Siang Ying Wu, Wendy Tsai | USA 

Debra Boudreaux, CEO of Tzu Chi USA, leads Washington DC branch volunteers in sharing Tzu Chi's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course with FEMA employees to help them alleviate stress. | Photo courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

Tzu Chi has been collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States for many years. In 2023, FEMA officials from Washington, D.C. made their first visit to the Tzu Chi Washington DC Branch, expressing a desire for future cooperation to help more people. 

On March 26, 2024, through the efforts of Tzu Chi USA CEO Debra Boudreaux, volunteers from the Washington DC were invited to FEMA to offer a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course for federal employees who frequently work in high-pressure environments. The course shared the power of Tzu Chi's "Four Treasures to Health" and Jing Si tea meditation to help participants relieve stress, manage their emotions more effectively, and maintain a calm and positive attitude in challenging situations. 

Finding Calm with Jing Si Tea 

On March 26, Tzu Chi USA CEO Debra Boudreaux, Washington DC Branch CEO Hank Chi, and volunteer Diana Kwok visited the office, where they were warmly welcomed by Marcus Coleman, Director for the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, along with other partners who regularly collaborate with Tzu Chi volunteers. 

LEFT: Tzu Chi volunteers guide FEMA employees in a meditation session to ease their stress. RIGHT: Emergency response workers focus on savoring Jing Si Tea. | Photos courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

The "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" course was held in a quiet room designated for mindfulness practice at FEMA. Volunteer Diana Kwok led the group in Jing Si tea meditation, guiding everyone to close their eyes and meditate in silence. The session was followed by a shared tea experience, allowing participants to feel the warmth of Tzu Chi's culture and the fragrance of the tea in a tranquil environment. 

CEO Debra Boudreaux shared that in a busy life, when the mind is wandering and unable to focus, one can take five minutes each day to calm down, reflect, and reconnect with their center.

Debra Boudreaux, CEO of Tzu Chi USA, explains how the "Red Packets of Blessings" brings positive energy to disaster survivors. | Photo courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

Debra Boudreaux also explained the significance of the "Red Packets of Blessing," which symbolizes the virtues of precepts, concentration, and wisdom. During Tzu Chi's disaster relief efforts in Maui, Hawaii, victims of the wildfires were moved by the inspirational messages on these envelopes before even opening their cash cards, finding a sense of peace and positive energy in the symbolic three grains of rice. 

Continued Collaboration in Disaster Relief  

These FEMA partners, who often work under intense pressure in emergency rescue operations, found that mindfulness practices helped them reduce stress, allowing rescue workers to manage their emotions more effectively and maintain a calm, positive work attitude in challenging environments. 

Marcus Coleman, Director of the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (second from left), expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi. | Photo courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

Marcus Coleman, Director of the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, expressed his gratitude for Tzu Chi’s presence. He acknowledged Tzu Chi’s long-standing partnership with FEMA and the White House, thanking them for their leadership in disaster relief and for their unwavering focus on environmental sustainability during the recovery phase, helping people to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the Earth's climate. 

"We look forward to continuing our cooperation in disaster relief and finding more opportunities for mutual learning and exchange in the future," said Marcus. 

LEFT: Employees warmly welcome Tzu Chi Washington DC volunteers as they share the power of mindfulness. RIGHT: Hank Chi, CEO of Tzu Chi's Washington DC, shares Tzu Chi's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with FEMA employees. | Photos courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

 Washington DC Branch CEO Hank Chi described the "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" course as a great success, with very positive feedback from FEMA. "We hope to return and share with more federal employees how to use the teachings of Master Cheng Yen to relieve everyday stress," he said. 

Hank Chi explained that FEMA's invitation to share this "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" course began with an incredible opportunity. "Last year (2023), the officials who regularly connect with Tzu Chi volunteers visited the Washington DC Branch and were deeply impressed. Given the high levels of stress they face in their work and lives, they accepted Debra Boudreaux's invitation this year to host the mindfulness course. We prepared a one-hour session based on Master Cheng Yen's teachings, including the 'Four Treasures to Health,' Jing Si tea meditation, and the power of mindfulness." 

Living in the Moment with Mindfulness 

In our busy lives, our minds often wander, our attention shifts, and we frequently get caught up in thoughts about the past or future, making it difficult to focus on the present. When stress and negative experiences arise, they can unconsciously take over our emotions. Mindfulness practice, therefore, has become a mainstream approach to health and stress reduction. Medical studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and serve as an accessible form of physical and mental health care. 

LEFT: FEMA employees join Tzu Chi volunteers in performing sign language to the heartwarming song "One Family."  RIGHT: FEMA employees practice meditation with their eyes closed to relieve stress. | Photos courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

The "Four Treasures to Health"—peaceful sleep, joyful eating, cheerful laughter, and healthy living—guided volunteers in their mindfulness practice. Hank Chi explained that Tzu Chi's mindfulness approach emphasizes living in the present moment, being constantly aware of one's thoughts and actions, and returning to the core values of gratitude, respect, and love. In addition to teaching hand gestures and seated meditation, many other methods were shared to help people maintain mindfulness and relieve stress in their daily lives. 

Tzu Chi volunteers and FEMA employees share mindfulness techniques to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. | Photo courtesy of Siang Ying Wu | Washington, D.C., USA | 2024/03/26 

People often regret the past and worry about the future, rarely living in the present. This mindfulness course reminded participants that mindfulness is not just about sitting in meditation; it can be practiced anytime, anywhere. Whether doing household chores, taking a walk, or enjoying a cup of tea, simply taking a few minutes to focus on your breath can provide an opportunity to connect with the world and cultivate a sense of presence and gratitude.