The quiet side of HKong

Quiet, serene, beautiful, breathtaking, i'm so so so so blessed to have experienced a wonderful enlightening and inspiring and energizing experience so far.

our 3 day himalayan meditative yoga practices were so so so still, timeless, peaceful, and beautiful. I think its just amazing that this subtle effect can be yet so powerful and sweet, something we can't see but just experience, absorb and allow it to be shared. the 3 teachers who shared about their stories, experience, and self realisations were charismatic and wise and glowed. i especially loved Ashutosh (Hatha Yoga teacher of Himalayan tradiation) and Dr Stoma (from Michigan) and Dr Adrish (quirky Aryuveda expert). Wonderful teachers. They carried this awesome essence of surrender and grace with every gesture, speech and thought. it was hard to break the silence we all had created in the small space.

i thought I experienced the kundalini energy whilst meditating(If it WAS really, I was told its not anything to worry about, just a good sign that I'm getting more aware bout my inner energy.) but it seems it was a similar energy felt by others during meditation practice on the full moon day - Autumn Festive night.

i'm also so blessed that i had met wonderful similar energy friend, Myriam who shared her space and family with me. Her husband, Terry is amazingly wise and intuitive. I never thought i would meet someone i feel similar in things and thoughts. So amazing. A couple of 10 years thats still so spontaneous, colorful, carefree, open and true. how wonderful to be around such joy.

Myriam and Terry's home / balcony overlooks a lake called Yellow Stone that comes in from the Sea. And there are many beautiful hazy mountains a far. We are situated at Sai Kung Peninsula, Tai Tan, near the Long Harbour. Sai Kung is famed for its national parks and water scapes. Tomorrow I get to explore the way back to HKong Central going thru all these scenic places.

I could hear rivers running passed us under the bridge as we drove in at night. And we went through much winding and low and high roads. night is embraced with mistyfying cool air. We are in a sorta like a remote remote place, half or mostly jungle like. I cannot wait to see how it all looks in the morning after.

I feel like i am in heaven once again. The last time i felt this happy was when i was in NZealand, when i felt like i was in paradise and that i felt at home in timelessness. My heart tears continuously with such beauty and peace and love, first, in the workshop with likeness in these beautiful souls and now, here i am surrounded by singing trees in nature.

Its amazing that I never planned to visit HKong and what a beautiful surprise I'm given. I just really want to be present to be in one with everything and be ready to receive all that I am to receive here and enjoy...

~ Hari Om Tat Sat ~

OCD

After watching some programs and books on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, i realised that i carry mild symptoms of it. 'No wonder my dad thinks i'm anal about cleanliness,' was my first reaction, because, i am.

No wonder i love to shower more than 5 times a day, the more the better and still looking fwd to more.

Here are some OCD compulsions i found listed on an org site for kids. The first 2 are the ones I can totally relate to.

* lots of hand washing or showering (doing this way more than usual or having a hard time stopping)
* arranging things in a very particular or neat way
* counting (like having to count 25 white cars before going into school)
* touching (like touching every single fence post between home and the bus stop)
* checking things over and over (such as doors, locks, or stoves)
* doing things a certain number of times (like having to try on five dresses before leaving your room)
* asking the same question over and over
* tying and retying shoes over and over until they feel just right

I recall I used to like touching everything i see, especially buttons...till adulthood BUT how ironic, i like touching it but yet i dont like it being dirty.
Now, the main habits i still carry is being eeky about door knobs, any doors, anything with finger print marks thats not mine nor my boyfriends, toilet seats, even monitor or TV screen where i can see finger prints, keybooard, any public transport support handles and walls/ windows (i worry about oily hair stains at the back of my seat too.) one last thing, I'm fussy about my food too.

When i realise all this, i now could understand why I have such a terrible time fitting in to 9 to 5 corporate style. No showering till i get home! Eating out always! using public toilet seats! Yucks. Oh no, i may have a harder time than expected changing my lifestyle into the working corporate hours again. oh dear oh dear.

http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/ocd.html

My Poems ~ friends

Ode to Kelvin
The quiet yet loud
The devoted yet defiant
The simple, yet not quite
The smart, yet questionable
Perhaps its some sort of balance!

