We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
George Bernard Shaw
In an indian movie I saw recently, a villager leaves home for the first time to travel to the city of Bombay. When he returns, his family and friends crowd around him, asking what it was like in the big city. His laconic reply sums up our era: "Such tall buildlings ... and such small people."
If we were asked to give an accounting of our society's achievements, we could claim many great technological developments and scientific discoveries, plenty of skycrappers, and the amasement of huge sums of money, but few truly secure, truly wise, truly great men and women. It is not for lack of ability of energy, though; it is because we lack a noble goal.
To grow to our full height, we need to be challenged with tasks that draw out our deeper resources, the talents and capacities we did not know we had. We need to be faced with obstacles that cannot be surmounted unless we summon up our daring and creativity. This kind of challenge is familiar to any great athlete or scientist or artist. No worthwhile accomplishment comes easily.
Taken from A Daily Guide to Leading an Exceptional Life, Words to Live By by Eknath Easwaran
Sep 12, 2008
If not now, when?
If I am not for me, who will be?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when?
~ Rabbi Hillel
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when?
~ Rabbi Hillel
Aug 14, 2008
Declutter Your Finances! tips
Step 1. Envision the Life You Want
Step 2: Look at the True Cost of Your Debt
Step 3: Explore Your Limits
Step 4: Assess Your Spending Habits
Step 5: Discuss Necessities vs. Luxuries
Step 6: Consider Your Happiness Quotient
Step 7: Create Space for What Really Matters
Step 8: Make It Real
courtesy of oprah.com - peter walsh
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahandfriends/pwalsh/20081010_oaf_pwalsh_101
Step 2: Look at the True Cost of Your Debt
Step 3: Explore Your Limits
Step 4: Assess Your Spending Habits
Step 5: Discuss Necessities vs. Luxuries
Step 6: Consider Your Happiness Quotient
Step 7: Create Space for What Really Matters
Step 8: Make It Real
courtesy of oprah.com - peter walsh
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahandfriends/pwalsh/20081010_oaf_pwalsh_101
Jun 22, 2008
Celebrating Silence with HHSSS
~ compilation of talks by His Holiness Sri Sri Shankar
Celebrate while you are alone and celebrate when you are with people. Celebrate silence and celebrate noise. Celebrate life and celebrate death ~ New Delhi, March 13 1997
SENSES - HABITS - VICES
The senses are like fire. Your life is like fire. Some fires pollute and others purify. The same fire that supports life in winter also destroys. If your senses are engaged in goodness, you will create light and fragrance. It is samyama that transforms the quality of fire in you. ~ Montreal Ashram, July 24, 1995
Life wants to be fre and when a soul does not know how to be free, it wanders through lifetimes desiring freedom. The way to break habits is through vows. Rise above habits through samyama. All those habits that bother you, that bring you pain – bind them in vows, in samyama. A vow should be time bound, and the time and place for making the vow should be considered. ~ Brookfield, Connecticut, July 30, 1995
Your inability to break a habit causes a pinch and when you are deeply pained by something, the pain will rid you of that habit. If you are pained by your shortcomings, then you are a sadhak - a seeker. Pain takes you out of addiction. ~ LA, Jan 30, 1997
If you cannot eliminate vices, magnify them. Give them a bigger dimension and a different direction. Be averse to aversions. Attach yourself to the guru. Get intoxicated with the Divine. ~ Rishikesh, April 3 1997
DESIRES
Desires for sensory pleasures are electric in nature and these desires get neutralized as they move towards the object of your senses. They are nothing but energy and you are the source of it - the pure electricity. Dedication and devotion maintain the purity of your electricity, moving you upward. Once you realize that you are pleasure or electricity, your craving subsides and serenity dawns. ~ Milano, Italy, Jan 7, 1998
Desire kills joy yet the goal of all desires is joy. Yet all that we desire is happiness. The conclusion "My desires have killed my happiness." ~ Bangalore, April 26, 2000
Have you thought about the nature of desire? It simply means tomorrow, and not now. But joy is never tomorrow, it is always now. That is why desire is maya - illusion. ~ Banagalore, March 6, 1996
A desire arises with the memory of a pleasant experience or with past impression. It might also arise through listening. Desire can be triggered through association with people and places. Someone else's desire may manifest in you as your own. When someone is hungry, you might have a desire to feed them. Desnity, may trigger a desire but you will not be aware of the reason for your actions. ~ Dharamshala, April 6, 2000
Desire arise on their own. When they come, if you say that you do not want any desires, then that want becomes another desire. On the journey of life, you have to keep submitting your desires and not hold onto them. As you keep submitting your desires, fewer desires arise. Unfortunate are those who keep on desiring yet their desires are not fulfilled. A little more fortunate are those whose desires get fulfilled over a long period of time. More fortunate are those whose desires get fulfilled as soon as they arise. The most fortunate are those who have no desires because there is fulfillment even before the desire arises. ~ Swargashram, Rishikesh, March 20, 1996
Buddha said that desire is the cause of all misery. If desire does not get fulfilled, it leads to frustration. If it does, it leaves you empty. Vasishta says desire is the cause of pleasure. You get pleasure from an object or a person only when you desire them. Whatever gives you pleasure binds you and bondage is misery. WHEN YOU DESIRE TRUTH, all other desires drop off. Desire for truth removes all other desires; then it dissolves and what remains is bliss. ~ Denpasar, Bali, May 11, 2000
Your desires and sankalpas - or intentions - separate you from God. Offer all your desires and all your sankalpas to the Divine. Then you are divine. You are God. You are free - lacking nothing. ~ Bangalore, Oct 16, 1996
Pleasure and pain are intense sensations in this body. All your misery surrounds the 'I, I, I...'. Just let go. Remember - the sun rises and sets, the moon shines and I am here forever. ~ Bad Antogast, Germany, May 14, 1997
ATTACHMENTS
Often people fail to see the spirit behind the attraction, and merely hold onto the outer shell. And the moment you try to possess the shell, you will be left with an empty shell in your hands and tears in your eyes. Krishna means the most attractive. He is the divinity, the energy that attracts everything to it. The mind moves towards beauty, joy and truth. Krishna tells Arjuna, "I am the beauty in the Beautiful, the strength in the Strong, the wisdom in the Wise." In this way he arrests the mind from moving away from him. ~ Rotterdam, Netherlands, Aug 16,195
Attachments cause feverish breath. Feverish breath takes away your peace of mind. Rid it through surrender and sadhana - spiritual practices. When you are drowning in the ocean of attachments, surrender is a life jacket. Without fighting attachments, observe your feverish breath and go to the cool place of silence within. our first step in this direction is directing your attachment to knowledge, to the Divine. Your non-attachment to the mundane is your charm. Your attachment to the Divine is your beauty. ~ Sydney, April 3, 1996
CONFUSION
Decision comes only when there is confusion. When there is no confusion, there is no decision. If there is a piece of wood and a biscuit on your desk, do you decide which one to eat?
A decision is always about choice and choice is confusing. So, all decision makers are confused. Are you confused, decided or happy? When you are confused there is no freedom.
Action is spontaneous when there is no actor. In you, there is an actor and there is a witness. An actor is either confused or decisive, but the witness smiles and realized that the action is spontenous.
The more decisions you make, the more confused you are, and as a result you swing between pain and pleasure. The more the witness grows in you, the more playful and untouched you are. Trust, faith, love and joy all manifest in and around you. ~ Hamburg, April 29, 1998.
DOUBT
Doubt cannot come when there is a sense of closeness. Doubt needs distance to appear. You never doubt something that is dear to you, close to you. The moment you doubt something, it is no longer dear to you, a distance has come. You may doubt yourself, but you do not doubt that which is yours. Self-doubt is a lack of closeness to oneself. Belonging, closeness and intimacy are all antidotes for doubt.
~ Rishikesh, March 11, 1999
Doubt is a gray area. Gray is neither black or white. Doubt means you want to get rid of something. It is a temporary state. It is neither up nor down and that is where tension arises.
