13-12-09
Light or Darkness
The world’s light shines, shine as it will,
The world will love its darkness still.
I doubt through when the world’s in hell,
It will not love its darkness half so well
By Richard Crashaw (1613-1649)
This poem reveals an interesting human phenomenon: while light representing brightness of the world and human, truth and everything that reflects good side of our world, darkness is symbols of viciousness, human’s dark side or confusion and mysteries.
The poem caught my imagination -
Darkness can mean many things:
On the positive side, curiosity is the most important motive for human to pursue anything that is mysterious and still unknown, like Black holes. So we love the darkness.
Human being faces challenge and need to solve problems. That is why we like to study darkness, through which, we will show our strength and power to conquer the world.
On the negative side, because of human’s curiosity, people tend to like reading dark sides of celebrities, to see their embarrassments rather than their glory and beauty.
Because human’s greediness, some people prefer to chase whatever they want at the risk of other’s interest and life.
The worst thing is global worming is going to suck the whole planet into BLACK HOLES and but until now the world seems not yet to realize the hell is approaching.
The poem indicates that while world’s light will continue to shine, it is ionic that human seems love darkness more than light – we are drawn to darkness, can’t help ourselves but be fascinated by it.
Crashaw sets a hypothesis at the end of the poem. What if one day the whole world is plunged into hell, would we still like darkness? I think he would laugh at generation one after another being addict to vicious darkness.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Self discovery - Meditation
Meditation
Having been wondering about this subject for ages, I attended a talk about scientific research on the effectiveness of meditation for mental, emotional and physical well-being yesterday.
Medication can be classified into two types: deep thought process (Western) and empty thought process (Eastern):
The later emphasizes the ultimate status of feeling a self mental silence and listening to the sound of single hand clapping from thoughtless awareness.
Dr Ramesh Manocha from Australia is in charge of the research and his findings are amazing:
The meditation is called Sahaja Yoga meditation and is a mental silence technique. Dr Ramsesh Manbocha has proved that after this meditation training, patients with depression, anxiety, menopause and headaches showed significant improvement. I’ve never expected meditation can be so profound and effective.
In the talk, Dr Remesh not only shared his scientific findings into meditation and its beneficial effects on mental health but gave us a hands-on experimental session with meditation. It was practical, interesting night truly.
Self discouvery - The Enneagram course
The Enneagram - Personality study
I just finished a short course in Enneagram. It origins ancient psychological theories by modeling personality into nine types. Although I have not been fully agreed on all of the approach, I found quite some theories are rational and agreeable with our life.
Study of the Enneagram is a process of observation and analysis of my own and people’s personality around me.
Meanwhile, I discovered that I am born with both a Peacemaker and Helper’s personalities. I am always trying to make everyone happy. This is my merit. However I might lose myself sometimes. The course helped me to realize how to make up my weaknesses by learning from others’ good characters. Every type of personality has their strength and weaknesses. No one is perfect. To understand others more, view things from multi-angles and appreciate others more.
The course enlightened me to step into other people’s shoes when dealing with issues, arguments and disputes.
This theory can help us to deal with people with different personalities in a sympatric and more open-minded way especially when one’s personality is so different from yourself. If we are open-minded enough and have a heart of love, we should accept any kind of personality and be able to live in difference.
Even under difficult circumstances, this theory can help to get more understanding with others and break down barriers.
Interestingly, if we treat self as another person and think by stepping into others’ shoes, our interpersonal relationship and communication with others will improve dramatically.
I just finished a short course in Enneagram. It origins ancient psychological theories by modeling personality into nine types. Although I have not been fully agreed on all of the approach, I found quite some theories are rational and agreeable with our life.
Study of the Enneagram is a process of observation and analysis of my own and people’s personality around me.
Meanwhile, I discovered that I am born with both a Peacemaker and Helper’s personalities. I am always trying to make everyone happy. This is my merit. However I might lose myself sometimes. The course helped me to realize how to make up my weaknesses by learning from others’ good characters. Every type of personality has their strength and weaknesses. No one is perfect. To understand others more, view things from multi-angles and appreciate others more.
The course enlightened me to step into other people’s shoes when dealing with issues, arguments and disputes.
