In Many Ways (October 29, 2008)

I have a group of friends that I treasure in many ways. I treasure them because they always have time for me when I visit. I treasure them because they always have listening ears when I am in pain. I treasure them because they are willing to provide comfort with their words and actions.

I have a group of students this year that I treasure in many ways. I treasure them because they are well-mannered and respectful of their teachers. I treasure them because they are skilled in many ways and are willing to learn. I treasure them because they are my source of inspiration and well-being.

I have a family that I treasure in many ways. I treasure them because they had always been accepting of my decision to be away. I treasure them because we had been in many hard times and happiness. I treasure them because they are my own family.

In many ways, I can show my affection and sincerity and love to those people around me. They may be in different variations or intensity but the thoughts and feelings surpass the insecurities people feel about me. I will always be their friend, their teacher, and their son.

So for those who felt that I have mistreated them, forgotten them , or neglected them, I apologize. You have all inspired me to become a better person and in that journey, you were part of the growing process in many ways.

The Will to Survive (October 21, 2008)

When one is born in this world, we are expected to be taken care of and then honed to become a contributing member of the society. What is not expected are the trials that come with growing from birth till we can fend for ourselves.

Not everyone is born with a golden spoon. Most and that would be the majority has to struggle from the very start. We are born to survive the harsh realities of living on a day to day basis. As we see people thrive in their riches, we also see people suffer from poverty.

People are resilient though, as they are able to survive whatever comes their way. When we are bombarded with troubles, we seek solace through other people and /or doing other positive things such as prayers, being busy, mindfulness, and the likes. We are born with the spirit to survive admist everything negative around us.

However, it is the human spirit to survive that will eventually brings a better life. Believe and do it. Believe and fight. The human spirit has the will to survive.

Comparisons (October 18, 2008)

As always, I took a cab to go back home but this time, the cab driver was a friendly fellow. Only 27 years of age, he has two children and the eldest is eight years of age. This means that he started to embrace a family life at a very early age of 20. His life story is similar to the many people I have met throughout my everyday trips around the city. His is a life of simplicity with adequate salary, three meals a day, and a home he can call his own.

He asked me about my life story and I mentioned to him a bit of my life, little parts and as I open up little bits and pieces it struck me that the man I am speaking with is far luckier than me for many reasons. As we exchange views about married life, singlehood, family life, work and aspirations I became more introspective.

The conversation went for quite some time because of the bad traffic. It wasn't a personal exchange of stories but it was an exchange of knowledge, experiences and directions in life. Two different lives, two different views and two different individuals. Comparisons were made but in the end, it was an awakening.

Poverty (October 15, 2008)

Poverty has many meanings. It may mean money or the lack of resources. It may mean degradation or dwindling of something we have. But I guess poverty means the lack of something. It is the lack of spirit, the lack of knowledge and the lack of friends.

When we are always downtrodden with miseries, poverty sets in as a disabling factor to continue to be happy. It is a deterrent to pursue what we aspire for. It is the degradation of self-esteem, and self confidence to do what we ought to achieve. When we tell ourselves that a grade school education is enough, it is poverty in knowing that aiming for a higher education can enrich one's self knowledge and position in work. The acquisition of higher knowledge promises a much better future thus an upliftment from the state of knowing less. Poverty is when we are surrounded by no one. It is when one is in trouble and we have no one to lean on. It is when sharing is non-existent. The poverty in friendships develop when one closes its window and allows no one to peek in.

Poverty exists and is real. If we allow ourselves to be victims of poverty then we create a circle of people living in miseries (lacking in spirit and will), ignorance (lacking in education be it in access or opportunities) and isolation (lacking in true friends to call).

Wish You Were Here (October 11, 2008)

This is a wonderful book written by Holly Hobbie and talks about the adventure of the main character as he goes on a trip to the jungle. This is a book about friendship and when I recall my very few good friends around the world, I wanted to say, "I wish I am with them!"

If there are people I wish are here, then my parents will be the first on the list. I had been away for many years that our relationship is link only by phone calls and short visits. I miss their company and the ups and downs of living with parents.

