Whenever I shop for groceries and vegetables, I would pass the organic section and compare prices. The price for 2 carrots (organic) is rm5.50 against rm1.90 for a pack imported from Australia (non organic); a loaf of organic wholemeal bread rm7.50. So I am thinking that the only way to go fully organic is do your own organic farming and to bake your own bread using organic ingredients, ie. ...
... going back to the basics.
To do that I would need a big garden space and time. Farming is a fulltime job. Even if I have the garden space (or decide to find one), could I afford the time and can I do it? I am presently toying with the idea of moving back to my family home and start organic farming. I might one day...
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The true meaning of life...
New entry (31 Jan 2011):
Since reading and understanding some of the teachings of Buddha, I realized that I no longer need to find the true meaning of life, instead strive to live a more meaningful life. In order to achieve that, all I hv to do is to focus on being mindful, ie. mindful of the way I think and live ~ to avoid accumulating bad karma; to increase good karma. Being mindful allow me to be more compassionate towards others, thus creating positive interactions and good relationships with others.
Entry posted on 24 March 2010:
Three months ago when I created this blog, I had asked myself, why authentic living? Now, reflecting on the first question that I posted on this blog, "have I found the meaning of life?" (Jan 4, 2010), I realise that the "true meaning of life is to be discovered in the world rather than within man or his own psyche" (Viktor Frankl, 1959).
In his book, Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl explained that being human always point, and is directed, to something or ...
... someone other than oneself, ie. be it a meaning to fulfil or another human being to encounter. According to him, we can discover our true meaning of life in three different ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone (ie. loving someone); and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering - happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
The more one forgets himself (by giving himself to a cause to serve another) the more human he is and the more he actualises himself. A similar explanation was given by Ekhart Tolle (in his book, A New Earth), ie. one has to make dynamic goals in life instead of static ones in order to be in full alignment with the universe - fulfillment of a purpose? (read my post on 18 Mar 2010).
Reading Frankl and Tolle's books made me search for the path that I need to take to live authentically. Although in the path that I decided to take entails suffering or pain: I can respond by being responsible and be worthy of my suffering. Frankl wrote, "without suffering and death, human life cannot be complete. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity (even under the most difficult circumstances) to add a deeper meaning to his life."
Since reading and understanding some of the teachings of Buddha, I realized that I no longer need to find the true meaning of life, instead strive to live a more meaningful life. In order to achieve that, all I hv to do is to focus on being mindful, ie. mindful of the way I think and live ~ to avoid accumulating bad karma; to increase good karma. Being mindful allow me to be more compassionate towards others, thus creating positive interactions and good relationships with others.
Entry posted on 24 March 2010:
Three months ago when I created this blog, I had asked myself, why authentic living? Now, reflecting on the first question that I posted on this blog, "have I found the meaning of life?" (Jan 4, 2010), I realise that the "true meaning of life is to be discovered in the world rather than within man or his own psyche" (Viktor Frankl, 1959).
In his book, Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl explained that being human always point, and is directed, to something or ...
... someone other than oneself, ie. be it a meaning to fulfil or another human being to encounter. According to him, we can discover our true meaning of life in three different ways: (1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone (ie. loving someone); and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering - happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.
The more one forgets himself (by giving himself to a cause to serve another) the more human he is and the more he actualises himself. A similar explanation was given by Ekhart Tolle (in his book, A New Earth), ie. one has to make dynamic goals in life instead of static ones in order to be in full alignment with the universe - fulfillment of a purpose? (read my post on 18 Mar 2010).
Reading Frankl and Tolle's books made me search for the path that I need to take to live authentically. Although in the path that I decided to take entails suffering or pain: I can respond by being responsible and be worthy of my suffering. Frankl wrote, "without suffering and death, human life cannot be complete. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity (even under the most difficult circumstances) to add a deeper meaning to his life."
Friday, March 19, 2010
My life, my choice
New entry (5 Jan 2011):
According to Buddhism ~ "to recognize the possibility of being free is the starting point of the path of inner transformation" and "the real measure of spiritual development lies in how well a person manages disturbing emotions such as anger, envy and jealousy"
Writing this entry today, I realized that I have grown stronger spiritually and I have more understanding of the purpose of life and how to live a more meaningful life.
Entry posted on 13 March 2010:
"I have absolute freedom: I am free to choose how to live my life and responsible for my choice." (Alee)
It is I who is to be blamed because it is I who made the decision/choice of my life.
Would saying these statements clear the many thoughts from my mind and would I become more at peace with myself and everyone around me?
According to Buddhism ~ "to recognize the possibility of being free is the starting point of the path of inner transformation" and "the real measure of spiritual development lies in how well a person manages disturbing emotions such as anger, envy and jealousy"
Writing this entry today, I realized that I have grown stronger spiritually and I have more understanding of the purpose of life and how to live a more meaningful life.
