends creative exhibits with the healing elements of nature, exploring the transformative link between mindfulness and the mind-body-nature connection. The exhibition is curated by Ms See Yee Thien, Associate Professor John Wong, Dr Pearlene Ng, and Mr Surein Sandrasageran.

Visitors are invited to engage with the captivating programs to discover the transformative power of arts and nature through mindful contemplation, delve into the latest research in the field, reignite a passion for cultivating a more mindful lifestyle, and deepen connections with the community, people, and nature.

Planning to visit soon?

Here’s the address:

Alexandra Hospital

378 Alexandra Road, Block 29 Level 2 (Above cafeteria)

Singapore 159964

Access to MAELab via stairs only due to lift upgrading till

16 January 2025. Clickherefor directions to MAELab.

Book now

Free admission for all.

Exhibition opens 22 March 2024 – End April 2025 (Extended!)

Friday only: 10 am – 5 pm (Last Entry 4 pm)Tuesday – Thursday: Visits are by appointment only*

Saturday: Visits are by appointment only*

Monday, Sunday and PH: Closed

*Please book your appointment 2 working days in advance to visit MAELab

If you have any further queries, please contact us at [email protected].

View the exhibition brochure here, and the virtual tour here.

Workshops

Mandala Workshop

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In this workshop, you’ll create your own mandala art, fostering a deeper connection with nature and the present moment. Experience the joy of mindfulness through crafting, immersing yourself in a state of mindfulness-in-flow. Don’t miss this chance to discover the therapeutic benefits of horticulture and mindfulness in a unique setting.

Workshop Highlights:

Guided exhibition tour

Experience mindfulness in nature

Foster a deeper relationship with nature

Date and Time: To be Announced

Location:MAELab, Alexandra Hospital, Blk 29 Level 2

Price:This workshop is available for Age Well Everyday (AWE) Club members free-of-charge. Please contact your respective club coordinators for more details.

AWE Club is a community programme helping seniors lead a healthy lifestyle and encouraging active ageing to delay the onset of dementia.For more information on how to join AWE Club, please contact us at [email protected].

Nature and Forest Walking Workshop

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Experience a relaxing forest bathing walk in Singapore’s urban greenery and nature parks. These slow and sensory-based walks are shown to support mental, emotional and physical well-being, including less stress, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. In these therapeutic forest bathing walks, professional nature and forest therapy guides will lead you to interact with nature in new and meaningful ways. The entire experience is gentle; physical exertion/stamina is not a focus.

Workshop Highlights:

Science of forest bathing

Slow walk and exploring

Sharing circle

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Workshop Registration [CLOSED]

Inside MAELab

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How Nature Facilitates Mindfulness

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

With rapid urbanisation, living environments in Singapore has become overstimulating. On average, we have more than 6,000thoughts every day. Some of these thoughts can be positive and uplifting, while others may not be so. Practicing mindfulness helps us to become aware of our thoughts without being consumed by them.

Nature offers restorative settingsthat naturally capture our attention, allowing us to recharge after prolonged or intense periods of directed attention.

Based on Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), after a long day, a walk in the park can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Just looking at greenery and flowers and listening to the sounds of birds can bring about positive feelings of pleasure and calmness.

Contemplative Landscapes

A contemplative landscape is a landscape environment that encourages a mental state characterised by an inner orientation of oneself, reaching of an inner calm, and elimination of distracting thoughts (contemplation). It is identified or designed using the Contemplative Landscape Model, which guides the identification or enhancement of seven evidence-based characteristics that contribute to mental well-being.

Astudyby National Parks Board (NParks) and National University of Singapore (NUS) between 2018 and 2021 found new evidence that spending time in green spaces makes people feel better mentally. Additionally, being in areas with peaceful and beautiful views such as contemplative landscapes make them feel even more positive.

When people were in these calming environments, they felt less disturbed and their brains showed signs of relaxation and mindfulness, which help them think more clearly and calmly.

Nature's Embrace Water Feature

Adorned with lush vegetation and a gently cascading stream of water, the Nature’s Embrace feature wall offers a moment of tranquil contemplation. This immersive experience transports you to a serene clearing in the heart of a dense forest, inviting you to marvel at the layers of life that surround you.

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Tropical Paludarium

Our paludarium showcases the lush environments of tropical regions, combining elements of a terrestrial habitat with aquatic features. Layers of vegetation create a miniature landscape, inviting you to immerse yourself in this verdant oasis and highlighting the importance of biodiversity and its role in creating a balanced ecosystem.

Dry Garden

Step into the world of tranquillity in our dry garden, also known as 枯山水(Karesansui), in Japanese garden style. This design, exemplified in gardens like Ryōan-ji and Zuiho-in in Kyoto, Japan, features a 5-stone arrangement creating pockets of peace and silence. The stones symbolise miniature islands, while the raked gravel patterns evoke the ripple effect of water.

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