My 15 year old daughter and i were having a conversation about spirits, ghosts and things we cant see. Here in Asia , we often hear stories about them. She was asking me what "spirit guides" were and I replied ( like if I knew the answer...I never met a spirit guide before!) that spirit guides help their loved ones and solve problems for them. She replied " can I have a spirit guide to solve my math problems" That made me laugh. She always did have a strange sense of humour .... like the time when she was 3 years old and I was teaching her how to thank god for her blessings and i said " what do you want to thank God for today and she replied ...for the wall ...and the TV controller ( remote)
But maybe she had a point, its the little things we take for granted that we have to be thankful for...things we assume will be there and working every time we need it. When we turn on the lights, we expect it to come on, or the toaster. We take these things for granted because we are so focussed on wanting ...wanting more ! We get bombarded with ads and TV programs that constantly fuel this need to want more. If we are not wanting then we are trying to preserve what we have. This constant agitation and propagation of "not enough" or not being good enough. It makes people live in regret, " if only I did this or didn't do this, I would be in a better place today" I know that feeling, I have been there before.
And yet, i also know today that if I didn't experience this, I would not be able completely savour the bliss I experience these days.
To me this bliss state is the state of gratitude or thankfulness ...that feeling when your heart is full and yet light. It doesn't need to be an earth shattering experience. It could be the simple things like the smell of the morning, or hearing the birds outside my window or even feeling well enough to get up in the morning. I know points in my life when I have had to make a conscious effort to think about these things but these days I catch myself smiling for no reason! . A friend of mine in australia has a tattoo on her arm with the words " this too shall pass" a quote she took from Eckhart Tolle's book.
Someone I know has had a serious operation, someone else has a young child who is very sick and when I think of these people, my heart goes out to them and these are times when I want to to send an army of spirit guides and angels out to task ...to heal them and support them through this time. I hope they find their bliss by embracing the challenges they are faced with. That they are able to look back and still see what an incredible life this is. Maybe that's all we are supposed to do ... be able to go through life's ups and down and come out clean on the other side with our spirits intact and smiling again!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
One life time...
My dad passed away 2 years ago on this day. I have been very aware of this day especially as it drew closer. I was worried for my mum ... if this day would make her sad or nostalgic. This morning, I asked her if she was going to the temple, and she looked a little confused until I reminded her about what day it was. She said that she was thinking about this day but somehow lost track of the days..it happens but I see this as a good thing. It tells me that her life is busy and full. This morning, I commented about how temporary life is.... about how life carries on like nothing happened after we die....its like if we never existed in the first place. To this my mum replied, that its more important to think about what we do when we are alive and not how we are remembered after we die.
We make so much of endings, probably because we don't do enough for the ones we love while they are alive. I like my mum's pragmatic approach to life. In her words "all of us have to go one day" . My mum was married to my dad for 68 years and till the time he died, she was by his bed side looking after his every need. We always said that my dad should go first because he wouldn't know what to do without my mother.
Today, I read about our Senior Minister, father of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, and how he sits by his ailing wife's bedside and reads to her for 2 hours every evening. I was very touched by the article that was written by his daughter, describing how she admires her father's commitment to her mother.
It is what we do for our loved ones when they are alive that matters, this is why my mum is at peace with herself , knowing that she has given her best to her relationship with my dad. I wish I had the experience of that kind of a deep love, one that withstands the tests that life throws at us. One that carries on even after someone dies.
Publish Post
We make so much of endings, probably because we don't do enough for the ones we love while they are alive. I like my mum's pragmatic approach to life. In her words "all of us have to go one day" . My mum was married to my dad for 68 years and till the time he died, she was by his bed side looking after his every need. We always said that my dad should go first because he wouldn't know what to do without my mother.
Today, I read about our Senior Minister, father of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, and how he sits by his ailing wife's bedside and reads to her for 2 hours every evening. I was very touched by the article that was written by his daughter, describing how she admires her father's commitment to her mother.
It is what we do for our loved ones when they are alive that matters, this is why my mum is at peace with herself , knowing that she has given her best to her relationship with my dad. I wish I had the experience of that kind of a deep love, one that withstands the tests that life throws at us. One that carries on even after someone dies.
Publish Post
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Now matters !