So how do you eliminate doubt? An event, knowledge or conventional wisdom cannot help. What can help"? Accept what you doubt as either black or white. Make it black and accept it or make it white and accept that, regardless of wheter is it black or white or something in between. See the gray as just a shade of black or white. Either way, you accept it. Honest or dishonest - accept it. Then the mind is quiet and you are no longer in the gray area. ~ Montreal, July 20, 1995
Celebrate while you are alone and celebrate when you are with people. Celebrate silence and celebrate noise. Celebrate life and celebrate death ~ New Delhi, March 13 1997
SENSES - HABITS - VICES
The senses are like fire. Your life is like fire. Some fires pollute and others purify. The same fire that supports life in winter also destroys. If your senses are engaged in goodness, you will create light and fragrance. It is samyama that transforms the quality of fire in you. ~ Montreal Ashram, July 24, 1995
Life wants to be fre and when a soul does not know how to be free, it wanders through lifetimes desiring freedom. The way to break habits is through vows. Rise above habits through samyama. All those habits that bother you, that bring you pain – bind them in vows, in samyama. A vow should be time bound, and the time and place for making the vow should be considered. ~ Brookfield, Connecticut, July 30, 1995
Your inability to break a habit causes a pinch and when you are deeply pained by something, the pain will rid you of that habit. If you are pained by your shortcomings, then you are a sadhak - a seeker. Pain takes you out of addiction. ~ LA, Jan 30, 1997
If you cannot eliminate vices, magnify them. Give them a bigger dimension and a different direction. Be averse to aversions. Attach yourself to the guru. Get intoxicated with the Divine. ~ Rishikesh, April 3 1997
DESIRES
Desires for sensory pleasures are electric in nature and these desires get neutralized as they move towards the object of your senses. They are nothing but energy and you are the source of it - the pure electricity. Dedication and devotion maintain the purity of your electricity, moving you upward. Once you realize that you are pleasure or electricity, your craving subsides and serenity dawns. ~ Milano, Italy, Jan 7, 1998
Desire kills joy yet the goal of all desires is joy. Yet all that we desire is happiness. The conclusion "My desires have killed my happiness." ~ Bangalore, April 26, 2000
Have you thought about the nature of desire? It simply means tomorrow, and not now. But joy is never tomorrow, it is always now. That is why desire is maya - illusion. ~ Banagalore, March 6, 1996
A desire arises with the memory of a pleasant experience or with past impression. It might also arise through listening. Desire can be triggered through association with people and places. Someone else's desire may manifest in you as your own. When someone is hungry, you might have a desire to feed them. Desnity, may trigger a desire but you will not be aware of the reason for your actions. ~ Dharamshala, April 6, 2000
Desire arise on their own. When they come, if you say that you do not want any desires, then that want becomes another desire. On the journey of life, you have to keep submitting your desires and not hold onto them. As you keep submitting your desires, fewer desires arise. Unfortunate are those who keep on desiring yet their desires are not fulfilled. A little more fortunate are those whose desires get fulfilled over a long period of time. More fortunate are those whose desires get fulfilled as soon as they arise. The most fortunate are those who have no desires because there is fulfillment even before the desire arises. ~ Swargashram, Rishikesh, March 20, 1996
Buddha said that desire is the cause of all misery. If desire does not get fulfilled, it leads to frustration. If it does, it leaves you empty. Vasishta says desire is the cause of pleasure. You get pleasure from an object or a person only when you desire them. Whatever gives you pleasure binds you and bondage is misery. WHEN YOU DESIRE TRUTH, all other desires drop off. Desire for truth removes all other desires; then it dissolves and what remains is bliss. ~ Denpasar, Bali, May 11, 2000
Your desires and sankalpas - or intentions - separate you from God. Offer all your desires and all your sankalpas to the Divine. Then you are divine. You are God. You are free - lacking nothing. ~ Bangalore, Oct 16, 1996
Pleasure and pain are intense sensations in this body. All your misery surrounds the 'I, I, I...'. Just let go. Remember - the sun rises and sets, the moon shines and I am here forever. ~ Bad Antogast, Germany, May 14, 1997
ATTACHMENTS
Often people fail to see the spirit behind the attraction, and merely hold onto the outer shell. And the moment you try to possess the shell, you will be left with an empty shell in your hands and tears in your eyes. Krishna means the most attractive. He is the divinity, the energy that attracts everything to it. The mind moves towards beauty, joy and truth. Krishna tells Arjuna, "I am the beauty in the Beautiful, the strength in the Strong, the wisdom in the Wise." In this way he arrests the mind from moving away from him. ~ Rotterdam, Netherlands, Aug 16,195
Attachments cause feverish breath. Feverish breath takes away your peace of mind. Rid it through surrender and sadhana - spiritual practices. When you are drowning in the ocean of attachments, surrender is a life jacket. Without fighting attachments, observe your feverish breath and go to the cool place of silence within. our first step in this direction is directing your attachment to knowledge, to the Divine. Your non-attachment to the mundane is your charm. Your attachment to the Divine is your beauty. ~ Sydney, April 3, 1996
CONFUSION
Decision comes only when there is confusion. When there is no confusion, there is no decision. If there is a piece of wood and a biscuit on your desk, do you decide which one to eat?
A decision is always about choice and choice is confusing. So, all decision makers are confused. Are you confused, decided or happy? When you are confused there is no freedom.
Action is spontaneous when there is no actor. In you, there is an actor and there is a witness. An actor is either confused or decisive, but the witness smiles and realized that the action is spontenous.
The more decisions you make, the more confused you are, and as a result you swing between pain and pleasure. The more the witness grows in you, the more playful and untouched you are. Trust, faith, love and joy all manifest in and around you. ~ Hamburg, April 29, 1998.
DOUBT
Doubt cannot come when there is a sense of closeness. Doubt needs distance to appear. You never doubt something that is dear to you, close to you. The moment you doubt something, it is no longer dear to you, a distance has come. You may doubt yourself, but you do not doubt that which is yours. Self-doubt is a lack of closeness to oneself. Belonging, closeness and intimacy are all antidotes for doubt.
~ Rishikesh, March 11, 1999
Doubt is a gray area. Gray is neither black or white. Doubt means you want to get rid of something. It is a temporary state. It is neither up nor down and that is where tension arises.
So how do you eliminate doubt? An event, knowledge or conventional wisdom cannot help. What can help"? Accept what you doubt as either black or white. Make it black and accept it or make it white and accept that, regardless of wheter is it black or white or something in between. See the gray as just a shade of black or white. Either way, you accept it. Honest or dishonest - accept it. Then the mind is quiet and you are no longer in the gray area. ~ Montreal, July 20, 1995
Sep 24, 2007
My poem ~ to Spirit of Yoga's beautiful music
Intoxicating beauty to the heart and soul,
it creeps like mist in a field of snow.
The haunting ethereal sounds,
strums like a river
like tears in my heart
in joy,
in peace,
and in sorrow.
A deep sense of a familiar homeland,
A depth so deep, a million lives that lived.
All this is, but resonance of Everything in all.
Oh how blissful when she strums and she sings.
Oh, how beautiful it is, when she dances with us.
Oh how beautiful it is when we weep with her.
and hereforth we share this everlasting essence of our earth.
The everflowing, the essence of peace. Recharged, renew, revisited
once more.
it creeps like mist in a field of snow.
The haunting ethereal sounds,
strums like a river
like tears in my heart
in joy,
in peace,
and in sorrow.
A deep sense of a familiar homeland,
A depth so deep, a million lives that lived.
All this is, but resonance of Everything in all.
Oh how blissful when she strums and she sings.
Oh, how beautiful it is, when she dances with us.
Oh how beautiful it is when we weep with her.
and hereforth we share this everlasting essence of our earth.
The everflowing, the essence of peace. Recharged, renew, revisited
once more.
Jul 17, 2007
The famous 10 Actors Studio's Questions
1. What is your favorite word?
2. What is your least favorite word?
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
4. What turns you off?
5. What is your favorite curse word?
6. What sound or noise do you love?
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
here's my list ;) whats yours?
1. love
2. kill
3. divine love & nature (grace, reverence, selflessness, compassion etc) & sensitive observers
4. whiners
5. HOLY 'anything'
6. total deep silence
7. mental noise
8. philanthropist with entrepreneur skills
9. the one who orders to kill
10. love has arrived.
2. What is your least favorite word?
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
4. What turns you off?
5. What is your favorite curse word?
6. What sound or noise do you love?
7. What sound or noise do you hate?
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
9. What profession would you not like to do?
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
here's my list ;) whats yours?
1. love
2. kill
3. divine love & nature (grace, reverence, selflessness, compassion etc) & sensitive observers
4. whiners
5. HOLY 'anything'
6. total deep silence
7. mental noise
8. philanthropist with entrepreneur skills
9. the one who orders to kill
10. love has arrived.
Jul 12, 2007
little things in life...
...makes a big difference
magnetic smiles
lovely memories
kind gestures
hot coffee & tea
animated conversations
a friend who listens and shares
someone who truly cheers me up
magnetic smiles
lovely memories
kind gestures
hot coffee & tea
animated conversations
a friend who listens and shares
someone who truly cheers me up
Jul 1, 2007
Loosing myself
"Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions?
Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no
hope of finding ourselves." -- Henry Miller
"The impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances
may be necessary for our happiness." -- Gertrude Atherton
We were born to shine! Andrea Bocelli!
"Let me arise and open the gate, To breathe the wild warm air...." --
Violet Fane
Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no
hope of finding ourselves." -- Henry Miller
"The impulses that make a fool or worse of us in certain circumstances
may be necessary for our happiness." -- Gertrude Atherton
We were born to shine! Andrea Bocelli!
"Let me arise and open the gate, To breathe the wild warm air...." --
Violet Fane
Jun 26, 2007
My Poem - Symphony in the Sky
Last night at Fort Canning Hill,
I lay on someones sarong throw.
Over the prickly grass,
stretching feet wide,
hands by my side.
My ears perks wistfully,
To melancholy tunes,
Unplugged, with vocalists in duets,
audiences abreast.
I lay face up watching the sky
And this is what I see ...
A wonderful glimpse it was,
Of a yearned craving met,
of a merged oneness,
with the night sky above.
Darkness has fallen but
Sky looks daylight blue,
Stars’ abundant,
winking back at me.
Air high high above,
Fresh, clear and crisp.
White Clouds floating by,
in different shapes and sizes,
In very slow motion,
waving and chuckling at me.
In different layers,
sequenced unplanned,
unfazed by each other's
type of dance.
Floating by like a symphony,
orchestrated beautifully
in this very musical night.
Yet in this sequence,
There is a special quietness
A stillness in his gaze.