Ode to Su
Su Su, she’ll play peek-a-boo with you
Su Su, jogs so fast alike running from poo
Su Su, she‘s cool, cos she does more than moo!
Su Su, she works hard, but plays harder too!
Su Su, she ain’t no fool! bioscience & events, everything also can do!
Su Su, she rules over voodoo!

For Su,
No matter what others say,
this is what i know for sure...

SuAnn
A fun blossoming woman on the outside
who is sometimes wise beyond her corny jokes

An easy-going gal on the outside
who has taught me to see beyond her jokes' chokes

Her true colours glows from inside
from her big heart, a million times of an artichoke's

Gracious, thankful and forgiving from inside,
Its no wonder friends are willingly doped!

Thank you for this shining beauty within you.

ROY

A boy who sees joy,
is a boy who makes toys
out of small or big rolls royce

A boy who spreads joy
is a boy who's name is Roy.

Elvis Style Song!

All my life I've searched for love this true
At last I think I've found it in u
Now that my sky is no longer blue
There's just a little sth i'm gonna sing

I'm gonna love u in the morning
I'm gonna love u in the evening too
I'm gonna love u, no matter rain or shine
I'm gonna love u, because you're mine oh mine,

I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah

I'm gonna please u in the morning
I'm gonna please u in the evening too
I'm gonna please u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna please, because you're mine oh mine

I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (love, love, love)
yeah

I'm gonna kiss u in the morning
I'm gonna kiss u in the evening too
I'm gonna kiss u, come rain or shine
I'm gonna kiss, because you're mine oh mine


I'm gonna love u, love u, love u, (in the morning and in the evening)
yeah

Books on sustainability

Books on Sustainability:
Cradle to Cradle,
William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Natural Capitalism,
Paul Hawken

Hidden Connections,
Fritjof Capra

7 Days of experiencing humble Bali

How I felt about Bali....well, what you're about to read, is from my lenses. Everybody experiences what they see differently. What I saw, is probably what I chose to see. But hope you enjoy seeing through my lenses! ; )

Here's my experience of humble Bali..

The Balinese didin't seem to prioriotise anything above the importance of devotion, to their spiritual practise, prayers and offerings. They ritually carry the thought of simple grace, sharing their manifestation and blessings amidst a days hard work to their tight knit commmunity. This was what I felt of their being. The happiness or serenity on some of their faces did come from within.

Although adorned with intricate colors in architecture, clothing, music, art, craftwork and ongoing feasts of festivals to celebrate the gift of life, I valued the other contrasting quiet side just the same, if not more. After the gongs have struck and made their peace, the serenity from its garden pools trickling with water elements combined with earth, the endless mountain ranges and temples, the powerful waterfalls, terraced paddy fields and mystical water palaces shines through and brings a renewed breath of life from within.

I am very blessed to have experienced the art of living in surrendering mode throughout my time there. This is a summary of my experience, in my presence, crossing the path of a beautiful legendary island with a mystical past and her present joy, combining the peaceful balance of nature in life. With the fear of bombings put behind me, I'm glad I made a trip to Bali. Her mystical air and unique beauty is totally worth it.

First things first
• Conversion rate is approximately USD 1 = SGD2 = 10,000 rupiah (rp)
• Tax & Service Charge in restaurants are 21%. Tipping is not compulsory but common due to tourist.
• In each family, the children are named according to a fix naming structure — Wayan (1st child) Made (2nd child), Nyoman (3rd child) & Ketut (4th child) & repeat if there's more kids.

Day 1 — 25th May, Thursday

Depart Singapore at 4.40pm, arrival at Denpasar airport at 7pm. Caught adventure movie Eight Below on a nice and clean SIA boeing. A must see movie for dog lovers. Stewards/ess are pleasant and well organized. I like SIA, perhaps due to my love for top standard hygiene!

Driven straight to our guest house accomodation at Sindhu Merta. Its situated in Jalan Danau Poso, in south of Sanur town, a very nice cosy clean and lovely guest house @ US30 p/night (275,000 rp/night) with a lovely small pool and garden side.

Its too late to plan anything, so we just explored the vicinity and found a K mart (alike 7-eleven there). Water is not safe to drink from tap. Bought 8 bottles of mineral water (2,500rp per) and 2 yummy Classic Walls ice-cream (7,000 rp) to tantalize our tastebud before we hit the sack.

