As early as June, WY was already planning to have a trip to Japan for our 4th wedding anniversary. He spared no efforts when it involved a trip for the both of us.. and it certainly turned out to be one memorable one that is filled with exhilarating and insightful experiences covering from the wondrous nature to the best possible dining from fine cuisine to street food and finally the Japanese culture.
While I will slowly regale the thoughts and experiences in subsequent sharing, I must say that WY has opened up new ways for me to experience a holiday. I am one who do not like to follow tour but neither am I equipped with the skill sets and knowledge to plan a self-drive travelling. WY took care of everything from researching, planning, bookings to driving and chatting with the locals...
Over the years, he has shown me how to embrace the unknown with a little more positivity and confidence and today I am still learning. This trip has proven to me once again, the value of keeping an open and inquisitive mind to understand, experience and absorb. Certainly not everything went smoothly as planned and communication remained a challenge but seeing him handling and overcoming these gave me great comfort and good learning platform to improve myself.
Since the day I knew him till today's 4th anniversary, my husband has never failed in loving me, taking good care of me and communicating with me in a way that touches both my emotive and intellectual needs.
I am blessed. I cherish and love WY dearly. I hope that in his heart, I have also been a loving and supportive wife who has given him that joy, love and peace.
I look forward to continuing nurturing this relationship with tender loving care... and growing old with him into the twilight years... hand in hand...
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
给自己的生活—幸福之章。。
经历多了，
开始懂了
活着本身就是一场
需要为了生命而不断的学习，成长，奋斗过程。
只要还有呼吸，
就不会停止.
今年，好多人突然离世。。 他们的离去让我看见了白发人送黑发人的辛酸，看见失去爱人不舍的眼泪，也看见了孩子那无助的眼神。。
可曾想到我们活着就是一种快乐，一种幸福。。但往往人啊。。都不安于现状，不断地去追求更大的幸福。 这也有了人类的发展与进步。 也因为幸福本身是一个充满诱惑的字眼，于是人总是抱怨生活中太多的不如意-老板，男人，女人，工资，孩子，工作，朋友，社会。。。。而抱怨也渐渐的成了人的一种常态 - 这非但解决不了问题，还让负面的情绪不断地在内心深化，也使我们变成一个不开心也不幸福的人。
生命自它诞生的刹那，就在与死亡做一场搏斗。生与死，只是一线之隔。很多时候，对于那些已经逝去的人，我们除了回忆他们的好以外，更多地只会叹息，他要是还活着就好了。
与其如此回忆与抱怨，到不如好好的生活。其实心态如能时刻保持宽容、感恩、乐观和自信， 很多人与事是能在一个深刻而不浮躁，谦和而不抱怨的情况下平和的解决。
因为活着，我们可以感受着亲情、友情、爱情。
因为活着，我们可以做自己喜欢的事，爱着自己喜欢的人。
因为活着，我们可以为了自已的人生目标去奋斗，并在其间品尝着成功的喜悦。
就算是失败了，至少我们在奋斗过程中也有一份独特的历练。
就因为我们活着。
开始懂了
活着本身就是一场
需要为了生命而不断的学习，成长，奋斗过程。
只要还有呼吸，
就不会停止.
今年，好多人突然离世。。 他们的离去让我看见了白发人送黑发人的辛酸，看见失去爱人不舍的眼泪，也看见了孩子那无助的眼神。。
可曾想到我们活着就是一种快乐，一种幸福。。但往往人啊。。都不安于现状，不断地去追求更大的幸福。 这也有了人类的发展与进步。 也因为幸福本身是一个充满诱惑的字眼，于是人总是抱怨生活中太多的不如意-老板，男人，女人，工资，孩子，工作，朋友，社会。。。。而抱怨也渐渐的成了人的一种常态 - 这非但解决不了问题，还让负面的情绪不断地在内心深化，也使我们变成一个不开心也不幸福的人。
生命自它诞生的刹那，就在与死亡做一场搏斗。生与死，只是一线之隔。很多时候，对于那些已经逝去的人，我们除了回忆他们的好以外，更多地只会叹息，他要是还活着就好了。
与其如此回忆与抱怨，到不如好好的生活。其实心态如能时刻保持宽容、感恩、乐观和自信， 很多人与事是能在一个深刻而不浮躁，谦和而不抱怨的情况下平和的解决。
因为活着，我们可以感受着亲情、友情、爱情。
因为活着，我们可以做自己喜欢的事，爱着自己喜欢的人。
因为活着，我们可以为了自已的人生目标去奋斗，并在其间品尝着成功的喜悦。
就算是失败了，至少我们在奋斗过程中也有一份独特的历练。
就因为我们活着。
Monday, 27 June 2011
Before I Forget
I am just back from a Buddhist Meditation Retreat in Phuket. It is the first time ever that I am doing this and the experience has been gratifyingly fruitful.
While it has a standard schedule to follow, members are free to decide if this is indeed what they want to do. In essence, it is all within one to practise, be it listening in to Dharma talk, participating in the questions & answers session, meditating or simply, doing any other things that one wants to do.
The talks by Ajahn Brahm are simple yet profound, some of which are repeats but nonetheless, important as they are good reminders to us as lay people. It is normal that everyday I have to deal with issues of personal growth, work, people and grapple with the value of me - and Ajahn Brahm has in a lot of ways acted as a beacon by giving new perspectives, making me more aware of the reality, helping me to stay focus and be happy at the present moment.
There is an awareness that persistent and right efforts must be put into place to progress. A balance of active meditation and generosity practices in all aspects covering thoughts, speech and actions help to gain an honest self-knowledge and at the same time be in a more generous and open communication/relationships with others in the community.