Its so easy to get caught in the "busyness" of everyday life and lose the plot...we give ourselves all sorts of excuses anything from work to family dramas to keep ourselves away from ourselves. My favourite one is travel... " when I travel , my routine gets disrupted" or " I just need to get through this bit of work before I can settle down and look into my own needs"
Months later, I look back and I can see that I am still running the same excuse!! I know now that that I have "excused myself" from being fully present in the moment!!
Being fully present in the moment is a discipline , to me it means:
1. Being aware that I need to drink more water
2. Taking time to exercise
3. Making time for prayer or daily reflection
4. Eating consciously, slowly, appreciating the flavours and effort that has been put into its preparation
5. Looking up from my work when my kids talk to me and giving them my complete attention
6. Making time to catch up with friends/family and making even more time to laugh wholeheartedly
7. Minimising distractions that deplete my energy - internet, TV, people who whine frequently, thoughts about past failures and fears about future mistakes
8. Living in gratitude for everything ....even things that I don't like.
They are really simple things, nothing earth shattering but I know that whenever I have done this, I have felt every cell in my body radiate joy. I know that when I radiate joy - I add to the world and in my own way I help to make it a better place. Something else happens too - an exchange of energy.... you cant possibly put energy out into the world without it coming back at you multiplied. Opportunities find me easily and effortlessly.
Everyday, life presents us the opportunity to do something different from yesterday. Its a chance to renew and refresh. An opportunity to engage fully in the current moment so that when we look back we can see a life that takes our breath away... thats how I want to leave this planet...how about you? There is no other time except NOW!
Months later, I look back and I can see that I am still running the same excuse!! I know now that that I have "excused myself" from being fully present in the moment!!
Being fully present in the moment is a discipline , to me it means:
1. Being aware that I need to drink more water
2. Taking time to exercise
3. Making time for prayer or daily reflection
4. Eating consciously, slowly, appreciating the flavours and effort that has been put into its preparation
5. Looking up from my work when my kids talk to me and giving them my complete attention
6. Making time to catch up with friends/family and making even more time to laugh wholeheartedly
7. Minimising distractions that deplete my energy - internet, TV, people who whine frequently, thoughts about past failures and fears about future mistakes
8. Living in gratitude for everything ....even things that I don't like.
They are really simple things, nothing earth shattering but I know that whenever I have done this, I have felt every cell in my body radiate joy. I know that when I radiate joy - I add to the world and in my own way I help to make it a better place. Something else happens too - an exchange of energy.... you cant possibly put energy out into the world without it coming back at you multiplied. Opportunities find me easily and effortlessly.
Everyday, life presents us the opportunity to do something different from yesterday. Its a chance to renew and refresh. An opportunity to engage fully in the current moment so that when we look back we can see a life that takes our breath away... thats how I want to leave this planet...how about you? There is no other time except NOW!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The philosopher, leader and the connoisseur of life....
A year ago, I wrote about today. Its a special day because three people I know are born on the 24th of March...a very close friend , my boss and a business partner who was introduced to me by my boss.
One day I want the three of them to meet ...maybe over a meal and i would like to see how they get on. ...I think they will have a blast!
Its funny how life is - all three are from totally different backgrounds but i know that they have alot of common ground and similarities:
My best friend : a true warrior and live wire of any party.. the youngest of the three , wise young mother of two amazing young adults, a business woman and philosopher of life. She has done some pretty amazing things ...things that even the strongest amongst us wont do - situations where she has put herself last and thought of humanity's needs first. A true planetary citizen.
My boss : a great leader who has more followers than he knows, because he is a "dream weaver" and people like to follow someone who has a dream /vision and the bigger the dream, the bigger the following! He is a scientist at heart and despite that very pragmatic part of him that looks for proof, he is also spiritual in his own way as he recognises that there are things that human beings cannot perceive ..things bigger than us. A risk taker with a vision.
My business partner : a classy man who puts his heart out first. People remember him because of the way he connects with them , he is most comfortable around people and he loves life. A sportsman in many ways, very open to new ideas and opportunities to learn. A true connoisseur of life! A high achiever who knows that its not always about winning,
A philosopher, a leader and a connoisseur of life... three people but each of them fits all three descriptions. ...how lucky am I to have these people in my life. We sometimes forget to take a closer look at people in our lives and how they add to the planet and make our lives that much better. Today, I will drink a toast to three awesome people in my life, may you have a very happy birthday and continue to touch the lives of others in your own special way!