This theory can help us to deal with people with different personalities in a sympatric and more open-minded way especially when one’s personality is so different from yourself. If we are open-minded enough and have a heart of love, we should accept any kind of personality and be able to live in difference.
Even under difficult circumstances, this theory can help to get more understanding with others and break down barriers.
Interestingly, if we treat self as another person and think by stepping into others’ shoes, our interpersonal relationship and communication with others will improve dramatically.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Positive thinking V.S. subconscious mind
13-1-2010
I believe in
Positive thinking produces positive outcome.
Negative thinking results in negative consequences.
The reason is simple -
Everyone has two sets of mind:
They are conscious mind and subconscious mind.
Subconscious mind occupies 90% of our mind sea;
Controlling our emotion, our behaviors and our destiny.
Ironically, it is as young as a three years old child.
Our conscious mind constantly sends information to subconscious mind,
Which expresses instant feelings and gives reactions without a second thought.
The results can be positive or negative, upto our choices of what we send.
So contemplate before “confirm” your thoughts;
Before sending them to your subconscious world.
As thoughts turn to belief and beliefs turn to actions.
Remember, if you think you can’t,
You’re doomed to fail.
Success begins with your positive mind.
I believe in
Positive thinking produces positive outcome.
Negative thinking results in negative consequences.
The reason is simple -
Everyone has two sets of mind:
They are conscious mind and subconscious mind.
Subconscious mind occupies 90% of our mind sea;
Controlling our emotion, our behaviors and our destiny.
Ironically, it is as young as a three years old child.
Our conscious mind constantly sends information to subconscious mind,
Which expresses instant feelings and gives reactions without a second thought.
The results can be positive or negative, upto our choices of what we send.
So contemplate before “confirm” your thoughts;
Before sending them to your subconscious world.
As thoughts turn to belief and beliefs turn to actions.
Remember, if you think you can’t,
You’re doomed to fail.
Success begins with your positive mind.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Every Day Is A New Day
The sun won’t shine everyday
But when the sun shines through,
The clouds won’t stay.
Keep a positive,optimestic prospective,
Every day will be a new day.
But when the sun shines through,
The clouds won’t stay.
Keep a positive,optimestic prospective,
Every day will be a new day.
The Journey of Marriage
You married your boyfriend because you fell for him on the very first date; or because he gave you fulfillment, love, a sense of security and confidence; or simply because you admired his intelligence, gorgeous looks and his sense of humour. Whatever brought you together, after some time of married life, you may come to realize that marriage, in fact, is not as ideal and sweet as you had made it out to be.
Disagreements gradually surface and develop into more serious arguments. This could be anything from choosing a piece of furniture to more important financial issue.
You might feel the relationship in your marriage is getting wobbly since you have sensed that he/she is no longer the person you once fell in love with - he has become too emotional, inconsiderate or uncommunicative. Is a break up inevitable? What would be the consequence of divorce? What would be its impact on the children? Would it be better to persevere in the hope of a new start? You’re in a real dilemma.
All this is not imaginary but happens frequently especially to a young couple once a new life comes to the family.
Having been married for a good number of years, I genuinely feel that marriage is a journey of continuously adapting to ever-changing conditions – for a marriage to succeed, both spouses need to comprise and grow up all the time. People change especially when experiencing ups and downs. Even our personalities and mentalities change with age and environment. Working pressures, differences in parenting, moving house, the loss of jobs, illness and the loss of family members occur. Many uncertainties and events may increase the strain and stress on the relationship.
Conflicts are unavoidable. Try to talk potential problems over heart-to-heart and always develop and maintain regular communication. Ignoring issues will make situations worse and the relationship may eventually become irretrievable/unsalvageable.
Here are some suggestions on what to do when things start going wrong:
1. Listen to your partner and try to understand his/her point of view;
2. Discuss the problems thoroughly, calmly and objectively.
3. Avoid raking up old grievances.
4. Consider different options until you can reach a satisfactory agreement.
I believe the more a couple communicates, the happier they will be. By way of communication, they learn to express intimate feelings like content and discontent, loves and hates in comfortable ways that facilitate respect and mutual understanding, rather than just to grumble or complain.