A stillnes in her gestures.
In this stillness
Lies a peaceful grace,
In this thoughtless moment,
lies complete silence.
O’ Blue Sky, O’ White Clouds, O’ Starry Night,
My symphony in the sky.
In this stillness, in this silence,
How I fell in love with thee.
I lay on someones sarong throw.
Over the prickly grass,
stretching feet wide,
hands by my side.
My ears perks wistfully,
To melancholy tunes,
Unplugged, with vocalists in duets,
audiences abreast.
I lay face up watching the sky
And this is what I see ...
A wonderful glimpse it was,
Of a yearned craving met,
of a merged oneness,
with the night sky above.
Darkness has fallen but
Sky looks daylight blue,
Stars’ abundant,
winking back at me.
Air high high above,
Fresh, clear and crisp.
White Clouds floating by,
in different shapes and sizes,
In very slow motion,
waving and chuckling at me.
In different layers,
sequenced unplanned,
unfazed by each other's
type of dance.
Floating by like a symphony,
orchestrated beautifully
in this very musical night.
Yet in this sequence,
There is a special quietness
A stillness in his gaze.
A stillnes in her gestures.
In this stillness
Lies a peaceful grace,
In this thoughtless moment,
lies complete silence.
O’ Blue Sky, O’ White Clouds, O’ Starry Night,
My symphony in the sky.
In this stillness, in this silence,
How I fell in love with thee.
Jun 19, 2007
Maya Angelou
Sharing another inspiration to me..
Maya Angelou, shares some thoughts about the important virtue of courage, growing into the seventies and defining our principles.
Oprah and Maya AngelouListen in on Oprah's one-on-one conversation with Maya Angelou in link below.
She is hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author and an actress. She has moved generations with her talent and passion for social change and is recognized around the world as a leading civil rights activist.
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/omag_200012_maya.jhtml
Maya Angelou, shares some thoughts about the important virtue of courage, growing into the seventies and defining our principles.
Oprah and Maya AngelouListen in on Oprah's one-on-one conversation with Maya Angelou in link below.
She is hailed as a remarkable Renaissance woman, a beloved poet and best-selling author and an actress. She has moved generations with her talent and passion for social change and is recognized around the world as a leading civil rights activist.
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/omag_200012_maya.jhtml
Awesome Songs/Artists
MICHAEL JACKSON - Earth Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rch7ey-v7ks
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
The That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
INDIA.ARIE
Hear: I am not my Hair Remix Feat. Akon, Little Things, God is Real
http://www.indiaarie.com/ (under Media)
Lyrics: http://www.treehouse.cz/india/lyrics/
Julia Fordham
Hear: Love moves in mysterious ways
http://www.juliafordham.com/looklistenbuy.php
MY other favs:
Ben Leinbach - The Spirit of Yoga
Sting
Seal
Andrea Bocelli
Queen
Movies in my books:
Splash
Phenomenon
Always
Big Blue
I dreamed of Africa
Motorcylce Diaries
5th Element
Girl on the Bridge (Fille sur le pont, La)
Powder
Shawshank Redemption
Million Dollar Baby
Elephant Man
My Left Foot
Le Papillon
Braveheeart
Schindlers List
A Beautiful Mind
Lord of the Rings
Wedding CRashes **
THe Pianist
The World's Fastest Indian
Ocean's 11/12
City of Joy
The Last Samurai
The Untouchables
The Notebook
Shine
Letters from Iwo Jima
Too Hot to Handle
Forest Gump
Babel
Once Upon a Time in CHina series
Hero
etc etc etc
and all others with Richard Gere of course
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rch7ey-v7ks
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain.. .
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
The That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores?
What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores
Aaaaaaaaaaah
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far
INDIA.ARIE
Hear: I am not my Hair Remix Feat. Akon, Little Things, God is Real
http://www.indiaarie.com/ (under Media)
Lyrics: http://www.treehouse.cz/india/lyrics/
Julia Fordham
Hear: Love moves in mysterious ways
http://www.juliafordham.com/looklistenbuy.php
MY other favs:
Ben Leinbach - The Spirit of Yoga
Sting
Seal
Andrea Bocelli
Queen
Movies in my books:
Splash
Phenomenon
Always
Big Blue
I dreamed of Africa
Motorcylce Diaries
5th Element
Girl on the Bridge (Fille sur le pont, La)
Powder
Shawshank Redemption
Million Dollar Baby
Elephant Man
My Left Foot
Le Papillon
Braveheeart
Schindlers List
A Beautiful Mind
Lord of the Rings
Wedding CRashes **
THe Pianist
The World's Fastest Indian
Ocean's 11/12
City of Joy
The Last Samurai
The Untouchables
The Notebook
Shine
Letters from Iwo Jima
Too Hot to Handle
Forest Gump
Babel
Once Upon a Time in CHina series
Hero
etc etc etc
and all others with Richard Gere of course
Remembering Your Spirit
The Nurture of Nature
"My spirit is honored when I think of my connectedness to the Universe."
Sidney Poitier
When Sidney Poitier remembers his spirit, his mind wanders back to the Bahamas where he grew up..
"The sounds that came to me as a boy were sounds of the environment, the sounds of insects, the sounds of water against the shore," Sidney says of walking the beach for hours by himself. "There was a purity. There was a closeness to nature. I know that it was a most powerful influence on the rest of my life."
Sidney honors his spirit when he thinks of the core values his parents instilled in him as he grew up. "My father didn't define himself by material things. He loved us. And he cared for us. And he talked to us. And he nurtured us. My mother's spirit is always around me. Always there, guiding me almost. I first felt that sense on Cat Island. I never lost that."
The virtues of simplicity and the values he learned from his parents have kept him connected to the powerful inner spirit that continues to guide him.
"I feel that I am a part of everything. I am a part of nature."
"My spirit is honored when I think of my connectedness to the Universe."
Sidney Poitier
When Sidney Poitier remembers his spirit, his mind wanders back to the Bahamas where he grew up..
"The sounds that came to me as a boy were sounds of the environment, the sounds of insects, the sounds of water against the shore," Sidney says of walking the beach for hours by himself. "There was a purity. There was a closeness to nature. I know that it was a most powerful influence on the rest of my life."
Sidney honors his spirit when he thinks of the core values his parents instilled in him as he grew up. "My father didn't define himself by material things. He loved us. And he cared for us. And he talked to us. And he nurtured us. My mother's spirit is always around me. Always there, guiding me almost. I first felt that sense on Cat Island. I never lost that."
The virtues of simplicity and the values he learned from his parents have kept him connected to the powerful inner spirit that continues to guide him.
"I feel that I am a part of everything. I am a part of nature."
Jun 9, 2007
AUM
Aum (also Om, Devanagari, Chinese: 唵) is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Dharmic religions. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or previously to any prayer or mantra. The Mandukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the explanation of the syllable.
Origin, name and written symbols
With preceding a or ā, the o of om in Sanskrit grammar in sandhi (Sanskrit: संधि, "joining") does not form vriddhi (au) but guna (o) per Pāṇini 6.1.95.
The Sanskrit name for the syllable is praṇava, from a root nu "to shout, sound, praise", verbal pra-nu- being attested as "to make a humming or droning sound" in the Brahmanas, and taking the specific meaning of "to utter the syllable om" in the Chandogya Upanishad and the Shrauta Sutras. More rarely used terms are akṣara or ekākṣara, and in later times omkāra becomes prevalent.
The Aum symbol is a ligature of Devanagari ओ+ँ (oṃ, encoded in Unicode at U+0950 ॐ, the Tibetan script variant ༀ at U+0F00, and the Chinese 唵 at U+5535 or 吽 at U+543D) it is said to represent the vibration of the universe.
In Hinduism
is first described as all-encompassing mystical entity in the Upanishads. Today, in all Hindu art and all over India and Nepal, 'Aum' can be seen virtually everywhere, a standard sign[citation needed] for Hinduism and its philosophy and mythology.
Upanishads and Sutra literature
Further information: Mandukya Upanishad
The syllable is mentioned in all the Upanishads, specially elaborated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads. set forth as the object of profound religious meditation, the highest spiritual efficacy being attributed not only to the whole word but also to the three sounds a (a-kāra), u (u-kāra), m (ma-kāra), of which it consists.
The Katha Upanishad has:
"The goal, which all Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which humans desire when they live a life of continence, I will tell you briefly it is Aum"
"The one syllable [evākṣara, viz. Aum] is indeed Brahma. This one syllable is the highest. Whosoever knows this one syllable obtains all that he desires.
"This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." (1.2.15-17)[1]
The Chandogya Upanishad (1.1.1-1) states:
om ity etad akṣaram udgītham upāsīta / om iti hy udgāyati / tasyopavyākhyānam
"The udgitha ["the chanting", that is, the syllable om] is the best of all essences, the highest, deserving the highest place, the eighth."
The Bhagavad Gita (8.13) has:
Uttering the monosyllable Aum, the eternal world of Brahman, One who departs leaving the body (at death), he attains the superior goal.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states in verse (1:27):
"tasya vacakah pranavah" which translates as, "God's voice is Aum."
In the following sutra it emphasizes, "The repetition of Om should be made with an understanding of its meaning".
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aum
Om Mani Padme Hum
"Hail the Jewel in the Lotus"
Here's His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's definition
"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast... The first, Om [...] symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"
"The path is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method-the altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love.[...]"