Entry posted on 13 March 2010:
"I have absolute freedom: I am free to choose how to live my life and responsible for my choice." (Alee)
It is I who is to be blamed because it is I who made the decision/choice of my life.
Would saying these statements clear the many thoughts from my mind and would I become more at peace with myself and everyone around me?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A New Earth?
I have just finished reading Eckhart Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening to your life's purpose. I remembered reading the review on this book sometime ago but wasn't that interested in it. However, a few days ago, while in a bookshop it caught my attention and I decided to purchase it.
The day after I bought the book, my daughter came back from her church group activity and informed me that her church member told her about this book ...
... and mentioned that it is something like a new 'cult' similar to the comments on The Secret a few years ago. Since I haven't finished the book, I reserve my comment.
Now, having read the book, my opinion is that it is a person's (author's) view of what being human is like; what sort of 'being' that you are suppose to be? And he believes that every one of us is a part of something Whole; therefore we are a part of a Whole universe and will be affected by the universal force (which can work for us, with us or against us). Each of us need to enter into full alignment with the principle of the universe. Translated simply; make dynamic goals in life instead of static ones. And the time to enter into full alignment is the Now, the Presence.
"Dynamic goal empowers and points toward an activity that you are engaged in and through which you are connected to other human beings as well as to the Whole. Instead of seeing yourself as a famous actor or writer and so on, see yourself inspiring countless people with your work and enriching their lives. Feel how that activity enriches or deepens not only your life but that of countless others. Feel yourself being an opening through which energy flows from the unmanifested Source of all life through you for the benefit of all" (Tolle, 2005:305).
If you have read the book, please share your comments.
The day after I bought the book, my daughter came back from her church group activity and informed me that her church member told her about this book ...
... and mentioned that it is something like a new 'cult' similar to the comments on The Secret a few years ago. Since I haven't finished the book, I reserve my comment.
Now, having read the book, my opinion is that it is a person's (author's) view of what being human is like; what sort of 'being' that you are suppose to be? And he believes that every one of us is a part of something Whole; therefore we are a part of a Whole universe and will be affected by the universal force (which can work for us, with us or against us). Each of us need to enter into full alignment with the principle of the universe. Translated simply; make dynamic goals in life instead of static ones. And the time to enter into full alignment is the Now, the Presence.
"Dynamic goal empowers and points toward an activity that you are engaged in and through which you are connected to other human beings as well as to the Whole. Instead of seeing yourself as a famous actor or writer and so on, see yourself inspiring countless people with your work and enriching their lives. Feel how that activity enriches or deepens not only your life but that of countless others. Feel yourself being an opening through which energy flows from the unmanifested Source of all life through you for the benefit of all" (Tolle, 2005:305).
If you have read the book, please share your comments.
Monday, March 15, 2010
CHI Workshop in KL
New entry (30 January 2011):
The Malaysian Child Helpline was launched in Nov 2010 in conjuction with Talian Nur. The number to call is 15999
Entry posted on 15 march 2010:
The CHI (Child Helpline Intl) ASEAN peer to peer exchange workshop 2010 was held last week in KL. Reps came from Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and Msia. Also in attendance were reps from Swizterland and the Netherlands. The situation given by every country's rep is not very pretty and much more effort needed to done for our young children ...
... to enable them to stand up and come forward to seek help. Many children are helpless and don't know how or where to seek help. With the implementation of child helpline, it is hoped that we can help these helpless children and empower them to have a better life and future.
The success of child helpline in reaching out to the children is dependent on the support of many parties, ie. parents, communities, ngos, corporate sponsorship, media coverage, police and government agencies involved. I was informed that the child helpline in India is able to reach the child in trouble within an hour after the call of help came in. Such speed and urgency is important to remove/save the child from dangerous situation.
The stories that were shared by the reps were so sad and touched each and everyone of us. Even though I was not involve directly in any particular case, listening to their stories made me realised that experiential knowledge can be passed on when people become very involved with each other in conversation. Burnard (1988) put it succinctly, 'it is only when we are so detached from others that we treat them as objects that no experiential learning can occur.'
The Malaysian Child Helpline was launched in Nov 2010 in conjuction with Talian Nur. The number to call is 15999
Entry posted on 15 march 2010:
The CHI (Child Helpline Intl) ASEAN peer to peer exchange workshop 2010 was held last week in KL. Reps came from Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and Msia. Also in attendance were reps from Swizterland and the Netherlands. The situation given by every country's rep is not very pretty and much more effort needed to done for our young children ...
... to enable them to stand up and come forward to seek help. Many children are helpless and don't know how or where to seek help. With the implementation of child helpline, it is hoped that we can help these helpless children and empower them to have a better life and future.
