Q & A with Dean Monk our Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Kung Fu master

• What does generosity mean to you?

To me generosity is the heartfelt giving of oneself with words, spirit, love or time without the need for reward or recognition. It could be a physical gesture, emotional support or lifting one energetically. An example is, on my first year at the Golden Door (20 years ago), the owner came up to me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, “you are doing a really great job…”. A small gesture, like that, has stayed with me all this time.

• Why is it important to find your passion? And could this improve your health?

Passion is the driving force behind your purpose in life, it is the reason for getting up in the morning. It is the spark, that ignites your energy and gives you the zest, to pursue what gives you meaning. If you have plentiful vitality, to support your passion, then this opens up joy, love, kindness, wisdom, perception and flow.

There are two purposes – living purpose and life purpose. A living purpose can be anything that you do, to support yourself and your family, as you study and work towards your life purpose. A life purpose is something that has a continuous growing of knowledge and experience, since the beginning of time. This always involves giving back to society or adding your little bit. Examples of a life purpose would be, an Oriental doctor, chef, gardener, kung fu master, scholar, musician, scientist, dancer etc. Something that reaches back into antiquity.

If passion and purpose are intertwined, with vitality, then robust health will ensue.

• How can you benefit from helping others?

The old adage “the more you give, the more you receive” rings true here. I find that there is a two-way exchange, that happens when you give your time, love, energy or experience to helping others. If a connection is made, then nourishing can occur. You will feel happy,fulfilled and have purpose. Thus, helping others within your community can contribute to your wellbeing and longevity.