Day 2 — Friday at Sanur

Breakfast at the pool side garden with simple toast/pancake and tea. Did some reading and planning, head out for early lunch at a cheap 24hrs nasi padang warung called Sari Bundo II — a steal at 12,000 rupiah for 2.

Just before that, signed in for our dive equipments prep. Then, spent all afternoon exploring north of Sanur by foot. Entered a couple of nice Balinese hotels with awesome traditional Balinese architecture and garden pools and did some comparison on the room rates for the fun of it, all this whilst going on my citrus fruit hunt! Hallelujah that we finally found some oranges and lime — as its the best remedy for my tummy cleansing ritual. ; ) Walked back via Sanur beach front. Although baron, they were really nice hotels or restaurants with beach front and swimming pools. Quite a few lady masseurs hounding us with their services along this stretch.

Dined at Abian Boga Bar & Restaurant, a decorated place with some Balinese ambience which came with 4 in 1 Legong dance performances. (comprises of Panyembrama Dance to welcome guests, Manuk Rawa Dance, a story representing 2 birds bathing, Baris Dance, a war dance to glorify the manhood of the triumphant Balinese warrior and lastly Oleg Tamulilingan, a dance depicting a flirtation act between a male and female bumblee bee.

The funniest thing happen here — Our menu was Pineapple Juice (12,000rp) Tomato Juice (13,000rp), Grilled Squid with water spinach (33,000rp), Ikan Pepes with local vegetable (29,000rp) and rice & Tom Ayam Siap Base (26,000rp) and kangkong (7,000rp). We asked to replace the rice with more vegetables. AND when all the dishes came, ALL the vegetables turned out to be kangkong, and not just that, they were ALL cooked in the SAME STYLE. So hilarious!

So beware of the local vegetables' being the same type. Although we gave a feedback so this mistake can be corrected on the menu but possibly most restaurants aren't aware of this. I've heard kangkong given the name 'Morning Glory' too in other places/countries.

Day 3 — First Dive Day, Saturday

All ready and prepared at 7.30am! Just a piece of pancake and tea, minimal breakfast to prepare for my tummy for it! Met everyone at Bali Scuba Dive operator just across the road. ; )

Took my seasick pill when I was in the van to the beach front. Hopped on a jet boat to head to Manta Point at Nusa Penida. We had 13 people on this new orange jet boat. Oh, and didn't feel too well already. Barfed out my pancake before the jet boat even took off for the 40 minute ride!!

Vomitted again at Manta Point before i put on my wet suit. Was offered another pill but dumb as I was, I insisted I took one already. There were 4 in our group, and 6 more in another group. Sanut and Tom was our dive master with 2 boat keepers. I had Tom all to myself cause I'm a novice unlike the rest for precaution reasons. ; )

Bonz was unlucky, her underwater camera box loaded up with water due to a leak. God bless her $900 Olympus camera!! Well, because of that, they came back up and went down with me and Tom.

Everyone following Sanut saw 2 Manta from a distance. And the rest of us — Bonz, Nan and I didn't. So so so so sad. ; (((

I barfed more water when I was underwater, and at the surface when we went back up again.

Dive was 30 minute only at 20 metre.

Everyone had lunch on board, I skipped my meal cause I was feeling too ill already. The food was good though (Indonesian vegetarian — tempeh, awesome spicy sambal, some fried stuff and hard boiled egg.) I had this the next day on land ; )

I still didn't feel so well, so I decided to skip the other 2 dives and had nice short naps ( I should've ate another pil darn itl!!)

The other divers saw colorful corals and fishes at Toyapakeh and experienced medium to strong surge dive at Ped Temple on the 3rd dive. They also experienced sudden cold and warm change in temperature. When the divers came afloat, I awoke from my dreamless state and couldnt wait to get off our rocking float. Barfed one more time!!

We hit shore at 4.30pm, docking outside the sea coastal area and saw a herd of fishermans fishing lined up in a big curve, standing at waist depth. Some were wearing motorbike helmets! From here, we were transfered to shallow waters via a smaller boat (we are spoiled!) and thereafter walked over seagrass over the very vast beach on low tide. Thomas and the gals saw a tiny jelly fish and puffer baby in the puddles here. ; )

Finally, off the salty beach, we decided to soak in the pool.

i was in quite a upset state because I thought I had no choice but to skip my next day dive since I'm feeling phobic toward seasickness. There was a strong resistance to do it all over again.