I’ve come to understand that marriage is sharing, forgiving, compromising and growing with someone in the long run. When the dizzy passion and excitement start to fade, continue to treat your partner like your boyfriend or girlfriend instead of taking each other for granted. Valuing each other with respect and appreciation rather than just picking his/her up on daily mistakes/picking on their flaws. Seek comfort, reassurance. Be able to laugh about something that didn’t go too well. All of these enable us to overcome adversity and make it possible for the relationship to grow organically.
As life is short and things change perpetually, we should treasure every single day no matter whether it is memorable or ordinary, joyful or dire.
A peaceful mind
Date: 14-12-09
Happiness seems never able to be reachable as the never-ending desires drive us to crave more and that hunger eventually leads to more pain, frustration and disappointment.
I understand that happiness is a state of mind – a sense of contentment. You don’t have to be smooth every day or successful in everything you have done to be happy. You don’t need to be rich in material or have a prestige status to be gratified. You can still living a peaceful but content life with ups and downs.
Happiness is always living in your mind if you can keep an inner peace. You will be happy and feel content with whatever you have if you have attained this inner peace.
That doesn’t mean you should not strive for what you want, instead, with inner peace and contentment, you will enjoy a whole process when pursuing your goal no matter how tough you are faced. You will be level-headed towards obstacles and be more resourceful to get it through.
As a result, people with inner peace are not different from ordinary people – they have sorrow, hassles and make mistakes. But their attitude prepares themselves to have enough understanding to keep them strong in the face of adversity. They don’t treat mistakes as a problem but a step to success. They can get up after each falling in their journey of life. They can see things not only from their own but other people’s point of views before making a judgment and decision. They show a kindness toward all living things and a deep appreciation for natural world around them. They consider wealth spiritually, emotionally not just physically.
The most important element to achieve inner peace is to control ourselves – not allow negative thinking to consume and overtake yourself. It is said that if you can control your emotion, you can control the world. Gura Sahaja also said if you control your mind, your mind is your friend; otherwise your mind is your enemy. I cannot agree more though it is easier said than done.
I admire those who can laugh at failures and stay energetic all the time; who can smile through adversity. I think if I can keep an optimistic view to my life ahead even at the most difficult of times, life will be much easier and happier than before.
Inner peace is a value system affecting how you see yourself, happenings around you and the world and thus your emotion and behavior. Happiness, in fact, is never away from you if you are grateful to what you have and be positive, content all the time.
Yoga v.s. Breathing
In yoga world, life could be totally different from breathing to stretching, from sitting to relax and sleep. A deep, skilled breathing can generate unbelievably huge energy to support a series stretching, bending and muscle exercises and makes our normal movements significantly different. Mental training with meditation can clean up our mind to achieve a pure self-world in which you will be aware of your existence, to be alone with a person you may not really understand; reduce pressure; increase concentration and You become calm, peaceful and conscious. I am thinking how to apply its philosophy into my daily exercises, the way of thinking and spirit.
After more than two years training, I’ve got the real feeling that breathing can affect the tension in my muscles and joints. With deep and full inhalation and exhalation, I can have more energy to do more movements that I can’t do usually. I’m sure the more I practise it, the more my youthful flexibility I will regain.
From doing yoga, I can go into a universe that belongs to myself, to feel my pulses, my blood movement, my toes and my hair, my eye movements and my electric current in my brain and nervous system. Most importantly, I can find a tranquil space for me to cool and calm, to think and ponder. I’m looking forward to seeing my health and personality improving with immersion into yoga life.
Yoga is an ancient medical science that developed to be a systematic practice to improve physical health and mental happiness.
Yoga does wonders for me
27.5.07
Last summer, I never experienced a pain in my joints excruciatingly and my legs felt stiffer whenever I climbed stairs, I had to stop dancing. This had been my crazy hobby for last two years. Since then, my feeling had been so emotionally and physically drained that I felt as if I’d aged years in one. At that moment I was dreaming of any medicine, therapy or what ever exercise which could strengthen my vulnerable legs or at least reenergise me to live back to normal.
One day, my mother tried Yoga in a class for the first time in her life. She couldn’t wait to tell us the magic she experienced – she had the most decent sleep for years after the session. She had trouble sleeping but now it only takes a few minutes to sleep. Most importantly, the quality of her sleep has been improved overwhelmingly thanks to Yoga.