"The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom[...]"
"Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable hum, which indicates indivisibility[...]"
"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"
-- H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, "Om Mani Padme Hum"
Jun 3, 2007
Symphony in the sky
Last night as i lay down on sarong on the grass, strecthing out my feet, with my hands on my side, to enjoy the unplugged performances of some vocal artists, i found a peaceful thoughtless moment, high up above.
Just a glimpse of this: it's like a merge of oneness with the night blue sky above me. Although darkness has fallen, Sky almost looks daylight blue, so clear and clean the air above. Momentarily covering it is White Clouds. In many shapes and sizes, of many types and formations, White Clouds float by in very slow motion. They are waving, smiling. They are playing and laughing.
They are enjoying, happy.
Everything was Still. Although White Clouds floating by. Still in his gaze. Still in her gestures.
In different layers, sequenced unplanned, yet remaining unfazed by each other's type of dance. They float by like a symphony orchestrated in a beautiful starry night.
How i fell in love with thee.
O' Blue Sky, O' White Clouds, O' Starry Lights,
How I fell in love with thee.
Just a glimpse of this: it's like a merge of oneness with the night blue sky above me. Although darkness has fallen, Sky almost looks daylight blue, so clear and clean the air above. Momentarily covering it is White Clouds. In many shapes and sizes, of many types and formations, White Clouds float by in very slow motion. They are waving, smiling. They are playing and laughing.
They are enjoying, happy.
Everything was Still. Although White Clouds floating by. Still in his gaze. Still in her gestures.
In different layers, sequenced unplanned, yet remaining unfazed by each other's type of dance. They float by like a symphony orchestrated in a beautiful starry night.
How i fell in love with thee.
O' Blue Sky, O' White Clouds, O' Starry Lights,
How I fell in love with thee.
Apr 20, 2007
Eknath Easwaran
I was given a book Words To Live By from my doted bro in 2007.
Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is known as a spiritual teacher and the author of books on meditation and how to lead a fulfilling life, as well as a translator and interpreter of Indian literature.
In 1961 Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation ( http://www.easwaran.org/ ), Passage Meditation and Nilgiri Press, based in northern California. Nilgiri Press publishes over two dozen books he authored. The centre is represented by a simple beautiful logo, and located at what it seems - beautiful california, hopefully one day i get to visit!
Words to Live By has a quote & sharing. Below, two excerpts by Easwaran:
Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Joy of attaining perfect concentration and attention
To give full attention to whatever we are doing isn't easy when we have a job we dislike, or must work with people who are difficult. Then our attention wanders like a child's - looking at this glass for a moment, then at this table, then out the window. If we could attend a little more to the work, even when we dislike it, it would become quite interesting. When we can give it our full attention, anything becomes interesting. And anything, when we do not give it our full attention, becomes uninteresting.
We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
George Bernard Shaw
In an indian movie I saw recently, a villager leaves home for the first time to travel to the city of Bombay. When he returns, his family and friends crowd around him, asking what it was like in the big city. His laconic reply sums up our era: "Such tall buildlings ... and such small people."
If we were asked to give an accounting of our society's achievements, we could claim many great technological developments and scientific discoveries, plenty of skycrappers, and the amasement of huge sums of money, but few truly secure, truly wise, truly great men and women. It is not for lack of ability of energy, though; it is because we lack a noble goal.
To grow to our full height, we need to be challenged with tasks that draw out our deeper resources, the talents and capacities we did not know we had. We need to be faced with obstacles that cannot be surmounted unless we summon up our daring and creativity. This kind of challenge is familiar to any great athlete or scientist or artist. No worthwhile accomplishment comes easily.
-------
“By virtue of being human, each of us has the capacity to choose, to change, to grow.”
EKNATH EASWARAN
Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is known as a spiritual teacher and the author of books on meditation and how to lead a fulfilling life, as well as a translator and interpreter of Indian literature.
In 1961 Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation ( http://www.easwaran.org/ ), Passage Meditation and Nilgiri Press, based in northern California. Nilgiri Press publishes over two dozen books he authored. The centre is represented by a simple beautiful logo, and located at what it seems - beautiful california, hopefully one day i get to visit!
Words to Live By has a quote & sharing. Below, two excerpts by Easwaran:
Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Joy of attaining perfect concentration and attention
To give full attention to whatever we are doing isn't easy when we have a job we dislike, or must work with people who are difficult. Then our attention wanders like a child's - looking at this glass for a moment, then at this table, then out the window. If we could attend a little more to the work, even when we dislike it, it would become quite interesting. When we can give it our full attention, anything becomes interesting. And anything, when we do not give it our full attention, becomes uninteresting.
We need men who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not.
George Bernard Shaw
In an indian movie I saw recently, a villager leaves home for the first time to travel to the city of Bombay. When he returns, his family and friends crowd around him, asking what it was like in the big city. His laconic reply sums up our era: "Such tall buildlings ... and such small people."
If we were asked to give an accounting of our society's achievements, we could claim many great technological developments and scientific discoveries, plenty of skycrappers, and the amasement of huge sums of money, but few truly secure, truly wise, truly great men and women. It is not for lack of ability of energy, though; it is because we lack a noble goal.
To grow to our full height, we need to be challenged with tasks that draw out our deeper resources, the talents and capacities we did not know we had. We need to be faced with obstacles that cannot be surmounted unless we summon up our daring and creativity. This kind of challenge is familiar to any great athlete or scientist or artist. No worthwhile accomplishment comes easily.
-------
“By virtue of being human, each of us has the capacity to choose, to change, to grow.”
EKNATH EASWARAN
Oct 8, 2006
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 ~
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 ~
Sep 6, 2006
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
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
Aug 13, 2006
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.
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.
Jul 27, 2006
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
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
Jul 4, 2006
Books on sustainability
Books on Sustainability:
Cradle to Cradle,
William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Natural Capitalism,
Paul Hawken
Hidden Connections,
Fritjof Capra
Cradle to Cradle,
William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Natural Capitalism,
Paul Hawken
Hidden Connections,
Fritjof Capra
May 25, 2006
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!
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!
May 22, 2006
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
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
May 21, 2006
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
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
Mar 1, 2006
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.
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.
Feb 27, 2006
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.
" 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
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
Feb 10, 2006
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
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
Jan 11, 2006
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.
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.
Dec 15, 2005
World peace begins with me
Dear all whom i care for,
I have come across many instances where people (and
myself) feel compelled to want to bring peace, love
and harmony into the world. And sometimes up to the
point where we hate or discriminate others who we feel
responsible for war and hatred and evil.
During my spiritual studies and search, the one answer
i was repeatedly shown, was that, in the Divine and
Higher way, and the Only way that actually makes a
difference, is by first, being at peace within us thru
self-realisation. Its not a religious thing, but, in
the spiritual aspect, they say the thoughts we make in
the head, (even the split seconds that you are
thinking now) manifests your instant life. Around you,
and around the world. What we attract, is what we had
set sail in the first place, in our thoughts.
My discoveries, which are ancient news, is that if we
have reached the higher state of energy level, we can
all affect the world's energy like manifesting war and
peace. This is why many spiritual leaders and
practitioners meditate and sit in peace and live in
peace in themselves. They know that the only way, is
not the preach non-violence and force non-violence.
But actually hold in mind, and manifest it through
their God-connection in meditation and
prayers/affirmations and own doing.
The energy in the mind is very very powerful. This is
why u do find workshops / training to teach How we can
master the mind, or about the power of the cosmic
mind. Because its true and it works. But how we master
it and how we choose to use it is even more important.
Imagine, if you were coming from a blaming perception in
thoughts (not even in action yet) to yr neighbour, u would
have started a cycle of negative thoughts already and
punishing thoughts to them. Everything starts right in
front of u, How we speak, think and choose to interpret
things towards, your spouse, your neighbour, yr collegues, etc.
When I started to realise this, and decided to
practice peace within me, I could see the change in my
perception of the world. and also control my temper,
moods. and how i react and how i choose to see the
world too. I also stopped manifesting negative
energies, but started to work within myself for what
faults i carry and bring the peace I find to others.
and have that pay it forward. OF course, its a long
journey for me, like everyone, and I still have
continuos work on myself. Its a constant practice of
self awareness.
Only peace in individual minds can bring peace in the
world.
Therefore, let our striving and endeavour for internal
peace be an unceasing one; spread it wide; enlarge the
circle of those who feel and contemplate peacefully.
That is the only way for world peace.
Yesterday, was one of the 7 spiritual dates for year
2005, falling on a very big bright beautiful full
moon. (June 22, July 22, Aug 19, Sept 18,
Oct 17, Nov 15, Dec15)
I share peace and healing to you and your family and
to the world in my prayers.
My journey has been blessed to receive guidance and realisations as I choose peace and to be one with all.
namaste to you all, Si-Y
I have come across many instances where people (and
myself) feel compelled to want to bring peace, love
and harmony into the world. And sometimes up to the
point where we hate or discriminate others who we feel
responsible for war and hatred and evil.
During my spiritual studies and search, the one answer
i was repeatedly shown, was that, in the Divine and
Higher way, and the Only way that actually makes a
difference, is by first, being at peace within us thru
self-realisation. Its not a religious thing, but, in
the spiritual aspect, they say the thoughts we make in
the head, (even the split seconds that you are
thinking now) manifests your instant life. Around you,
and around the world. What we attract, is what we had
set sail in the first place, in our thoughts.