And I was in a space caught up over 2 things — that perhaps I'm not meant to dive at all, ever and felt bad because I broke my agreement with myself to do 2 full day dives. (Although now, i think its a silly thing.)

Night came and we treated ourselves to a lovely power nap whilst we waited for the gals to finish their 2 hour (which turned out to be 4) Nitrox class and exam. Dined at Warung Blanjong, 10 minutes from hotel. Menu was Nasi Campur Set, Chicken baked in Spices with rice, Mie Goreng & Bee Hoon Goreng. Chicken & Nasi Campur was better than Abian Boga. They give cooking lessons here! We were the only diners out of aproximately 10 tables.

Day 4 — 2nd Dive Day, Sunday

The rest left for the dive.

I stayed at the hotel. Had a full breakfast, did more reading on Lonely Planets version of Bali. And also borrowed Bonz book, 360Degrees Leaders.

At 4.30pm divers finally returned with stories of Manta at Manta Point and Mola-Mola at Crystal Bay!!!!

We promptly set out for a drive down south to catch the spectacular cliff-top temple at Pura Ulu Watu for its sunset view.

Monkeys here are wild and vicious! If tourists are not carefully hanging tight to their things, it'd be snatched. Tourists bags, necklace, spectacles and probably even cameras are all good targets! The local gate keepers help get it back at a nominal fee.

We head back up to Jimbaran beach for a very scrumptious seafood meal at Mersati. Here we see a long line of contrasting busy and quiet restaurants. The rich frequent the bigger restaurants and the medium sizes seems to have a harder time surviving during this lull period. Our restaurant was a few metres from where bali bombing happened at Four Seasons Beach front. Bombing really changed the tourism scene apparently.

The Mersati adrenalin junkie shop owner shared some of his own experiences and recommended Menjangan Wall dive as a must see. Menjangan is a Reserved Marine Park as it sits under the National Park vicinity in West Bali forests. We noticed that bali also offers white water rafting and bunjee jumping. I respect some of these entrepreneur spirit in the locals. They make the effort to improve their English language with the awareness that language is the gateway to the outside world. The bustling tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economy growth.

Time to unwind after a good meal and channel surf back at Sindhu. Amidst the dramatic TV shows and advert, managed to find Lord of the Rings on the local channel and did a crash reading to finish up my book till 4am. ; ) Tonight, news reported 3000 over victims on the Jogjakarta earth quake. God Bless their souls.

Day 5 — Central Mountains, Monday

The gals have 3 more dive days and Thomas and I begin our land trips.

9am, we start our 2 hour drive up through Ubud to see rice paddy field slopes, whizzing by the arts and crafts area by car. We were aiming to skip all shopping and go straight up to Gunung Batur (1717m) to see the volcanic cones, a double caldera and a crater lake called Lake Danau Batur. Further to its right, Gunung Agung sits on a whopping 3142m.

We lunched at the best view restuarant overseeing the Gunung Batur. Surprisingly, food was not so good for the buffet spread charged at 60,000 rp p/pax. The very hard-sell locals managed to pursuade me to buy a chopstick set with nice box carving at SGD11. I think they were really good at using a sympathetic begging tactic and I totally bought into it! Oh well, some giving never hurts.

We finally reach The Pura Tirta Empul at Tampaksiring, the holy beautiful water temple. It keeps a fresh flow of water pools and makes a sacred place where locals still visit to cleanse their mind, body and spirit. Entry fee was 6000 rp. (This is my favourite temple in this trip).

Pura Bratan was an interesting temple. To enter, we have to rent a sarong and scarf for Thomas. I brought my own. Savoured the peace and serene annd sweet air for awhile. I especially like how they tie a scarf around the tree they believe to be sacred. Bought 2 pieces of painting here and a sandal wood fan at SGD2. My driver said I should never buy at these touristy places and should've stopped at Ubud instead or I'll get ripped off.

Dozed off on our way back. Decided t o try a Spa Treatment package at US40 p/pax which we found the ginger tea far better than the massage! Thomas and I realised we are definitely not the soak and spa kind but we are the quick and hard acupressure type!

Day 6 Central Mountains — Danau Bratan (1860m to 2276m), Tuesday

We visited Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindhu-Buddhist temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. Pilgrimage and ceremonies are held here to ensure there is a supply of water for farmers all over Bali. This is a very memorable view. The perky Balinese holy rooftop compliments the salem high country fir trees in the backdrop of the wide and quiet lake. We did some macro shots on flowers where the well kept Botanical Garden decorates the landscape at the entrance of the Pura.