Despite having been fascinated by Yoga’s many other incredible effectiveness for ages, I had to say that I was apprehensive - Was Yoga a boring exercise compared with dancing as I heard of before or as some people believe a sophisticated, tough training which may not suit for every one? I had not made up my mind until I received a mailshot three month ago. It was a coupon in cheque form for the fee of a Yoga club in Causeway Bay.
Something inside me pleased me to try. I signed up immediately. The first three sessions really have made a difference to me, putting my life in prospective.
First, I didn’t expect Yoga is a life science in spite of its ancient and holistic history. Yoga is a process of training the body and mind. Its goal is to make it easier for people to remove all destructions in the state of mind and body through various practices. The physical training is to bring the body under complete control in such areas as the regulation of breathing and flexibility of muscles. The mental training is to release the stress, remove obstacles and all disturbances though controlled breathing and meditation and internal massages.
As a result, how to breathe in Yoga way is foremost step I needed to learn – a way which alter my way I think and feel. Every simple breathe, pose or even yourself image can be disparate from what you were aware of before –following instructions, I was immersed in a complete inner, peaceful, cosy, relaxing inner universe. My body and mind were softened. I had this feeling of great power.
Amazingly, a regular breathing system can generate unbelievably mighty energy to support a series stretching, bending, balancing… With deep and full inhalation and exhalation, I can gain much more energy to do poses that I didn’t expect I would be able to. I’m sure the more I practise it, the more flexible my body will be. And, hopefully, my rheumatism/arthritics will be gone.
Another wonder is its mental training through breathe and meditation. This practice can clean our head to achieve a pure self-world in which you will experience a self-discovery journey – to be aware of your existence – a state of being alone with a person you may be too familiar with to really understand. To my astonishment, I’ve never felt my existence so intimately – it is a sense of feeling of your internal body movements – a series exercise in regulation of pulse, blood circulation, release of strain of eyes, massages of toes and hair, intestine and gain maximum concentration. What a tranquil, intriguing world.
Inspired by yoga, I’m imaging how to practice its spirit and theory into my daily life – to transform myself into a person with great endurance, more stamina, a clear head, a peaceful, broad mind, high concentration during studying and working…
Yoga is way to increase inner peace and wellbeing. Everyone can reap the benefit of taking up as daily exercise. Honestly, I’m becoming addicted to it. It’s likely to be my life hobby.
Last summer, I never experienced a pain in my joints excruciatingly and my legs felt stiffer whenever I climbed stairs, I had to stop dancing. This had been my crazy hobby for last two years. Since then, my feeling had been so emotionally and physically drained that I felt as if I’d aged years in one. At that moment I was dreaming of any medicine, therapy or what ever exercise which could strengthen my vulnerable legs or at least reenergise me to live back to normal.
One day, my mother tried Yoga in a class for the first time in her life. She couldn’t wait to tell us the magic she experienced – she had the most decent sleep for years after the session. She had trouble sleeping but now it only takes a few minutes to sleep. Most importantly, the quality of her sleep has been improved overwhelmingly thanks to Yoga.
Despite having been fascinated by Yoga’s many other incredible effectiveness for ages, I had to say that I was apprehensive - Was Yoga a boring exercise compared with dancing as I heard of before or as some people believe a sophisticated, tough training which may not suit for every one? I had not made up my mind until I received a mailshot three month ago. It was a coupon in cheque form for the fee of a Yoga club in Causeway Bay.
Something inside me pleased me to try. I signed up immediately. The first three sessions really have made a difference to me, putting my life in prospective.
First, I didn’t expect Yoga is a life science in spite of its ancient and holistic history. Yoga is a process of training the body and mind. Its goal is to make it easier for people to remove all destructions in the state of mind and body through various practices. The physical training is to bring the body under complete control in such areas as the regulation of breathing and flexibility of muscles. The mental training is to release the stress, remove obstacles and all disturbances though controlled breathing and meditation and internal massages.
As a result, how to breathe in Yoga way is foremost step I needed to learn – a way which alter my way I think and feel. Every simple breathe, pose or even yourself image can be disparate from what you were aware of before –following instructions, I was immersed in a complete inner, peaceful, cosy, relaxing inner universe. My body and mind were softened. I had this feeling of great power.
