Be Ready!

My student told me a short story about a friend of her mom. That this woman took a photo of her and showed it to her friends and acquaintances. The photo was that of her standing in front of a stock full of water bottles that she bought right before and during the flood crisis. She remarked that she is now at peace because she will be able to survive amidst all these troubles.

I was appalled though thankful that my student told me this story not so I can have an entry but because it reminds me of how people will behave in times of panic. At this moment, shelves of convenience stores are all empty of bottled water, drinks, canned food and other dry goods. There are still cans and bottles of beer but I don't drink or maybe I should start drinking so that I can drown myself what with all these anxieties I am feeling.

There was ample supplies but when people started hoarding goods from groceries and shopping malls, nothing was left. I have a few bottles of water though I still use the water filter machine of mine to supply me with drinking water. I have some cookies, rice and eggs which apparently will last a long time since I am not an eater. I have saved enough water for bathing or washing as I heard the government will be rationing water supply next. I bet the woman I mentioned had saved enough water for her to bathe a lifetime.

My entry is about being ready not only during calamities but also in facing small troubles in life. I also hope to remind people that being ready means being at peace with oneself, having made merits, having done good deeds everyday, having a good heart, having graceful living and a life of immaterial things. For things around us will be washed away by the flood but our attitudes and beliefs toward surviving must be geared towards self realization that in this lifetime, we had been good if not better people.

Zen Speaks

One of the great books I have in my collection, this award winning children's story about a bear named Stillwater is a must read. A Caldecott Honour Book, it tells about three life questions and stories answered through short Zen principles.

In the author's note, he mentioned that "Zen shorts" often challenge us to reexamine our habits, desires, concepts, and fears. The three stories Uncle Ry and the Moon, A Heavy Load, and The Farmer's Luck were chosen among many because they speak best to the youngest audience.

My favorite is the one of A Heavy Load:

Two travelling monks reached a town where there was a young woman waiting to step out of her sedan chair. The rains had made puddles and she couldn't step across without spoiling her silken robes. She stood there, looking very cross and impatient. She was scolding her attendants. They had nowhere to place the packages they held for her, so they couldn't help her across the puddle.

The younger monk noticed the woman, said nothing, and walked by. The older monk quickly picked her up and put her on his back, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other side. She didn't thank the older monk, she just shoved him out of the way and departed.

As they continued on their way, the young monk was brooding and preoccupied. After several hours, unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "That woman back there was very selfish and rude, but you picked her up on your back and carried her! Then she didn't even thank you!"

"I set the woman down hours ago," the older monk replied. "Why are you still carrying her?"

When I am cross about some things, I have a tendency to bring it everywhere and this is not a good thing. There are also some issues I carry till now that happened decades ago. I need to let go and be more forgiving and learn to forget. I am sharing this short story not for me to bring a change in my perspective and yours in a matter of five minutes but as a reminder that there should be a needed change in our hearts.

We should learn to forgive and be more giving. We should learn to support and be more active. With all the worldly affairs and misfortunes, be ready to admit our love, our fears, our sorrows and joys, and our misgivings now so that we won't be late in receiving forgiveness as well as love and in feeling the generous joy when we live in peace.

To My Niece

Dear Coleen,

First of all, I am sending my birthday wishes to you through this blog. Happy birthday my dear and hope you'll enjoy your party later. I am so sorry that I couldn't be there because of the flood situation in here. I will make sure I'll bring along a present this Christmas.

I have been away for many years. I left a month before your mom and dad got married. I had to take a leave of absence to attend the ceremony after a month. I was there when we sent your mom to the hospital and gave birth to one bright and sweet child and that's you. But I have not been a part of your growing years not because of the distance but because I was also occupied with work, studies and other personal affairs. I get to see you every year but our relationship is marred by silence and with the usual simple hellos. I regret not playing a big part of your growing though it is the same with the rest of my nephews and another niece. I apologize.

What made you special was when you visited me here with your family. It was bonding time and for a very short visit, your presence along with your family made me special knowing I am recognized as a big part of the family, still. I will never forget my reaction and your parent's faces when they got off a samlor (three wheeled vehicle) the last night you were all here. I cried when I read the thank you card you all wrote to me when I went back home after sending you to the airport. And when I woke up the next day, the eerie silence in the house and with no smell of coffee or breakfast made me sad.

You are indeed blessed by a wonderful dad and a hard working mom along with a super duper "kulit" brother. And as you celebrate your 18th birthday with them and with your closest relatives and friends, may you realize that we all love you. Be the best you can and show the world how great you are as a person.

With love,
Uncle Jonathan

Son Klasuek, One Among Millions

I was reading a very short article about a man named Son Klasuek, who is in his late seventies, has been planting trees in his neighbourhood in Chaiyaphum ( a province of Thailand). His effort was recognized in 1997 when at that time, he planted an estimated 20,000 trees. He received his highest honour when the Majesty the Queen gave him a decorative golden pin in recognition of his one-man effort in reforestation.

With the present crisis Thailand is facing, flood, I was wondering if most of us had started years ago in doing what Khun Son started in his younger years. I always think that I do my part by planting numerous trees in my yard. That I don't just beautify my surroundings to strengthen my spirit to live, but that I also care for the land I am in.