After that, it was a short ride up further north to Gitgit Waterfalls where we walked only 200m to reach. Entrance was 3000 rp/pax and we also decided to contribute to the tour guide with a 20,000++ fee and tip. I had a nice meditation session at the falls for 30 min plus.

Coming back down, met a German chap on a bike. I decided to to support the quiet shops and purchased some vanilla pod, 2 artwork with frame (20,000rp) and Bali Tea (10,000rp). We saw coffee fruit trees and some spice trees on the way to the falls around the foresty ravines. Bali exports spices and coffee. We had a young friendly waterfall guide, not that we needed one. Kinda feeling sorry for them during the lull period.

Short drive back to Sanur at Sindhu!! Ordered the cheapest nasi goreng (9000rp for 2).

We strolled out for night walk to see lovely stars at the south beach area in the deafening night. As we passed by a few perched up windmills sitting on high bamboo sticks, the noise began. We saw a three piece giant wind flute which made a sort of eerie melody standing tall at the beachside as well.

Day 7 Kuta's famed sunset, Wednesday

Changed plans from snorkelling at Nusa Dua to spending the afternoon visiting Museum Le Mayeur at north of Sanur instead.

The Museum is actually a house which Adrien Jean Le Mayeur, a painter, trained as an architect decorated with antique stone and wood carvings collected from across Bali. He painted mainly Ni Polok, a young and beautiful Legong dancer who he later married. He at 55 years and she at 15 years old. In his painting were pictures of lovely women dancing or bathing in the rustic ambience of Balinese artchitecture house or garden pools. Medium used were oil on matt grass, canvas and charcoal. He had a unique way of painting oil with pastel shades as well. Lovely lovely works. Entrance was 2000rp per pax.

Walked a long way back to our hotel and took a dip at the pool whilst waiting for gals to get ready for a night drive south and west, to Kuta for its famed sunset and to the Warung with a courtyard at Seminyak for dinner. My Thai salad was pretty good. The rest, Indonesian Flat noodles and Glass noodles were so-so. Burger and tea was good — Halia tea, Normal tea, Ice Lemon Tea. The courtyard was surrounded by other shops like Periplus (the only book shop i've seen so far) and other fashion brands. Interesting touristy crowd too.

Arriving back to Sindhu, everybody made a pact to catch sunrise the next day!! Yippee.

Day 8 Ubud & good massage, Thursday

Crash read to finish a book till 3am. but 4.30 I'm up! So, tried going back to bed till 5am. It was probably the tea which kept me up. We're all set at 5.15 for our morning walk out to the beach! It finally came at about 6am. Hidden behind the clouds, sunrise was pretty subtle as it was cloudy. It became windy later.

Breakfast first and then we head of to Ubud for a drive around. Walked around Ubud's Monkey Forest Rd to look for Jane's Place and picked out 1 yoga bag (2500rp) and 1 sling bag (3000rp), handsewn with Ikat material.

Found a must visit massage place called Ubud Bodyworks Centre. Traditional Balinese massage (90,000rp), Therapy Massage (100,000rp) was to die for!! The garden courtyard was heavenly and rooms were simple yet cosy and breezy. We all loved it. Ginger tea was great too. See www.ubudbodyworkscentre.com. Snapped quite a few pictures here.

Left for Kuta to find accomodation at the not so new Cottages. Settled in quickly so we could visit Fajar Restaurant for a nice cheap dinner. Fried tauhu, Asam Soup, Beef stir fry, Fuyung Hai, Vege, 1 coke, 1 pineapple juice, 2 Beers, all for just 80,000rp for 4!!!

Walked around in Kuta to soak in the night life at its main streets and had 1 hr of internet (200rp p/min) for pretty slow speed to end the day.

Day 9 Surfing morning in Kuta!

A new exciting day as we struck some morning luck with a surf shop called PALU!! After savouring our last Indonesian breakfast of fried noodles, we dressed up for our first dive crash course lesson.

Did some physical prep on sand first to familiarise how to position ourselves and then 1.5 hrs soaking in the morning sun and getting wet and trashed with waves. It was pretty wow! I realised I was pretty bad at coordinating my head turn and pedalling. I hope doing more sports will help with that!