Amazingly, a regular breathing system can generate unbelievably mighty energy to support a series stretching, bending, balancing… With deep and full inhalation and exhalation, I can gain much more energy to do poses that I didn’t expect I would be able to. I’m sure the more I practise it, the more flexible my body will be. And, hopefully, my rheumatism/arthritics will be gone.
Another wonder is its mental training through breathe and meditation. This practice can clean our head to achieve a pure self-world in which you will experience a self-discovery journey – to be aware of your existence – a state of being alone with a person you may be too familiar with to really understand. To my astonishment, I’ve never felt my existence so intimately – it is a sense of feeling of your internal body movements – a series exercise in regulation of pulse, blood circulation, release of strain of eyes, massages of toes and hair, intestine and gain maximum concentration. What a tranquil, intriguing world.
Inspired by yoga, I’m imaging how to practice its spirit and theory into my daily life – to transform myself into a person with great endurance, more stamina, a clear head, a peaceful, broad mind, high concentration during studying and working…
Yoga is way to increase inner peace and wellbeing. Everyone can reap the benefit of taking up as daily exercise. Honestly, I’m becoming addicted to it. It’s likely to be my life hobby.
A feeling of revival
4.5.07
My first try on Yoga
There can be hardly anyone who has not heard of yoga. I’ve been fascinated by its wonderful work on my parents’ health for a long time but I haven’t dabbled in the practice until earlier this year when I received a cheque in 1888HK$. It is mailshot - an invitation advert from a newly- opened yoga centre in Causeway Bay called Yoga Planet for women. With this cheque, I could be entitled to have one-year membership.
It had been my aspiration to learn Hindus Yoga from professional yoga masters for ages. It was all because of my parents’ real experiences of yoga - My mother got instantly decent sleep in the yoga class and my father’s gastritis problem improved a lot after several sessions of yoga as well. So I couldn’t wait to register with this coupon as a member of the centre. But I had to wait for another 30 days to get a real taste of what a Hinduism Yoga was.
May 2 was its opening day. Having craving for yoga from another month since the registration, I finally tried 3 lessons consecutively starting from May 2.
The whole 12 floor is occupied by Yoga Plane. The reddish pink lobby with curved shaped cozy sofa and small tables already speaks for itself – a prestige centre for ladies only. The inside color from lockers, changing rooms, bath rooms and vanity rooms are in pure white, showing how hygiene, relaxing atmosphere it creates. The overall design was in curve shape and the general color is hot and warm – red and pink and white. It embodies that the Yoga is for ladies whose figures will be as beautiful, supple and flexible as the full of curved, state-of-the-art centre.
The first lesson was in Chinese, called Kryga Ananda. The teacher was Mona, a beautiful, slender figure with long curved pony plates.
Her voice was so soft and clear. Her breathe was so regular and vibrant. Her body was so staple and flexible…
Following to her instruction, a warm current flowed from my from my icy cold toes to the cooled refreshed head. It was only this moment when I realized a regulated breathing process can bring me energy, stamina and revival. With a good practice of breathing, I can do many movements that I’d never imagine I could do.
Yoga is a process of training the body and mind. Its goal is to make it easier for people to remove all destructions in the state of mind and body through the many ways various practices. The physical training is to bring the body under complete control in such areas as the regulation and flexibility of muscles. The mental training is to release the stress, obstacles, burdens and troubles though controlled breathing and meditation and internal massages.
Today the lesson is called Yoga Therapy. It was an absolutely relaxing time I must say. It was the first time I started to take care of every inch of my body, from eyes to ears, from head to toes and every joint. It seemed this moment I started to feel myself, my breathes and my heat beat. I know I have only one life and I must cherish myself. I know I belonged to myself.
Yesterday I tried Indian traditional dance the first time in my life. It was a very beautiful experience. I was moved by its haunted melody - very special, soothing and peaceful. The movement was graceful. I will spend more time on this.
Only the three lessons already made me a bit difference: After each lesson, I was feeling like I was as light as a bird, I imagined I could drift. Not only physically, but mentally. I finally could have a decent sleep that I hadn’t had for a long time, I could concentrate longer and faster. I walked slower and spoke slower. I was not in a hurry subconsciously …
I hope Yoga will be my lifelong training course and I’m sure it will make a positive change in my health and spiritual well-being. It can remove the obstacles that block our path, restore and revitalize our mental, physical, emotional, sexual, creative and spiritual energies. Not only that, through Yoga, we can learn to strengthen the body, relax and activate the nervous system, bring peace, balance and one-pointed concentration to the minds.