My discoveries, which are ancient news, is that if we
have reached the higher state of energy level, we can
all affect the world's energy like manifesting war and
peace. This is why many spiritual leaders and
practitioners meditate and sit in peace and live in
peace in themselves. They know that the only way, is
not the preach non-violence and force non-violence.
But actually hold in mind, and manifest it through
their God-connection in meditation and
prayers/affirmations and own doing.
The energy in the mind is very very powerful. This is
why u do find workshops / training to teach How we can
master the mind, or about the power of the cosmic
mind. Because its true and it works. But how we master
it and how we choose to use it is even more important.
Imagine, if you were coming from a blaming perception in
thoughts (not even in action yet) to yr neighbour, u would
have started a cycle of negative thoughts already and
punishing thoughts to them. Everything starts right in
front of u, How we speak, think and choose to interpret
things towards, your spouse, your neighbour, yr collegues, etc.
When I started to realise this, and decided to
practice peace within me, I could see the change in my
perception of the world. and also control my temper,
moods. and how i react and how i choose to see the
world too. I also stopped manifesting negative
energies, but started to work within myself for what
faults i carry and bring the peace I find to others.
and have that pay it forward. OF course, its a long
journey for me, like everyone, and I still have
continuos work on myself. Its a constant practice of
self awareness.
Only peace in individual minds can bring peace in the
world.
Therefore, let our striving and endeavour for internal
peace be an unceasing one; spread it wide; enlarge the
circle of those who feel and contemplate peacefully.
That is the only way for world peace.
Yesterday, was one of the 7 spiritual dates for year
2005, falling on a very big bright beautiful full
moon. (June 22, July 22, Aug 19, Sept 18,
Oct 17, Nov 15, Dec15)
I share peace and healing to you and your family and
to the world in my prayers.
My journey has been blessed to receive guidance and realisations as I choose peace and to be one with all.
namaste to you all, Si-Y
Aug 22, 2005
Manifest my mission
Abundance Success Breakthrough
Love Peace Surrender
Joy Wisdom Trust
Truth Clarity Focus
My goal in life is to be one with the essence of true love, beauty, peace and bliss
And i know the true mission of my life is "To be what I am to be. To serve the highest purpose, is to live my story."
"A person who wishes to begin a good life should be like a man who draws a circle. Let him get the centre in the right place & keep it so the circumference will be good. And let a man first learn to be fix his heart on God and then his good deeds will have virtues. But if a man' heart is unsteady, even the greatest things he does will be of small advantage."
~ Meister Eckhart
Some things I'm good at:
• Yoga Union Teaching
• Yoga and Sound Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Writing and drawing spiritual books
• Painting "bliss"
Love Peace Surrender
Joy Wisdom Trust
Truth Clarity Focus
My goal in life is to be one with the essence of true love, beauty, peace and bliss
And i know the true mission of my life is "To be what I am to be. To serve the highest purpose, is to live my story."
"A person who wishes to begin a good life should be like a man who draws a circle. Let him get the centre in the right place & keep it so the circumference will be good. And let a man first learn to be fix his heart on God and then his good deeds will have virtues. But if a man' heart is unsteady, even the greatest things he does will be of small advantage."
~ Meister Eckhart
Some things I'm good at:
• Yoga Union Teaching
• Yoga and Sound Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Writing and drawing spiritual books
• Painting "bliss"
Mar 13, 2005
L ~ Our Blind Animal Mind
The animal lives in the world of form. The basic elements of survival are body, food, and the ability to discern enemies. The animal brain evolves, therefore to facilitate perception. As we look beyond the content of the ego, we come to quality of critical importance to the seeker of enlightenment — its basic function of perception. This is of great use to the animal but it results in the creation of duality in the filed of consciousness in which location, direction and timing arise because they are necessary for the survival o the animal. Eg. to catch a prey, it is necessary to form a dualistic perception of a 'here' vs a 'there'. The limitation of form results in the reliance on the senses. Thus arises the concepts of space and idstance, and the ego conludes that this perception signifies reality.
Man evolved beyond and the ego learned the manipulation of images in the form of thought. These images became sophisticated and allowed for the discernment of how things are alike well as how they were different. (eg. the classic left vs right brain analogy or digital vs analog computer.
The forebrain enlarged to handle the now complex thinking in abstract concepts, symbols and language. This was an 'add-on' to the old animal brain. Thus the new brain had the advantage and disadvantage of the old and new, without a disconnect switch between the two regions; thus the animal emotions could flood the intellect with fear anger, greed, etc. The intellect would also manufacture sequences of images associated with the animal drives.
Therefore, the structure of the ego and not just its content is the major impediment to spiritual advancement.
However, spiritual progress is possible cos the mind, thru understanding, is able to recontextualize the contents of the ego and discern its very mechanism. Once this occurs, one is no longer blindly 'at the mercy' of the ego.
taken from I, Hawkins, p118
Man evolved beyond and the ego learned the manipulation of images in the form of thought. These images became sophisticated and allowed for the discernment of how things are alike well as how they were different. (eg. the classic left vs right brain analogy or digital vs analog computer.
The forebrain enlarged to handle the now complex thinking in abstract concepts, symbols and language. This was an 'add-on' to the old animal brain. Thus the new brain had the advantage and disadvantage of the old and new, without a disconnect switch between the two regions; thus the animal emotions could flood the intellect with fear anger, greed, etc. The intellect would also manufacture sequences of images associated with the animal drives.
Therefore, the structure of the ego and not just its content is the major impediment to spiritual advancement.
However, spiritual progress is possible cos the mind, thru understanding, is able to recontextualize the contents of the ego and discern its very mechanism. Once this occurs, one is no longer blindly 'at the mercy' of the ego.
taken from I, Hawkins, p118
L ~ Zen 'ox-herding'
1st picture, the ego is like a wild animal
2nd picture, the animal is tamed and controlled
Next, the ego is transcended
Last picture, it disappears
2nd picture, the animal is tamed and controlled
Next, the ego is transcended
Last picture, it disappears
L ~ Humility n Curiosity
The antidote to pride is humility, which does not mean to humble oneself but instead means to give up vanity and pretense and consider realistic appraisal. The benefit of true humility is that it prevents later 'egg on the face' disgrace as well as self destruction.
Humility means accurate, realistic assessment and awareness of limits and parameters.
Exploration is innate to mankind, and its highest levels lead to spiritual inquiry. This brings up the Qs of who am I, what am I, where did I come from, what is the origin and destiny of the self, and who and wher is God.
With humility, this curiosity can be an advantage to the spiritual seeker as a useful servant. Without discernment, however it can lead to serious pitfalls, blind alleys and useless distractions. This is where a true teacher is necessary.
taken from I, Hawkins, p116, 117
Humility means accurate, realistic assessment and awareness of limits and parameters.
Exploration is innate to mankind, and its highest levels lead to spiritual inquiry. This brings up the Qs of who am I, what am I, where did I come from, what is the origin and destiny of the self, and who and wher is God.
With humility, this curiosity can be an advantage to the spiritual seeker as a useful servant. Without discernment, however it can lead to serious pitfalls, blind alleys and useless distractions. This is where a true teacher is necessary.
taken from I, Hawkins, p116, 117
Mar 10, 2005
My Poem ~ So'ham
Dedicated to the Infinite
--------------------------------
In the tranquility of breath, the peace of mind will prevail
In the chaos and doubts, the heart will open to seek
In the thirst for answers, the quest will begin with a step
In the face of truth, the being will be free
In the solace of God, So'ham, the infinite.
~ by Si-Y
here's an excerpt i read somewhere sometime ago ...
So'ham — The natural mantra, the mantra of your true self
The meaning of So'ham is "I am That". Through these two syllables, we contemplate our oneness with the supreme consciousness.
Observing the So'ham is a natural Sadhana, a natural yoga. It is known as ajapa-japa, the unrepeated mantra repetition. Since So'ham goes on within you all the time, you do not have to make an effort to repeat it. All you have to do is become aware of it. You do not need any faith. You just have to watch the space of truth.
Those who contemplate So' ham ceaselessly, discarding worldly entanglements, they attain the supreme state and their worldly bondage is destroyed.
http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/soham.htm
THE MEANING OF OM
OM is the most often chanted sound among all the sacred sounds on earth. This sound is considered as the sound of the existence.
It is believed that the whole universe, in its fundamental form, is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om is considered as the humming sound of this cosmic energy.
OM is the sound which is not the result of the striking of two objects. It, rather emanates on its own. It is the primal sound of the universe that contains all sounds in itself.
It is actually not a word, it is a sound. As per Hindu tradition, OM is the purest name of God. It is the sound of the supreme consciousness. So when you reapeat OM, you actualy take the name of God.
Now without going into the further philosophical explanation of OM, let us learn how to meditate using OM. Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind it its divine source. The chanting of OM several time loud, purifies the atmosphere.
Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take some deep breath. Now chant at least 7 times OM in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Teak deep breath and chant Oooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of OM. Do this for 7 times. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a small chanting of OM.
Listen the sound of Universe : Let us listen the sound of OM. You are requested to listen carefully. This sound of OM produces instant positive vibrations and takes the listener to a state of mental stillness.
Chanting the OM mantra for 15 minutes daily can produce remarkable effect in you. This mantra will help you to calm the mind, settled the thought process and realize the self.