I am not saying that planting will support the excess water thus preventing spillage when there's an excess. I am not saying that trees will suffice in the stoppage of water flow. I am merely saying that thinking way ahead and doing something about it makes a big difference now.

Khun Son gave his bit to Mother Earth unselfishly and without thinking of any material rewards. Most destroyed their environment to profit while others simply do not care. No pointing fingers here but a realization that each and one of us has a part in helping take care of the only earth we live in. What is your contribution?

The State of the Nation

taken from - monstersandcritics .com

It has been stressful on the part of everyone especially for those living in low-lying areas as the flood continue to submerge houses and industrial estates. As the water surges through roads and streets, dikes are now appearing in every crevices and main thoroughfares so as to halt the flow of water.

Yet with the rain and high tide, the people have nothing but cries of despair and hopes for the trouble to stop. It is grueling to see many inundated places and personal things ruined. But the most saddening is the fact that a lot of money is lost from the damages done by the deluge. People lost their homes, their jobs, their workplaces and even their friends.

The differences of political opinions have settled for a moment brought by the calamity and wishing that whoever is red and whoever is yellow (political affiliations) will just be remnants of colours and not political separation and anxiety. Thais need to work together to solve this massive problem of loss, death, and destruction. It is in these times that I have witnessed how people, though scared for the unexpected, have set aside their differences with one common goal, to help each other.

Thailand is my home so my heart goes to all those who have been affected harshly by Mother’s Nature fury. This is just the beginning though as devastation of all sorts has been circulating amongst sms, e-mail messages, and stories. I am scared as well. I am just hoping that whether we succeed in managing the dikes or not, the spirits of the Thai people remain resilient and hopeful. 

Longing to Escape

I envy the people I see around the gym not of their beautiful and toned bodies (not all have them though) but the dedication they put in lifting those heavy weights and doing those difficult exercises. I am not that determined yet I make it a point to be there during my training sessions.

When I eat in a restaurant or an eatery, I am amused as what I see with people chatting alongside each other and obviously enjoying each other's company. I am interested in knowing their inner minds so that I could in a little way be connected with the joyous faces they had shown. I basked in their smiles while telling myself that some people are jusy plain lucky.

Then I reflect about my own life when I go to bed and wishfully thinking that I am happy, contented, and free from troubles of life and love. I dream of happy endings and worry free days.

For lately, each day reminds me of my superficial goals in life. Bunched up and seen as luscious, my goals though feasible, seems flimsy and having no direction. Just going to school, surviving each and every day; making use of my time to let the days pass, or simply letting opportunities be wasted. When some people sees my entirety as enviable, they do not know that inside is a longing to escape.

One acquaintance pointed out how lucky I am to have a stable job and a healthy body. I acknowledged that but it just seems that it is only one side of the coin. For they do not see what is inside, a feeling so heavy that eventually in my everyday movement and meetings with people, it will just come out. I needed a break, an escape, and maybe just to free myself from this not-so-good feeling. 

Like a Shower

Most in life we meet tribulations and they come in three folds. When we are hopeful that one will pass, another one comes up when we haven't been able to solve the first. So when we pray hard and wait for a better view of life, we are not sure of what we will get. Our expectations of getting out of the rut becomes stuck. So we do things that we think is the best: we shrug them off or we cling to them. 


I met people whose problems had surpassed their patience and hope. I helped in my own little and big ways people who were suffering with their health or with some of their basic needs. I empathized well to those needing a listening ear and left them with a much lighter load.


This time of the year, I am the one in need but I keep them all inside me. I am quiet and in my silence, my whole self is like an erosion of my being as I battle major and minor issues both personal and work related. I suffer as I keep all my thoughts deep inside. I cannot cry anymore even if anger is wrapping up my heart. I feel alone.


I guess people have their own problems and they seek solutions in many different ways. I am just like you. I complain when things get tough or when things are not met with gratitude. Our long dreary road of serving, helping, taking time offs, and loving others are met with obscurities and neglect. So we look for outlets to find ourselves safe again. 


This beautiful tree that hangs around my garden reminds me of a shower. As a shower of conflicts can ruin my months or year, I still have faith and hoping that a shower of blessings will come forth soon and make me smile again. 

World Teacher's Day 2011

Seems like yesterday when I started

yet the smiles are still there.

Seems like yesterday when I learned

and the yearnings still abound.

Seems like yesterday when I realized

though I haven't change a single bit.

Seems like yesterday when I vowed

to grow wise and great.

When the parents of my former class decided to set up a party, I received a cake designed with children around me playing the piano. This is what they see every morning as I do my circle time with music. So the impression I leave the parents is one of me that is musical, happy, and vibrant.

For the hundred of students both classroom and tutorials, I thank you for making me if not great, but one good teacher. For the parents who always believe, I salute you for your good words and appreciation. For the very few schools I worked with, my gratitude for the chances and for letting me grow as a person. For the teachers I've met from all over the globe, I share this day with all of you. Cheers to everyone!