We all had a very good lessonn. USD20 p/pax for surfing lessons. He was a good teacher.

Thomas and I rush back to catch our taxi to the airport. Bought an expensive keropok packet (USD3.50) for his mum to fry (which she handed to me to do!) and had a good lunch on board our non-pack SIA flight!

The End!

Recommended Books for me to read...

1. Believing Cassandra — Alan Atkisson
2. Tipping Point
3. Lmits to Growth
4. The Gaia Hypothesis — James Lovelock
5. Science, & The Search for God — Gary Kowalski
6. In Praise of Idleness — Bertrand Russell
7. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek -- by Annie Dillard
8. Teaching a Stone to Talk : Expeditions and Encounters -- by Annie Dillard
9. For the Time Being (Vintage) -- by Annie Dillard; Paperback


Buddha of Compassion — Jinhua Mountain Anhui Province China
Maitreya Buddha — Bodh Gaya, Bihar State India

Dipa Ma

I was passed this simple lovely book titled DiPa Ma, the life and legacy of a Buddhist Master, and when I started reading it, i couldnt put it down. In here, was a compiled story and experiences of people of this very loving enlightened being who had touched the lives of countless souls and apparently still doing so.

I was happy to have some affirmations aligned too when I read of this simple buddhist lady on not entertaining social events, visits and other gatherings that are not necessary. Its true for me that to find the peace that I seek, nothing else is needed, hence I don't enjoy it and don't want it. I used to think perhaps being non-socialble was a sign of selfishness, now i know more. Those of us who do a lot of self-work do need silent retreats and hence I question this no more.

Another lesson I learned this weekend was about Great Compassion. I tend to get myself in a frustrated situation because I hold people around me big enough to handle life and life's infinite powers. And, when people don't see it, I kept wanting to believe its because they are selling themselves short. Although I feel that by getting them to see the values of owning this infinite knowledge, that they could be a light itself for others, this could be a winwin, I still questioned whether I should or if it is my job at all. frustration sometimes occur for me when they choose not to see it and I knew feeling like this was amiss.

In an excerpt from the book, Dipa Ma said, anger is never justified. And the question i had hovering above me these few days about allowing myself to be frustrated due to my high expectation of others for their good, was answered. No matter what, I must unceasingly act out of compassion and loving kindness. Even if I know better. For everyone has their journey and takes their time to reach a certain level. I could hence embrace them when they are ready and bless them with prayers and blessings while awaiting them to arrive.

I learned so many things from her already. I have found my 3rd guru. She pierced right through my soul. What an awesome day I had. ; D

expert's advice on pre-marriage guidlines

Here's what my dad sent to me today!!

After 3-6 months friendship and when time to develope intimaticy is insight, must discuss and settle the following:

(1) Financial management of each other's money after marriage : amount to spend, to save, to spend on residence, including the extend of each other's say on family inherited/existing asset

(2) Each other's spending habit and amount to spend on what area. The amount each can spend his/her income and the limites

(3) Each other's duties and responsibilities running the family and house and share of work

(4) Managing and utilisation of each other's free time/days. Discuss and come to a compromise

(5) Each other's religion and extend of involvement

(6) Relatives influence on relationship and family and kids. Too much suggestions may spoil and influence relationship of husband and wife., esp on child care.

(7) Relationship between in-laws, their roles and ability to be in one big family actively and happily.

(8) Assume married, discuss on no. of kids, types of education and medium, the duty of care and each other's role on house chores each has to do.

(9) If one has bad habit, to what extend the other can tolerate. Do not hope to change him/her.

(10)Personal interest and hobby. If not same, what extend each can comprise to take part in each other's interest/hobby. Do not hope to change him, but try to involve or participate occasionally.

(11) Evaluate each other's social life and friends. If they have negative impact on the the relationship, do what extend one can give up the bad ones. If one willing to give up some days and activities, the other must replace his loss with something more meaningful that two can do together.

(12) Discuss on how each express love and care and how often, eg, sms, email, writing, actions, body contact and love making

(13) Ask on opinion over adultery and study his/her view and with that, plan what to do to prevent.

(14) Discuss on self-development programmes after marriage and plans on kids, money and place of stay and job etc

(15) open discussion on important aspects that could affect relationship, eg. in-law's plan to stay together, sickness, alergy and personal problems.