Patience in this instance is necessary, be it towards myself, the natural world, or others. Patience with my body, the process of illness and aging, the course of nature, things and people around me.. everything.
What am I becoming? How do I behave, towards me and other people?
Maintaining goodwill and kindness is a good start. This kind of attitude means being patient and generous. Very often, people are not kind to themselves and assume that they are worth less what they are. This is very oftern unconscious and affects behaviour and relationships in some. I guess I am one of such people. So exercising patience and an attitude of metta towards myself by being realistic about illness, towards other people (be it differences, faults or failings) and by applying steady effort in spiriitual life are good takeaways for me from this retreat.
And certainly, using imagination and a willingness to question my disappointments or even anger or indignation plus cultivating the ability to empathise and sympathise will help in my my path of practice.
The subtle peace and knowledge gain from the retreat has followed me even after I left the place. The sense of gentleness is comforting.
Back in this world, there will be distractions and challenges to maintaining this and the path of practice. For sure I will be mindful and continue to try.
While it has a standard schedule to follow, members are free to decide if this is indeed what they want to do. In essence, it is all within one to practise, be it listening in to Dharma talk, participating in the questions & answers session, meditating or simply, doing any other things that one wants to do.
The talks by Ajahn Brahm are simple yet profound, some of which are repeats but nonetheless, important as they are good reminders to us as lay people. It is normal that everyday I have to deal with issues of personal growth, work, people and grapple with the value of me - and Ajahn Brahm has in a lot of ways acted as a beacon by giving new perspectives, making me more aware of the reality, helping me to stay focus and be happy at the present moment.
There is an awareness that persistent and right efforts must be put into place to progress. A balance of active meditation and generosity practices in all aspects covering thoughts, speech and actions help to gain an honest self-knowledge and at the same time be in a more generous and open communication/relationships with others in the community.
Patience in this instance is necessary, be it towards myself, the natural world, or others. Patience with my body, the process of illness and aging, the course of nature, things and people around me.. everything.
What am I becoming? How do I behave, towards me and other people?
Maintaining goodwill and kindness is a good start. This kind of attitude means being patient and generous. Very often, people are not kind to themselves and assume that they are worth less what they are. This is very oftern unconscious and affects behaviour and relationships in some. I guess I am one of such people. So exercising patience and an attitude of metta towards myself by being realistic about illness, towards other people (be it differences, faults or failings) and by applying steady effort in spiriitual life are good takeaways for me from this retreat.
And certainly, using imagination and a willingness to question my disappointments or even anger or indignation plus cultivating the ability to empathise and sympathise will help in my my path of practice.
The subtle peace and knowledge gain from the retreat has followed me even after I left the place. The sense of gentleness is comforting.
Back in this world, there will be distractions and challenges to maintaining this and the path of practice. For sure I will be mindful and continue to try.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Gao Heng
Gao Heng.. is the name my family, more like my mum, gave to the little black glossy hair puppy that came into our home in Paya Lebar many years back.
Mum didn't want to keep him at the beginning because it was already tough feeding the kids. After failing to send him away for 3 rounds and each time, he would come back standing at the door sounding and looking forlorn at mum. I guess this softened mum's heart and decided to take him in.
He was full of energy and very friendly with family. As he grew into a full grown adult, he would spend time playing with the kids and mum's friends. Most importantly, he would stay with mum at her every waking moments,, including those early hours where she conducted her prayers and chanting. He would silently sat beside her and listen in to her every word.. to the God. Should there be any slight unfamiliar sound or movement in the background, he would immediately stand guarded, growled fiercely and tried to protect mum.
He was a much loved companion. We had to leave him with a neighbour when we moved to Tampines. His sorrowful cries and refusal to eat hurt our hearts endlessly.
After so many years.. he must be somewhere good... Mum is no longer with us and today.. I remember him.
Thank you Gao Heng, for bringing so much joy and love to our family and especially.. for protecting mum..
Mum didn't want to keep him at the beginning because it was already tough feeding the kids. After failing to send him away for 3 rounds and each time, he would come back standing at the door sounding and looking forlorn at mum. I guess this softened mum's heart and decided to take him in.
He was full of energy and very friendly with family. As he grew into a full grown adult, he would spend time playing with the kids and mum's friends. Most importantly, he would stay with mum at her every waking moments,, including those early hours where she conducted her prayers and chanting. He would silently sat beside her and listen in to her every word.. to the God. Should there be any slight unfamiliar sound or movement in the background, he would immediately stand guarded, growled fiercely and tried to protect mum.
He was a much loved companion. We had to leave him with a neighbour when we moved to Tampines. His sorrowful cries and refusal to eat hurt our hearts endlessly.
After so many years.. he must be somewhere good... Mum is no longer with us and today.. I remember him.
Thank you Gao Heng, for bringing so much joy and love to our family and especially.. for protecting mum..
Sunday, 22 May 2011
2nd Anniversary
Mum's passing has left an indelible mark.
The lunar month of April and day 19th saw us conducting the rites to remember her by and to send good sincere thoughts and well wishes for a good rebirth with great opportunity to continue with her practice as a Buddhist.
Saw this lyrics and thought it apt to share on the day I remember mum-
May It Be by Enya
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh, how far you are from home
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
The lunar month of April and day 19th saw us conducting the rites to remember her by and to send good sincere thoughts and well wishes for a good rebirth with great opportunity to continue with her practice as a Buddhist.
Saw this lyrics and thought it apt to share on the day I remember mum-
May It Be by Enya
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh, how far you are from home
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
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