--------------------------------
In the tranquility of breath, the peace of mind will prevail
In the chaos and doubts, the heart will open to seek
In the thirst for answers, the quest will begin with a step
In the face of truth, the being will be free
In the solace of God, So'ham, the infinite.
~ by Si-Y
here's an excerpt i read somewhere sometime ago ...
So'ham — The natural mantra, the mantra of your true self
The meaning of So'ham is "I am That". Through these two syllables, we contemplate our oneness with the supreme consciousness.
Observing the So'ham is a natural Sadhana, a natural yoga. It is known as ajapa-japa, the unrepeated mantra repetition. Since So'ham goes on within you all the time, you do not have to make an effort to repeat it. All you have to do is become aware of it. You do not need any faith. You just have to watch the space of truth.
Those who contemplate So' ham ceaselessly, discarding worldly entanglements, they attain the supreme state and their worldly bondage is destroyed.
http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/soham.htm
THE MEANING OF OM
OM is the most often chanted sound among all the sacred sounds on earth. This sound is considered as the sound of the existence.
It is believed that the whole universe, in its fundamental form, is made up of vibrating, pulsating energy. Om is considered as the humming sound of this cosmic energy.
OM is the sound which is not the result of the striking of two objects. It, rather emanates on its own. It is the primal sound of the universe that contains all sounds in itself.
It is actually not a word, it is a sound. As per Hindu tradition, OM is the purest name of God. It is the sound of the supreme consciousness. So when you reapeat OM, you actualy take the name of God.
Now without going into the further philosophical explanation of OM, let us learn how to meditate using OM. Repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind it its divine source. The chanting of OM several time loud, purifies the atmosphere.
Sit in a comfortable undisturbed place. Take some deep breath. Now chant at least 7 times OM in succession. Make each breath last as long as possible. Teak deep breath and chant Oooooooo~~~~~hhhhhhhhhh~~~~~ Mmmmmmm~~~~~. Then again repeat this chanting of OM. Do this for 7 times. After this, stop chanting and sit for a moment of silence. You will be amazed by the inner peace you'll get in such a small chanting of OM.
Listen the sound of Universe : Let us listen the sound of OM. You are requested to listen carefully. This sound of OM produces instant positive vibrations and takes the listener to a state of mental stillness.
Chanting the OM mantra for 15 minutes daily can produce remarkable effect in you. This mantra will help you to calm the mind, settled the thought process and realize the self.
Mar 7, 2005
My Life Purpose Number?
1 Creativity and Confidence
-------------------------------------
Creative energy, flowing in waves — the nourishing sun, the flash of lightning.
Breathe it in, feel its force. It can create, nourish, or destroy. How do you channel creative energy in your life?
Is it blocked or flowing? How does it manifest in positive ways? How does it manifest in negative ways?
What would life be like if you confidently unleased the creativity within you?
Some people say they haven't found themselves. But the self is not something one finds; it is something one creates.
~ Thomas Szasz
Individuals working 1 as their life purpose are here to bring positive creative energy into the world.
At the highest levels, 1s become a pure, non resistant channel, a clear conduit thru which an unlimited amount of creativeity flows into the world.
In the positive — 1 makes the best addicts
In the negative — 1 makes the best creative artists
The task we must set for ourselves is not to feel secure, but to be able to tolerate insecurity. ~ Erich Fromm
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Overcome insecurity by seeing it as a hurdle that challenges you to leap over it
• Find positive ways to express and channel energy through your work or hobbies
• Establish a daily exercise routine to liberate trapped energy and to help clear away other addictive behaviours.
• Find inspiration by creating ways to serve in the world
ACCESSING
• Think of someone you know, or imagine a film, literary, or historical character — a role model who exhibits abundant creativity and confidence.
• imagine yrself as tt person — secure in yr abilities, confident enough to take risks, a dynamo of creativity. In what specific ways can you put these qualities into practice and bring more creativity into your life?
2 Cooperation and Balance
-------------------------------------
Imagine two hands, one open and offering, the other clenched in a fist of resistance.
Which hand do you put fwd most?
Do you hold out both hands in equal measure? Do you allow yrself to receive as much as you give?
Do you overhelp, then resent it?
Where does your responsibility end and that of others begin?
Have you found a balance in yr life?
Before we can make friends with anyone else, we must first make friends with ourselves. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
2s are here to clarify the limits of their responsibilty and learn to work with others in a spirit of harmony, balance and mutual support.
At the summit, 2s transcend the concept of coorperating with others and see others as a part of their larger Self. This realization disolves resentment, allows 2s to take complete responsibility for their life, and results in their having equal respect for self and others. They truly become a source of loving service in the world.
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Understand the diff btwn support and servitude; learn when to say yes and how to say no.
• Learn to flow with change, relax into life, and stay flexible, letting go of what isn't your responsibility.
• Spend some time each day stretching, meditating and relaxing.
• To determine a course of action, use your head but go with yr guts
ACCESSING
•Thing of one u know/film/character/model who exhibits clear cooperative balance and who honors equally the needs of self and others.
• Imagine yrself as him — feeling inner harmony, responsible for yrself and supportive of others, cooperating toward mutual goals within clear and appropriate limits and boundaries. In what specific ways can you put these qualities into practice and bring more balance into your life?
8 Abundance and Power
Picture a horn of plenty, filled with an abundance of colorful fruit, gems, and gold, ready to share its blessings with all those who stand forth and make the journey. How do you feel about such abundance? How might you stand forth in the world? Might that horn of plenty already exist within you?
The real measure of our wealth is our worth if we lost our money. ~ Anonymous
8s are here to work with abundance, power, and recopnition and to apply their success in service of the common good.
At the summit, 8s feel the inherent abundance of life, of nature, of Spirit, and feel moved to share with others, whom they see as family. Their sense of power or control changes to grateful and loving surrender to higher authority and power as manifested in the intricate intelligence and web of life as it unfolds.
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Contact yr power & assertiveness thru a martial art or another avenue tt allows u to express these qualities in a constructive way
• Take responsibility for any abundance or lack of abundance in yr life
• Consider how u really feel abt wealth , power, high profile
• Count yr blessings, appreciate what u have and share a portion of yr blessings with others
ACCESSING
• A role model, who has manifested abundace and shares generously, who has dealt with money issues, and can acyassertively when necessary.
• Imagine me to be truly abundant, w/o money concerns, feeling yr inner power and sharing it with others positively. Can you put them in practice and bring greater abundance to yr life?
0 Inner Gifts
Imagine a hidden spring flowing in depths unseen, carrying within its current secrets, ready to burst forth in abundance, nourishing, giving life, for anyone willing to dig deeper. How are you like that hidden spring? What resources wait for you just beneath the surface? What gifts might you find? In what practical ways do you need to balance your life before you inner sight opens?
What we are is God's gifts to us; What we become is our gift to God. ~ Anonymous
0 are points to inner gifts or potential resources. These resources tend to enhance the energies of the other number as well as signal refined or amplified qualities of sensitivity, strength, expressiveness, and intuition.
Sensitivy —empathy, ability to tune in at a feeling level (counselling or teaching). Negative, emotional sponge from others, or display codependence, hurt easily.
Strength — vigor and vitality, or fortitude or persistence. powerful at supporting others or lead. IN negative, stubborness, agreesiveness, resistance.
Expressiveness — silver tongue, a way with words, conveying special felling, uplifting others thru inspiration or enthusiasm. With or w/o words, commnications thru art, music or others are effective becos they touch at an emotional level. In negative, can cut others to ribbons, so must be used aligned with higher principles.
Intuition — this dissolves conventional barriers between the material realm and more subtle dimensions of perception and experience, enabling those with this resource to follow a kind of innervision. Make excellent counselors and healers. in the Negative, they may experience internal inteference from others' tots and feelings, from subtle entities, or from energies unnoticed by others. They need to check out internal message by asking if it is for the highest good of all concerned.
Inner gifts usually mature after 35 yrs old. Are only manifest to the degree individuals working 0 have cleared the life issues. The higher the commitment to service, the more powerfully these gifts manifest.
CONTEMPLATING INNER GIFTS
1. Consider yr sensitiviy: How have u used this gift? How has it used u? IN what ways might u apply t's resource in service of others?
2. Consider yr strength: Has it manifested as inner strength, outer strength, or both? Do you appreciate this gift? How might you use it more fully in yr life?
3. Consider yr expressiveness: How has it moved into the world — in yr relationships n work? Have u felt aware of this gift, or have u doubted it? How might you use expressiveness in the most positive way?
4. Consider yr intuition: Do you trust yr clear intuitive capacities when making decisions or when guiding others? Do you notice that when you contact yr heart, yr intuition opens wide?
-------------------------------
28/10s are here to work thru issues combining material success and creative energy, applying their creative energy and intuitive fifts in service of others, guiding with authority and compassion.
In the positive, serve as authority figures, intuitive advisers, make good money in service of others, feeling the healing force tt flows thru them. Independent, self-sufficient, enchanting, attracts with their energy field. Intuitive and inspiring, they provide clear counsel for the highes good of all concerned.
in the negative, control and manipulate, resent higher figures, repressed anger causing physical suffering, unable to discrimnate btwn negative impressions and clear intuitions.