Guideline: ACTION BEFORE SUCCESS Bel Air

Socrates once said:

" Life without planning has no experience value. "

When you make your move, please feel your heart's deepest desire and let it mould the target of your goal.

Please complete this after discussion with your upline:

1. Write down your specific goals.

2. Find out the benefits you can enjoy in the process of attaining your goals.

3. Analyse your own situation.

4. Find out the risks you may have to encounter in order to achieve your goals.

5. Find out the possible obstacles and list them according to their priority.

6. Find out the sacrifices and things that you may need to forego in order to achieve your goals.

7. Find out what additional knowledge you need to acquire to accomplish your goals.

8. Find out what assistance you may need.

9. Generate an action plan.
(Set a deadline, according to priority, of your achievements and the number of people you have visited. )

10. Designate a deadline for your main goals.

11. Specify the rewards.


3. Product Background

a. Best of the best.
b. French National Standard product.
c. Multiple features and purposes in a single product.
d. The only product with a combination of health, elegance and aesthetics.
e. Product which is highly recyclable.
f. Users are from all walks of life, with no sectoral or market limits.

4. Education Background

The Lecturers' Group will design Leadership Programs which are suitable for people at different levels, with emphasis on practical education and training.

If we were to start our own business, would we have these conditions and standards?
If we were looking for a job, would we bypass a company with such a superior background and reputation?
If your answers are “no”, then Bel'Air is your RIGHT and ONLY choice.

AsiaWorks

Besides giving the best gift and investment to myself on how to be a leader for my own life, what did I learn?

Basic (Trainer: Ken Ito)
• To be aware of my choices, actions, judgments - which I've set up all of my life
• How I’ve been playing in my life and the lenses I put in front of me
• What and how it means to choose to take ownership of my life
• To truly forgive and accept me and others
• My hope for humanity came back because I could forgive. I learned that everyone is like me, not perfect and also hurt inside and sometimes they try although they don't succeed, and my courage to choose to open my heart again truly liberated me.
• That I self-criticize and I’m my only and biggest, critic
• Breaking my belief that I’m nobody
• Habitual words I feed my mind - like have to rather than choose to - self-empowerment
• knowing that I'm alright
Staffers: Miau Im Chng

Advanced (Trainer: Douglas Quah) 
• if I don't like what I see, I have the power, tools and ability to change that, so ASK what do I really want. if i'm not clear - keep asking.
• to be courageous to step out, allow my true colors to shine thru like a beautiful rainbow
• to fly and fly and just glow in the love I have to dance in, to show and share
• my contract - I am a beautiful, powerful, passionate, and courageous woman
• knowing, believing, doing, keeping at it - are different phases, require different commitments
• my best gift i can give to others is just to be me

Leadership
• my Trust issues — that which can hold me back in many things in my life
• Allowing people to be in my space - is a form of allowing and giving them love
• Results don't always speak of worth and value. Result is a number from how far the goal is yet to reach, but not a resolution. The intention is what matters.
• Breaking my beliefs of “impossible” — it's only a limitation I set in my mind.
• Teamwork and never giving up on my team
• The power of enrollment - the power of enrolling people into my dreams and vision is what makes one successful - i still lack interest and determination in this area.
• I'm not perfect and will still have my nerdiness - to celebrate that that's me too.
• There's a time to work, play and have balance - Spiritual, Health, Finance, Career, Relationship, Community - we can balance three simultaneously and make it a win-win.
• As a leader - a pyramid does not equate until we include something we can give back
• BE, DO, HAVE technique
• The Four Crucial Leadership Characteristics - Compelling Desire, Solid Belief, Effective Action, Iron Will
• Distinctions of the Leadership Program
100% is possible 100% of the time!
If it's to be it's up to me!
Life is an enrollment game!
Teamwork, team players being committed to a common vision!
My vision/ commitments/ promises dictate my action, not my feelings, assessments or evaluation!
I honor my words with my actions.


