Some days I like walking down busy streets just to absorb some of the energy from the crowd. I pass many bustling restaurants and when I peer in, I'm reminded that I don't really miss the after-work crowds or that familiar habit of dining out. My life is now contently quiet. I've stepped away from that lifestyle, and I believe it has sparked lasting change in my life. Whereas I was once consumed by consumerism, I now live by the motto "less is more." I find satisfaction in clearing away clutter in my home and generally, in my life. I donate what I don't use or need, and I re-use as much as possible. When it comes to spending, I live conservatively. I adapt.
Sometimes it takes a drastic change to realize what you really value in life. It takes a shift in lifestyle to appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you can attain next. And yet, I do try to stay in touch. When the mood strikes, I window-shop from time to time, but it's more about something to do, rather than something to want. Right now, I have this freedom. I can detach. And when the time comes to revisit the working world, I will choose when and how I will be a consumer. I will invest wisely and savor all that I've earned - and saved.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
On Faith
A pastor once said people tend to live in a two dimensional world. That is, people often rely on what they can 1) see and 2) touch. He said this approach provides security and commonality for accepting the people and things around us. He said people often put their trust in what is tangible and what they're conditioned to know. He then spoke about a third dimension - living a life of faith.
In Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," when asked what kind of God she believes in, Gilbert responds, "I believe in a magnificent God." I believe what propels religious seekers and spiritual seekers in their respective pursuits, is a form of faith. And what guides people through the everyday and the extraordinary is faith. I think living a life of faith is not about one's choice of religion, a function of worship or what others believe. It's individualistic, pure and part of one's inner conscience.
As a connection between the heart, psyche and soul, faith can manifest as a positive energy and a guiding light. It empowers people to let go of simple truths and surrender to the unknown - to embrace possibilities. Faith can be a thread into everything we do, and a path to unlocking individual potential. And sometimes, in our darkest hour, faith can help us realize incredible miracles.
In Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," when asked what kind of God she believes in, Gilbert responds, "I believe in a magnificent God." I believe what propels religious seekers and spiritual seekers in their respective pursuits, is a form of faith. And what guides people through the everyday and the extraordinary is faith. I think living a life of faith is not about one's choice of religion, a function of worship or what others believe. It's individualistic, pure and part of one's inner conscience.
As a connection between the heart, psyche and soul, faith can manifest as a positive energy and a guiding light. It empowers people to let go of simple truths and surrender to the unknown - to embrace possibilities. Faith can be a thread into everything we do, and a path to unlocking individual potential. And sometimes, in our darkest hour, faith can help us realize incredible miracles.
Monday, October 5, 2009
On Waiting
We wait to be called on in class because it's the code of conduct. We wait for tea to steep because we look forward to that first soothing sip. We wait to be seated for dinner because it's 8:45pm and we've grown increasingly hungrier. We wait for the train that is always late to arrive because it's an inevitable part of our commute. We wait for the person on the other end of the line because we want and need to communicate.
For the optimistic at heart, waiting can create a healthy eagerness and an excitement. It can inspire us to move forward and allow us to embrace the journey. And even if the desired result isn't met, we are still grateful for the gift of time. In waiting, we gain a greater sense of self-awareness and perspective.
For others, the process of waiting can spur anxiety. We're in a hurry to anticipate what's next. We fill our time with pondering the possibilities. Sometimes, worry sets in for the unknown, and waiting begets impatience and frustration. The journey feels less fruitful and we become mired in fear for things that have yet to pass.
Waiting can be a choice or an infliction. Sometimes, we wait for something (or someone) that never comes because we are inherently hopeful creatures. We wait because it's the natural order of things.
For the optimistic at heart, waiting can create a healthy eagerness and an excitement. It can inspire us to move forward and allow us to embrace the journey. And even if the desired result isn't met, we are still grateful for the gift of time. In waiting, we gain a greater sense of self-awareness and perspective.
For others, the process of waiting can spur anxiety. We're in a hurry to anticipate what's next. We fill our time with pondering the possibilities. Sometimes, worry sets in for the unknown, and waiting begets impatience and frustration. The journey feels less fruitful and we become mired in fear for things that have yet to pass.
Waiting can be a choice or an infliction. Sometimes, we wait for something (or someone) that never comes because we are inherently hopeful creatures. We wait because it's the natural order of things.
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