Meet The Dasher: Finding Inner Peace and Zen as a Pianist
“After travelling so much outside, it’s time to travel more on the inside.” Hong Kong might be famous for being a city that never sleeps, but Dasher/ pianist Simona was inspired to study mindfulness during her stay. Read on to unveil her story.
Hello dear! Can you introduce yourself to the community?
I am Simona, originally from Lithuania, but had lived abroad for half my life. I work as a piano teacher and pianist accompanist. I love travelling and even collaborated on creating a travel company in Valencia!
How did you get into piano music?
When I was three, my grandmother gave me a present – a tiny wooden piano, and it was how it started. Having been immersed in classical music, I am thrilled when I get invited to participate in exceptional projects like recording for a heavy metal CD with a Valencian band and also collaborating with a wind orchestra where we performed mostly movie and video game music. If you are interested to learn more, please visit my youtube channel!
How’s Hong Kong to you so far?
I came to Hong Kong for work. For sure, I love this busy city, its terraces, rooftops and amazing nightlife. However, as a musician and spiritual seeker, I treasure quietness, which allows me to reflect. Therefore I started studying Zen and did some courses in the Su Bong monastery.
People are saying it is the best monastery that is the most international. It is also the only temple village in Hong Kong. (Gak Su Zen Retreat Center is located in the mountains on Lantau Island)
After starting the course, I found that the famous Lithuanian Zen Master Myong Hae Sunim used to live and share her wisdom in this temple. It feels magical to be in the same place as her. I also met some profound human beings there and had some Dharma conversations with nuns, which I needed so much. So it was a great, I would say even divine, opening experience.
How was your experience in Dash Living?
I stayed in The Aberdeen by Dash Living, which is within walking distance to work. I loved my room with a stunning view from a high floor.
The community manager Adrian was helpful, and the gym is excellent. Not to mention, all the events and small gifts from the marketing team made my stay unforgettable. The survey gift from the _kimrobinson hair salon makes me feel so special!
It was a great success for the yoga with live piano music event in Dash Living on Prat. How did you come up with this idea?
Since I am a regular yoga practitioner and meditation, I have always wanted to combine music with yoga. I did quite a few events like that in Spain, in open and closed spaces, and it was such a great experience that I wanted to repeat it in Hong Kong as well.
Music connects with the sound, movement and interaction of the Dashers and the yoga teacher Jen. That’s the power of community.