It was like an exciting journey of self-discovery, where I will acquire a healthier and stronger body and mind – a goal of being a healthier and happy person.
My first try on Yoga
There can be hardly anyone who has not heard of yoga. I’ve been fascinated by its wonderful work on my parents’ health for a long time but I haven’t dabbled in the practice until earlier this year when I received a cheque in 1888HK$. It is mailshot - an invitation advert from a newly- opened yoga centre in Causeway Bay called Yoga Planet for women. With this cheque, I could be entitled to have one-year membership.
It had been my aspiration to learn Hindus Yoga from professional yoga masters for ages. It was all because of my parents’ real experiences of yoga - My mother got instantly decent sleep in the yoga class and my father’s gastritis problem improved a lot after several sessions of yoga as well. So I couldn’t wait to register with this coupon as a member of the centre. But I had to wait for another 30 days to get a real taste of what a Hinduism Yoga was.
May 2 was its opening day. Having craving for yoga from another month since the registration, I finally tried 3 lessons consecutively starting from May 2.
The whole 12 floor is occupied by Yoga Plane. The reddish pink lobby with curved shaped cozy sofa and small tables already speaks for itself – a prestige centre for ladies only. The inside color from lockers, changing rooms, bath rooms and vanity rooms are in pure white, showing how hygiene, relaxing atmosphere it creates. The overall design was in curve shape and the general color is hot and warm – red and pink and white. It embodies that the Yoga is for ladies whose figures will be as beautiful, supple and flexible as the full of curved, state-of-the-art centre.
The first lesson was in Chinese, called Kryga Ananda. The teacher was Mona, a beautiful, slender figure with long curved pony plates.
Her voice was so soft and clear. Her breathe was so regular and vibrant. Her body was so staple and flexible…
Following to her instruction, a warm current flowed from my from my icy cold toes to the cooled refreshed head. It was only this moment when I realized a regulated breathing process can bring me energy, stamina and revival. With a good practice of breathing, I can do many movements that I’d never imagine I could do.
Yoga is a process of training the body and mind. Its goal is to make it easier for people to remove all destructions in the state of mind and body through the many ways various practices. The physical training is to bring the body under complete control in such areas as the regulation and flexibility of muscles. The mental training is to release the stress, obstacles, burdens and troubles though controlled breathing and meditation and internal massages.
Today the lesson is called Yoga Therapy. It was an absolutely relaxing time I must say. It was the first time I started to take care of every inch of my body, from eyes to ears, from head to toes and every joint. It seemed this moment I started to feel myself, my breathes and my heat beat. I know I have only one life and I must cherish myself. I know I belonged to myself.
Yesterday I tried Indian traditional dance the first time in my life. It was a very beautiful experience. I was moved by its haunted melody - very special, soothing and peaceful. The movement was graceful. I will spend more time on this.
Only the three lessons already made me a bit difference: After each lesson, I was feeling like I was as light as a bird, I imagined I could drift. Not only physically, but mentally. I finally could have a decent sleep that I hadn’t had for a long time, I could concentrate longer and faster. I walked slower and spoke slower. I was not in a hurry subconsciously …
I hope Yoga will be my lifelong training course and I’m sure it will make a positive change in my health and spiritual well-being. It can remove the obstacles that block our path, restore and revitalize our mental, physical, emotional, sexual, creative and spiritual energies. Not only that, through Yoga, we can learn to strengthen the body, relax and activate the nervous system, bring peace, balance and one-pointed concentration to the minds.
It was like an exciting journey of self-discovery, where I will acquire a healthier and stronger body and mind – a goal of being a healthier and happy person.
What does Yoga mean to me?
I expected Yoga would be very mysterious, highly sophisticated sports before my first try two years ago. What surprised me most was there are many movements and poses that we do daily but I didn't do them properly. There is no age limit in Yoga. No-one is too old or too young to try. It is easy to learn but need persistence. You can truly enjoy in your own inner world feeling yourself awareness, concentration, endurance, as well as physical pain and relaxation.
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