Hong Kong filmmaker discovers mental peace through animal flow practice

Hong Kong film practitioner Ngai Tsz-wai has found mental calm through animal flow, a quadrupedal movement system that combines yoga, dance, gymnastics and martial arts performed on all fours.

Movement as creative fuel

The 40-year-old told the South China Morning Post that the practice helps him train strength, flexibility and coordination while rebuilding the connection between body and mind. "Just as water needs to flow, our body and mind need movement to create new possibilities … which is helpful for my creative work," Ngai said.

His wellness journey started a decade ago when he was producing a video for a local yoga studio. An instructor at the studio encouraged him to try a class, setting him on a path toward integrating movement and mindfulness into his routine.

Animal flow represents part of a broader trend among Hong Kong residents who are turning to movement, mindfulness and micro-pauses to rebuild resilience in the fast-paced city. Alongside animal flow, practices such as film therapy and journaling are gaining traction as tools for reclaiming calm.

Source: South China Morning Post