One day I want the three of them to meet ...maybe over a meal and i would like to see how they get on. ...I think they will have a blast!
Its funny how life is - all three are from totally different backgrounds but i know that they have alot of common ground and similarities:
My best friend : a true warrior and live wire of any party.. the youngest of the three , wise young mother of two amazing young adults, a business woman and philosopher of life. She has done some pretty amazing things ...things that even the strongest amongst us wont do - situations where she has put herself last and thought of humanity's needs first. A true planetary citizen.
My boss : a great leader who has more followers than he knows, because he is a "dream weaver" and people like to follow someone who has a dream /vision and the bigger the dream, the bigger the following! He is a scientist at heart and despite that very pragmatic part of him that looks for proof, he is also spiritual in his own way as he recognises that there are things that human beings cannot perceive ..things bigger than us. A risk taker with a vision.
My business partner : a classy man who puts his heart out first. People remember him because of the way he connects with them , he is most comfortable around people and he loves life. A sportsman in many ways, very open to new ideas and opportunities to learn. A true connoisseur of life! A high achiever who knows that its not always about winning,
A philosopher, a leader and a connoisseur of life... three people but each of them fits all three descriptions. ...how lucky am I to have these people in my life. We sometimes forget to take a closer look at people in our lives and how they add to the planet and make our lives that much better. Today, I will drink a toast to three awesome people in my life, may you have a very happy birthday and continue to touch the lives of others in your own special way!
Monday, March 15, 2010
....just being...
I often get asked what I have been up to lately... "just being" ...is my reply. Here's what i have learnt :
1. Its ok to be silent if I have nothing to say...the world is noisy enough without my voice to add to that noise
2. Friendships and loved ones add colour to my life
3. Its nice to take the back seat to allow someone else to shine and bask in their glory
4. I dont have to be anything, or do anything to be loved, accepted or recognised, I can be just me
5. Laughing out loud and laughing often is the best way to live a long and happy life
6. When a friend needs help, be there, in the bigger scheme of things, getting the opportunity to demonstrate generosity of spirit is a gift in itself
7. Learning keeps me alert and inspired
8. Slow down to take in life, and make time for prayer, reflection and gratitude
How do I feel? .... Absolutely Brilliant!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Lover of Life
Its Valentine's Day and the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. My belief with any sort of celebration is " why should it be just for that one group of people" ...why is it that Valentine's Day is for lovers...its a day of love and friendship and its also Chinese New Year...its also a day of renewal.
This morning, I had a trail of sparkles from my children's' bedrooms leading downstairs to the dining table...on this table were two "love jars" for each one of them. The jars were filled with love notes, pictures, crystals and other bits that reminded me of moments with them. We then had breakfast together and we are going off to the science centre to just spend the day together and this evening, I have planned a chinese new year dinner .
It does look like effort for some people but its not effort for me as its for the people I love. Its easy to get caught up in life and postpone celebration. Many of us, do that...In fact this year I was going to do that because I wondered whether it was relevant anymore for my kids as they are becoming teenagers now. I am glad I changed my mind and chose to celebrate. I feel its an attitude that I consciously chose to adopt many years ago..... why should I change it now? Everyday here on this planet is a reason to celebrate life... and I do have parties for no reason but if there is a reason such as Valentine's Day or Chinese New Year....you cant stop me!
Life is a one time journey and if I put some magic in it for my children....perhaps they will take some of that magic and put it out into the world when they are adults. Yes Valentine's Day is for lovers ... I choose to be a lover of Life anytime!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
always connected to the ones we love
They never leave us... grandparents, parents and loved ones.... they stay in our hearts and they watch over us. They may not be physically present but the part of them that connects us to them ...was never born and will never die.
If they could speak to us, they would ask us to be happy, to live our lives fully and never live in regret. They would tell us that they are ok now that they have gone back to their source. They would say that all the things they struggled with , on the earthly plane no longer matter in the bigger scheme of things and that they are fine with that.
" Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy" (eskimo proverb)
Dedicated to anyone who has lost a loved one
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