TALENT,WORK
posses high energy, healing hands, and sensitive intuition. Excellent counsellors who grasp important subtleties. Inspire others with inborn leadership and authority. They find fulfilling work in field of healing, or in a business tt helps ppl. Many forms of healing exist for body, mind and emotions, including hands-on body-work or energy work, counseling, writing, teaching, and motivating others. Some get involed with business of personal growth. As long as they are given opp to use their inner gifts, creative energies and natural sense of authority, they are happy.
When they feel personally secure and are willing to claim their own authority, they create abundace on every level and make as much money as they allow themselves to. No one stops them but themselves; when they understand this, they get out of their own way and make significant contribuations in the world.
TRANSFORM KEY AREAS OF YR LIFE
• Express and clear anger twd authority, then assume yr own
• Exercise daily with strenth and vigor
• Move thru insecurity to get where you're going
• Find ways to use yr creativity and inner gifts.
REFLECT ON
1)• How can i apply my creative energy to make gd money
• How do i feel about authority
• When do i feel strong and independent?
• Do i sometimes try to manipulate or control others?
2) If these Qs generate any insights, how might i put these insights into pracitice?
SPIRITUAL LAWS TO CHANGE YR LIVE
THe Law of Honesty: Acknowledgng feelings to ourselves and others is the foundation of honesty
The Law of Intuition: As we stop monitoring others opinions, we connect with our hearts wisdom
The Law of Action: TO overcome insecurity, we need to ack our vulnerability but act with confidence
The Law of CHoices: Creativity is an energy we can choose to apply in positive or negative ways
The Law of Higher Will: By our willingness to serve a higher purpose, we inspire ourselves and others.
2) Do the exercises you find for each of these laws.
3) COnsider how u might apply each law to yr life.
THE LAW OF HONESTY
Recognizing , accepting and expresisng our authentic interior reality lies at the heart of honest; only whenwe honest with ourselves can we speak or act honestly with anyone else. In the sense of integrity, honest entails acting in line with higher laws in favor of negative impulses to the contrary.
Live according to yr highest light and more light will be given. ~ Peace Pilgrim
THE LAW OF INTUITION
We can only get in touch with our own source of intuition and wisdom when we no longer depend upon others' opinions for our sense of identity or worth; we all tend to worship something; the question is, will we worship the god of opinion, or the god of our heart?
I found I had less and less to say, until finally, I became silent, and began to listen. I discovered in the silence, the voice of God. ~ Soren KierkeGaard
THE LAW OF ACTION
No matter what we feel or know, no matter what our potential gifts or talents, only action brings them to life. Those of us who only think we understand concepts, such as commitment, courage and love, one may discover that we only know when we act, doing becomes understanding.
Vision isnt enough unless combined with venture. It's not enough to stare up the steps unless we also step up the stairs. ~ Vance Havner
THE LAW OF CHOICES
The most basic choice we have in life is whether to expand or contract, whether to bring our creative and expressive energies our into the world in positive or negative ways. No matter what our circumstances, we have the power to choose our directions.
IN each of us are heroes; speak to them and they will come forth. ~ A
We have to live and we have to die; the rest we make up. ~A
We create in constructive and in destructive ways; either way creative energy finds expression.
THE LAW OF HIGHER WILL
From the viewpoint of our separate self and smaller will, it's normal to act on the basis of our own desires and preferences; when we surrender our smaller self and will to the guidance of a higher will and dedicate our actions for the highest good of all concerned, we feel an inspired flow at the center of our life.
Life is this simple: We are living in a transparent world, and God shines thru in every moment. This is not just a fable or a nice story; it is living truth. If we remember God, abandon ourselves to God, and forget ourselves we may see this truth: GOd manifests everywhere, in everything. We cannot be without God. Its impossible. Its simply impossible.
~ Thomas Merton
ENERGIES OF R'SHIP
3 Expression and Sensitivity
Positive — they can create a deep empathic bond thru clear expression and shared feelings, so they feel unified in
their mutual understanding. Honesty is the touchstone and conversation is stimulating. The 3 energy brings romance for lovers and heartfelt friendship btwn fds.
Negative — the 3s can suffer from too much need and not enough giving from self pity or depresion due to hidden senstivities and unexpressed feelings, as when both say what they think instead of what they feel.
10 Creativity and Confidence with Inner Gifts
POsitive — closeness and intensity of siblings; its as if the 2 have known each other before; their connection can create passionate energy they can direct both spiritual and material realms, manifesting as shared creativity and service.
Negative — argumnents and hurt feelings due to uspoken sensitivity. both may feel suppressed irritation and insecureity due to competitiveness; neither wants to lose face. Stress-related addictions may result.
9 Integrity and Wisdom
Positive — Founded upon or develops a deep connection thru connection and tolerance; these indiividuals are togetther to teach each about integrity and life thru their differences; this provides a rare opp for inner growth and mutual tolerance by respecting each other's differences.
Negative — entails a lonely, cut off feeling, a sense of disconnection of the 2 ppl from each other, and even from themselves. The 2 may expereicen a cant live with or without feeling. Strong opinions clash becos they see life differenty
-------------------------------------
Creative energy, flowing in waves — the nourishing sun, the flash of lightning.
Breathe it in, feel its force. It can create, nourish, or destroy. How do you channel creative energy in your life?
Is it blocked or flowing? How does it manifest in positive ways? How does it manifest in negative ways?
What would life be like if you confidently unleased the creativity within you?
Some people say they haven't found themselves. But the self is not something one finds; it is something one creates.
~ Thomas Szasz
Individuals working 1 as their life purpose are here to bring positive creative energy into the world.
At the highest levels, 1s become a pure, non resistant channel, a clear conduit thru which an unlimited amount of creativeity flows into the world.
In the positive — 1 makes the best addicts
In the negative — 1 makes the best creative artists
The task we must set for ourselves is not to feel secure, but to be able to tolerate insecurity. ~ Erich Fromm
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Overcome insecurity by seeing it as a hurdle that challenges you to leap over it
• Find positive ways to express and channel energy through your work or hobbies
• Establish a daily exercise routine to liberate trapped energy and to help clear away other addictive behaviours.
• Find inspiration by creating ways to serve in the world
ACCESSING
• Think of someone you know, or imagine a film, literary, or historical character — a role model who exhibits abundant creativity and confidence.
• imagine yrself as tt person — secure in yr abilities, confident enough to take risks, a dynamo of creativity. In what specific ways can you put these qualities into practice and bring more creativity into your life?
2 Cooperation and Balance
-------------------------------------
Imagine two hands, one open and offering, the other clenched in a fist of resistance.
Which hand do you put fwd most?
Do you hold out both hands in equal measure? Do you allow yrself to receive as much as you give?
Do you overhelp, then resent it?
Where does your responsibility end and that of others begin?
Have you found a balance in yr life?
Before we can make friends with anyone else, we must first make friends with ourselves. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
2s are here to clarify the limits of their responsibilty and learn to work with others in a spirit of harmony, balance and mutual support.
At the summit, 2s transcend the concept of coorperating with others and see others as a part of their larger Self. This realization disolves resentment, allows 2s to take complete responsibility for their life, and results in their having equal respect for self and others. They truly become a source of loving service in the world.
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Understand the diff btwn support and servitude; learn when to say yes and how to say no.
• Learn to flow with change, relax into life, and stay flexible, letting go of what isn't your responsibility.
• Spend some time each day stretching, meditating and relaxing.
• To determine a course of action, use your head but go with yr guts
ACCESSING
•Thing of one u know/film/character/model who exhibits clear cooperative balance and who honors equally the needs of self and others.
• Imagine yrself as him — feeling inner harmony, responsible for yrself and supportive of others, cooperating toward mutual goals within clear and appropriate limits and boundaries. In what specific ways can you put these qualities into practice and bring more balance into your life?
8 Abundance and Power
Picture a horn of plenty, filled with an abundance of colorful fruit, gems, and gold, ready to share its blessings with all those who stand forth and make the journey. How do you feel about such abundance? How might you stand forth in the world? Might that horn of plenty already exist within you?
The real measure of our wealth is our worth if we lost our money. ~ Anonymous
8s are here to work with abundance, power, and recopnition and to apply their success in service of the common good.
At the summit, 8s feel the inherent abundance of life, of nature, of Spirit, and feel moved to share with others, whom they see as family. Their sense of power or control changes to grateful and loving surrender to higher authority and power as manifested in the intricate intelligence and web of life as it unfolds.
ACTION CHECKLIST
• Contact yr power & assertiveness thru a martial art or another avenue tt allows u to express these qualities in a constructive way
• Take responsibility for any abundance or lack of abundance in yr life
• Consider how u really feel abt wealth , power, high profile
• Count yr blessings, appreciate what u have and share a portion of yr blessings with others
ACCESSING
• A role model, who has manifested abundace and shares generously, who has dealt with money issues, and can acyassertively when necessary.
• Imagine me to be truly abundant, w/o money concerns, feeling yr inner power and sharing it with others positively. Can you put them in practice and bring greater abundance to yr life?
0 Inner Gifts
Imagine a hidden spring flowing in depths unseen, carrying within its current secrets, ready to burst forth in abundance, nourishing, giving life, for anyone willing to dig deeper. How are you like that hidden spring? What resources wait for you just beneath the surface? What gifts might you find? In what practical ways do you need to balance your life before you inner sight opens?