The success of child helpline in reaching out to the children is dependent on the support of many parties, ie. parents, communities, ngos, corporate sponsorship, media coverage, police and government agencies involved. I was informed that the child helpline in India is able to reach the child in trouble within an hour after the call of help came in. Such speed and urgency is important to remove/save the child from dangerous situation.
The stories that were shared by the reps were so sad and touched each and everyone of us. Even though I was not involve directly in any particular case, listening to their stories made me realised that experiential knowledge can be passed on when people become very involved with each other in conversation. Burnard (1988) put it succinctly, 'it is only when we are so detached from others that we treat them as objects that no experiential learning can occur.'
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
International Women's Day- A belated wish
Happy International Women's Day to all my female visitors. I apologise for the belated wish. I had made a mental note to wish my female friends yesterday. Unfortunately, another agenda occupied my mind more and I totally forgotten about it until today.
The agenda which took precedence was related to women, ie. my involvement in the Malaysian Child Helpline initiative under the umbrella of the Child Helpline International ...
... which has its HQ in the Netherlands. CHI's main aim is to provide protection for children all over the world and to intervene where necessary. Most of CHI's initiatives have the support of local governments, NGOs and sponsorships from international organisations like unicef, plan. Do visit the website and help in any way you can.
http://www.childhelplineinternational.org/en/network/howitbegan"
The agenda which took precedence was related to women, ie. my involvement in the Malaysian Child Helpline initiative under the umbrella of the Child Helpline International ...
... which has its HQ in the Netherlands. CHI's main aim is to provide protection for children all over the world and to intervene where necessary. Most of CHI's initiatives have the support of local governments, NGOs and sponsorships from international organisations like unicef, plan. Do visit the website and help in any way you can.
http://www.childhelplineinternational.org/en/network/howitbegan"
Friday, March 5, 2010
Phenomenal stories...
Recently, I heard two stories... that left me feeling 'in awe' of how great things..., wonderful things happen to people who are givers, who don't think of getting anything in return. I am honoured to be associated with such wonderful, genuine and authentic people.
The first story was about how this person quit her stressful job and wanted to ...
... start a homebased business. Not knowing how or where to start, she sat in her kitchen and started talking to herself. Later when she was cleaning her house, she happened to look at a portrait of Jesus she bought few years ago and decided to have a conversation with the Lord Jesus. She did this everyday until one day, she realised that Lord Jesus had heard her; she knew exactly how she is going to start her home business and what she must do. Lord Jesus has shown her the path that she should take. After that, unexpected wonderful things happened everytime she had a conversation with Lord Jesus. So, one day, she decided to ask Lord Jesus, "If you heard me, please give me some indication that it is you'" That night, she dreamt of Lord Jesus. The next day, she woke up with a wonderful feeling and knew that it is indeed, Lord Jesus. Wow, what a phenomenal story!
The second story was about a family which had wanted to buy a home but had to put it off for many years. Until last year, when an aquaintance they knew (who is a successful man) decided to give them a house with renovation and fittings all thrown in! The S&P was signed under the husband's name. This family has always been a giver and helped a lot of people. They were speechless and couldn't believe thier eyes when they saw the house. They are still in a daze (I would too!) and are thankful to God. Another phenomenal story!
Once in a while, we hear such phenomenal stories and they remind us to do good to other people, be a giver and if we were to ask for something, let the receiver be another person, not ourselves.
The first story was about how this person quit her stressful job and wanted to ...
... start a homebased business. Not knowing how or where to start, she sat in her kitchen and started talking to herself. Later when she was cleaning her house, she happened to look at a portrait of Jesus she bought few years ago and decided to have a conversation with the Lord Jesus. She did this everyday until one day, she realised that Lord Jesus had heard her; she knew exactly how she is going to start her home business and what she must do. Lord Jesus has shown her the path that she should take. After that, unexpected wonderful things happened everytime she had a conversation with Lord Jesus. So, one day, she decided to ask Lord Jesus, "If you heard me, please give me some indication that it is you'" That night, she dreamt of Lord Jesus. The next day, she woke up with a wonderful feeling and knew that it is indeed, Lord Jesus. Wow, what a phenomenal story!
The second story was about a family which had wanted to buy a home but had to put it off for many years. Until last year, when an aquaintance they knew (who is a successful man) decided to give them a house with renovation and fittings all thrown in! The S&P was signed under the husband's name. This family has always been a giver and helped a lot of people. They were speechless and couldn't believe thier eyes when they saw the house. They are still in a daze (I would too!) and are thankful to God. Another phenomenal story!
Once in a while, we hear such phenomenal stories and they remind us to do good to other people, be a giver and if we were to ask for something, let the receiver be another person, not ourselves.
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