The only consolation is that my parents live within the Asian region so it is easy for me to fly during a long weekend and visit them. The problem lies in the amount of money I have to spend on travelling though it is not a big issue. I still find my short travels back home to be fruitful and encouraging. It is the "returning back" that is a problem. It is heart breaking.

"Wish I am there!", is probably a momentary wish as of now but as we live busier lives, we tend to forget our small worries and continue to face the life we are building at the moment. What is inspiring is that we always held them in our hearts wherever we go. We treasure the moments and live the happiness throughout.

A Journey Through Life (October 8, 2008)

The Blue Stone is a wonderful book written by Jimmy Liao, a story about life's changes and the adventure, beauty, and sorrow that comes with them. It tells a tale of endurance, hope, and rejuvenation.

The Blue Stone became a mute witness to the harshness and realities of life as well as the joys and excitement of living. It experienced excitement as it was transformed in many different ways starting as an elephant statue ending as mere dust amongst the wind. It was always longing to be home where its heart belongs, a feeling I share and experiencing most of the time.

When one is out of their own comfort zone, the battle begins. There will be conflicts about racial prejudice, discrimination, absence of identity, homesickness and ongoing struggle to belong. When we begin to see the realities of living, we begin to feel scared, troubled, surprised yet strong, brave, and optimistic. Our inner core begins to understand that life is not just to live but to survive. Life is not just about living, it is about a journey. Life is not just about staying strong, it is to build a better self. Life is a journey to simply know ourselves.

Surprise! (October 5, 2008)

I wrote in a previous entry about absence. I talked about my garden.

A family recently visited me and they walked around the garden that night. "I feel like I am walking in a forest.", one of them commented. The youngest in the group told me that she like my place and that the garden is a wonderful place to discover things. Now that I have a forest, the animals will start to come. I had been observing life through the numerous visitors I have such as butterflies, dragonflies, snails, wasps, bees, lizards, toads, frogs, ladybugs, praying mantises and moths. Now, I am encountering a new addition to my garden, a snake.

Today, I had the opportunity to walk around the garden. I noticed a colourful specimen wrapped around a bark in one of the trunks of my green palms. I though it was a caterpillar and I was so excited to see it close so I can bring it to school for show and tell. Once I poked my face near the trunk, I was shocked to find out that it was actually a snake. I was stunned as I have no affinity to reptiles so much so for snakes. I retreated and became prantic. I was telling myself over and over the whole day today that, "I have a snake in my garden! I have a snake in my garden!"

I have no idea what to come next. But I know that I will be more observant and respectful of the world around me.

ARK (October 04, 2008)

There is this movie called Mighty Evan that I saw one lazy afternoon on cable teevee. I was just switching channels when I stumbled upon a conversation between Evan and God. God has asked Evan to build an ark so that he can save the animals and people from a coming disaster. The theme of which is familiar to bible readers.

The one word that struck me was the acronym for ARK as one act of random kindness. Then I asked myself if I practice that and the answer is no. I have acts of kindness but done reasons. I do help people in distress but I have to think it twice or more. I do share my time with people but it is always limited. I do enjoy being with friends but I am always in a hurry to be home. I do give people the opportunity to know me but then I shy away afterwards. I am not being spontaneous. I am not being generous of my time and presence.

There are many opportunities to show our ARK and in many differing situations. The old woman by the bus stop, your officemate in distress, a friend who is ill, a relative who is looking for someone to trust, and many others. I’ll start again as I have lost my generosity and spontaneity during these years. One act of kindness can go miles and miles away.

Yearning (October 01, 2008)

Peach and Blue is a heart warming story about a blue-bellied frog named Blue who is contented with his everyday life and Peach, who yearns to see the world. Their will to do an adventure made the realize the importance of love, care and the mindfulness we all need to aim.

Peach reminded me of myself when I was much younger. Being envious of my friends who had gone abroad, I longed to be away to experience what life is and how I can make a life of my own. Blue reminded me of myself right now as I appreciate the things given to me, and the things I discover throughout this life's adventure.

Peach and Blue also reminded me of the long lost friendships I had from friends. I long for those moments of togetherness and camaraderie. I long for those chit chats and exchanges of views and opinions. Also, the book reminded me of the importance of living the moment.

We might be yearning for so many things that we seem to forget that the most important things in life are within our reach. The gifts of friendship, family and inner peace.