What we are is God's gifts to us; What we become is our gift to God. ~ Anonymous
0 are points to inner gifts or potential resources. These resources tend to enhance the energies of the other number as well as signal refined or amplified qualities of sensitivity, strength, expressiveness, and intuition.
Sensitivy —empathy, ability to tune in at a feeling level (counselling or teaching). Negative, emotional sponge from others, or display codependence, hurt easily.
Strength — vigor and vitality, or fortitude or persistence. powerful at supporting others or lead. IN negative, stubborness, agreesiveness, resistance.
Expressiveness — silver tongue, a way with words, conveying special felling, uplifting others thru inspiration or enthusiasm. With or w/o words, commnications thru art, music or others are effective becos they touch at an emotional level. In negative, can cut others to ribbons, so must be used aligned with higher principles.
Intuition — this dissolves conventional barriers between the material realm and more subtle dimensions of perception and experience, enabling those with this resource to follow a kind of innervision. Make excellent counselors and healers. in the Negative, they may experience internal inteference from others' tots and feelings, from subtle entities, or from energies unnoticed by others. They need to check out internal message by asking if it is for the highest good of all concerned.
Inner gifts usually mature after 35 yrs old. Are only manifest to the degree individuals working 0 have cleared the life issues. The higher the commitment to service, the more powerfully these gifts manifest.
CONTEMPLATING INNER GIFTS
1. Consider yr sensitiviy: How have u used this gift? How has it used u? IN what ways might u apply t's resource in service of others?
2. Consider yr strength: Has it manifested as inner strength, outer strength, or both? Do you appreciate this gift? How might you use it more fully in yr life?
3. Consider yr expressiveness: How has it moved into the world — in yr relationships n work? Have u felt aware of this gift, or have u doubted it? How might you use expressiveness in the most positive way?
4. Consider yr intuition: Do you trust yr clear intuitive capacities when making decisions or when guiding others? Do you notice that when you contact yr heart, yr intuition opens wide?
-------------------------------
28/10s are here to work thru issues combining material success and creative energy, applying their creative energy and intuitive fifts in service of others, guiding with authority and compassion.
In the positive, serve as authority figures, intuitive advisers, make good money in service of others, feeling the healing force tt flows thru them. Independent, self-sufficient, enchanting, attracts with their energy field. Intuitive and inspiring, they provide clear counsel for the highes good of all concerned.
in the negative, control and manipulate, resent higher figures, repressed anger causing physical suffering, unable to discrimnate btwn negative impressions and clear intuitions.
TALENT,WORK
posses high energy, healing hands, and sensitive intuition. Excellent counsellors who grasp important subtleties. Inspire others with inborn leadership and authority. They find fulfilling work in field of healing, or in a business tt helps ppl. Many forms of healing exist for body, mind and emotions, including hands-on body-work or energy work, counseling, writing, teaching, and motivating others. Some get involed with business of personal growth. As long as they are given opp to use their inner gifts, creative energies and natural sense of authority, they are happy.
When they feel personally secure and are willing to claim their own authority, they create abundace on every level and make as much money as they allow themselves to. No one stops them but themselves; when they understand this, they get out of their own way and make significant contribuations in the world.
TRANSFORM KEY AREAS OF YR LIFE
• Express and clear anger twd authority, then assume yr own
• Exercise daily with strenth and vigor
• Move thru insecurity to get where you're going
• Find ways to use yr creativity and inner gifts.
REFLECT ON
1)• How can i apply my creative energy to make gd money
• How do i feel about authority
• When do i feel strong and independent?
• Do i sometimes try to manipulate or control others?
2) If these Qs generate any insights, how might i put these insights into pracitice?
SPIRITUAL LAWS TO CHANGE YR LIVE
THe Law of Honesty: Acknowledgng feelings to ourselves and others is the foundation of honesty
The Law of Intuition: As we stop monitoring others opinions, we connect with our hearts wisdom
The Law of Action: TO overcome insecurity, we need to ack our vulnerability but act with confidence
The Law of CHoices: Creativity is an energy we can choose to apply in positive or negative ways
The Law of Higher Will: By our willingness to serve a higher purpose, we inspire ourselves and others.
2) Do the exercises you find for each of these laws.
3) COnsider how u might apply each law to yr life.
THE LAW OF HONESTY
Recognizing , accepting and expresisng our authentic interior reality lies at the heart of honest; only whenwe honest with ourselves can we speak or act honestly with anyone else. In the sense of integrity, honest entails acting in line with higher laws in favor of negative impulses to the contrary.
Live according to yr highest light and more light will be given. ~ Peace Pilgrim
THE LAW OF INTUITION
We can only get in touch with our own source of intuition and wisdom when we no longer depend upon others' opinions for our sense of identity or worth; we all tend to worship something; the question is, will we worship the god of opinion, or the god of our heart?
I found I had less and less to say, until finally, I became silent, and began to listen. I discovered in the silence, the voice of God. ~ Soren KierkeGaard
THE LAW OF ACTION
No matter what we feel or know, no matter what our potential gifts or talents, only action brings them to life. Those of us who only think we understand concepts, such as commitment, courage and love, one may discover that we only know when we act, doing becomes understanding.
Vision isnt enough unless combined with venture. It's not enough to stare up the steps unless we also step up the stairs. ~ Vance Havner
THE LAW OF CHOICES
The most basic choice we have in life is whether to expand or contract, whether to bring our creative and expressive energies our into the world in positive or negative ways. No matter what our circumstances, we have the power to choose our directions.
IN each of us are heroes; speak to them and they will come forth. ~ A
We have to live and we have to die; the rest we make up. ~A
We create in constructive and in destructive ways; either way creative energy finds expression.
THE LAW OF HIGHER WILL
From the viewpoint of our separate self and smaller will, it's normal to act on the basis of our own desires and preferences; when we surrender our smaller self and will to the guidance of a higher will and dedicate our actions for the highest good of all concerned, we feel an inspired flow at the center of our life.
Life is this simple: We are living in a transparent world, and God shines thru in every moment. This is not just a fable or a nice story; it is living truth. If we remember God, abandon ourselves to God, and forget ourselves we may see this truth: GOd manifests everywhere, in everything. We cannot be without God. Its impossible. Its simply impossible.
~ Thomas Merton
ENERGIES OF R'SHIP
3 Expression and Sensitivity
Positive — they can create a deep empathic bond thru clear expression and shared feelings, so they feel unified in
their mutual understanding. Honesty is the touchstone and conversation is stimulating. The 3 energy brings romance for lovers and heartfelt friendship btwn fds.
Negative — the 3s can suffer from too much need and not enough giving from self pity or depresion due to hidden senstivities and unexpressed feelings, as when both say what they think instead of what they feel.
10 Creativity and Confidence with Inner Gifts
POsitive — closeness and intensity of siblings; its as if the 2 have known each other before; their connection can create passionate energy they can direct both spiritual and material realms, manifesting as shared creativity and service.
Negative — argumnents and hurt feelings due to uspoken sensitivity. both may feel suppressed irritation and insecureity due to competitiveness; neither wants to lose face. Stress-related addictions may result.
9 Integrity and Wisdom
Positive — Founded upon or develops a deep connection thru connection and tolerance; these indiividuals are togetther to teach each about integrity and life thru their differences; this provides a rare opp for inner growth and mutual tolerance by respecting each other's differences.
Negative — entails a lonely, cut off feeling, a sense of disconnection of the 2 ppl from each other, and even from themselves. The 2 may expereicen a cant live with or without feeling. Strong opinions clash becos they see life differenty
Feb 27, 2005
sharana
he speaks in a deep tone sometimes slow quiet manner. he has a wide mouth that grins with showy white teeth in a nice straight row against his medium dark skin. an energy that gives peace and quietness but jolly laughters that vibrates straight from his belly barrel. his hair pleates down to his shoulder blades in white wiry patterns. his spontaneousity is a mirror of his best pals humour. witty and anew. his gestures are simple, pure and straight from the heart. he humbly respects the universe a great deal. a spiritual guide to many. to me. he is a friend to those in need. one in a million. a man of heart who speaks of freedom and love. a man i never thought i'd meet in this lifetime. a man who taught me self love and self respect. universe, thank you.
Feb 20, 2005
in my heart
glistening sun rays over blue waters. rustling leaves and whispering wind. reflection of my soul. music that gives peace and joy. surrendering to truth. giving glory to god. receiving in grace. honouring my calling. to love. dancing dolphins playing. colors of imagination. miracles right here. power of creation enfolding every second. forgiveness. what little innocent children holds. the glow of light. the warmth of love. the presence of being. the love o mighty. the knowingness. the clarity of path. the readiness to walk. opening of the heart. the joy of seeing. the adrenalin of joy flowing. grace. amazing grace. giving thanks. lovely heart. giving light. flowing love. cycle begins every moment. and again in every moment. all in my heart.
Feb 14, 2005
when nothing works
Take a walk. Spend some time with Nature. Listen to good music. Read and be inspired. Splurge on a fav food. Get a back rub. Talk to an old friend. Drink something healthy. Take a short nap. Give a big hug. Watch the colors go by. Visit an art gallery, or playground. Take a class. Write a poem. Watch a movie that will make you laugh or cry. Turn on the shower & sing a song. Enjoy a long, hot soak in the tub. Do whatever lifts you up, clears your mind and turns you back on to life.
~ courtesy of somebody out there
~ courtesy of somebody out there
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