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.