Power of Intimacy
• That I’ve been working like a broken recorder — I keep thinking I’m needing to be fixed.. probably lack of inner faith in oneself or lack perseverance and determination.
• reclaimed my power back - don't need acknowledgment from anyone cos I’m already being what I’m supposed to be. Be in one with my Self. The inner power.
• my purpose here - to share hope, love & beauty, also thru my art
• I really deeply appreciate everyone who gives their love and strength to me
• Don’t let others feedback get to me — it's just an opinion which i can choose to take or leave


~~~~~~~~~~
"The term Mastery descends from the Sanskrit word "Root Mah", meaning "greater" but a variation of the word evolved in medieval French "Maitre", meaning someone who was exceptionally proficient and skilled - a master of a craft.
Mastery, as we use the word today, reflects "Maitre". It means the capacity not only to produce results but also to master the principles underlying the way you produce results. If someone can produce great work only with constant struggle, we wouldn't call him or her successful. In Mastery, there is a sense of effortlessness and joyousness. It stems from your ability and willingness to understand and work with the forces around you.
Finally, personal mastery teaches us to choose. Choosing is a courageous act: picking the results and actions which you will make into your destiny."

Mastery
Creating at ease with 5 tools
• Communicating such that others get it
• Experience the experience
• Every moment is a new moment
• Willingness to be responsible
• What is the one thing that is important to me? - love, wellbeing.

Asia works: http://asiaworkstraining.com/

Staffing Basic with trainer: Gareth McIlroy

Intro to Yoga

The main purpose of yoga ultimately is to be in union with the Light within you where you can find infinite source of complete joy, peace, pure love, and bliss. They call this God, the healing light, and its within you.

Yoga practice is internal very much like Buddha and his moral teachings in his wisdoms. So, yoga is not a religion or religious (unlike religions which does rituals externally and calls God's name in vain).

Yogi's do not pray to a icon God or person or request us to beg from God. Its a way of living where we are aware and we choose constantly to walk with the beauty of God and in devotion to this awareness.

My story of why i go and how i found i found yoga:
Walking through life without being at peace due to my own imbalance of emotions or thoughts, its not easy to be happy. All tangible materials that are all around us do not last forever hence I wanted to find a true source continuos peace and happiness if they was any.

There are 4 main parts of The Paths of Yoga they say to bring you to this ultimate Union and source of infinite peace. And below is a breakdown of that,
and under the 4th path, the Raja Yoga, i've elaborated with what most good complete and balance yoga courses will teach.

Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga

Karma — the yoga of action, the the path for outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without gain or rewards. By detaching yrself from fruits of yr actions and offereing them to God, you learn to sublimate the ego.

Bhakti — is path of devotion, good for those emotional in nature. Motivated chiefly by the power of love and sees of as the embodiment of love. Thru prayer, he surrenders himself to being a channel to God to transmute his emotions into unconditional love or devotion.

Jnana Yoga— yoga of knowledge, wisdom, requires tremendous strength of will and intellect. Before practise of Jnana, lessons of other paths are integrated. Otherwise the search for self realization thru the mind can become mere idle speculation.

Raja Yoga — the path of physical and mental control. Comprehensive method for controlling waves of thought by turning our mental and phsycial energy into spiritual energy.

Compiled by The sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras Bible, the Eight limbs of Raja Yoga are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, leading the yogi to enlightnment. They are

1. Yama (Restrain) — divided into 5 moral injunctions aimed to clear the lower nature: non-violence, trusthfulness in word, thought and deed, non-stealing, meoderation inall things and non possessiveness.

2. Niyama (Observances) — divided into 5 qualities are purity, contentment, austerity (study of sacred text), and constantly living with an awareness of the Divine Presence.

3. Asanas — postures

4. Pranayama — regulation of breath, restraint of breath

5. Pratyahara — drawing the senses inwards inorder to still the mind in preparation of the next step:

6. Dharana — the act of concentration, act of holding, keeping the mind collected

7. Dhyana — meditation, contemplation, reflection, attention

8. Samadhi — englightnment or superconsciousness

My Poem ~ Innocence

This is a symbollic poem about purity and beauty of innocence.
It naturally coincided with the beauty of the lady portrayed in the life of Memoirs of a geisha too.

O how beautiful she dances.

She caresses what envelopes her,
conditions her, shapes her.

Innocence within her,
in her touch, smell, taste.

Purity, within her heart.
Beauty mirrored from calm water.

Reflections of a clear sky,
White in purity, blue in its essence.

Innocence, ignorance, impermenance
Flowing from seasons of joyful tears.

A touch, a scent, a thought of her beauty
an unceasing desire.

Her innocence untouched.
A delicate cheery blossom bud.

O' its like a drop of tear
that stands still forever.