Before you read, just bear in mind that this note is just my useless pondering and most probably holds no significance whatsoever. Anyway, a week ago I watched the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (which I wrote about in my previous note). So during my travelling home from work, I was curiously watching people out in the streets from the little bus window. Then this quote from the movie resonated inside my head:
“But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone's control …”
It made me wonder how complex our life is. Every individual has multiple paths and decision to take, which intersects and affects others’ spectrum of life. A deed that may seem inconsequential may actually impact others significantly. Stopping for a quick caffeine fix may interconnect your path with someone whom you may get personally involved with, and that relationship will create another set of events and complications. And by not stopping at all, you may not get the opportunity to meet that someone, and your life will be therefore different and will affect others’ lives differently.
And to think that there are billions of human beings currently living on earth, each with their own paths that lead to different possibilities, and countless scenarios, is just mind blowing. I just feel that it would be fascinating to watch all the chain of life events unfold. This incredibly complex and grand network. Pity I may not know how my simple actions, be them positive or negative, alter others’ course of events. Oh well, I guess I’ll keep thinking I am more or less a passive and insignificant stretch of mortal time.
Laksmi’s out.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Friday, 20 May 2011
++ Existence ++
Yes, it’s that time again. I feel the urge to pointlessly ramble, and try to show how artsy-fancy and philosophical I can sound. I can guarantee you, that it will be the biggest epic fail ever.
Anyway, more or less, this note is partially written for my gorgeous Sister who seems to be infected by my tendency to pointlessly ramble on basically the most trivial things in life *points at her most current note*.
Her note (if you are on her friends’ list, you can view it) reminds me of the conversation that I had with this person whom I crossed path a few weeks ago. We both happened to be waiting for the same train, and heading to the same destination. Knowing the hippy that I am, I chatted him up, and that led us to have a conversation on various topics. Religion, politics, economy, ethical farming, health and nutrition, you name it! I gotta say, the dude is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable. It was obvious, given the depth of his responses to the topics that we covered that day. Anyway, I learnt that he was a sociopath. He claimed that he could not feel any sympathy towards others’ misfortune nor he felt the urge to help ease others’ sufferings. Well, I frankly could not relate to what he was experiencing, but hey I would not judge. I cannot judge someone based on what their neurology has programmed them to feel and act. As long as they do not harm nor invade others’ personal space, I won’t say that sociopaths are bad people. Just my humble opinion.
Anyway, our conversation led us to talk about profession, and what we wanted to achieve through our profession. He expressed sentiments against working for government, because he could not climb to the top as he would in the private industry. I disagreed. I argued that working for government provided us with work and life balance, and we would not be enslaved to gaining more and more money in the expense of our time. I guess people have already assumed that working for a government’s agency equates laziness and pure bludging (which sometimes I cannot deny, but I believe if someone is motivated and willing to work hard, then good things can come out). If I can recall correctly, the conversation goes like this
Hippy-dudette: I actually believe that working for the government is great! You can get work and life balance, something that you cannot get from private firms who usually overwork their employees.
Socio-dude: Well, I guess your perspective as a woman differs from male perspective. We men are born with this masculine instinct, that gives us the urge to climb to the top and ‘conquer’ other men. That’s why working in the private industry is ideal, because it pushes us to our limits, and we can earn high salary.
Hippy-dudette: Well I guess it boils down to our purpose in life then. Why would you want to spend most of your time working? Don’t you want to have spare time for yourself and others? Will your life be driven purely by money?
*note: that is kinda ironic because right now I am slaving away for work, barely having any day off >.
Socio-dude: It is not just about money! It’s about fame. Don’t you want to be on top, gain that social status and people acknowledge your accomplishment? So you know then, that your life is not wasted. That’s what I am striving for.
The preachy, and hippy me could not resist but answering like I was a character from a Disney movie:
Hippy-dudette: Yes, ‘fame’ can be good. Knowing that your efforts are recognized, that everything isn’t in vain. But I really think that ‘fame’ should be achieved through kindness, and not social status or wealth. When people know you through your position, that ‘fame’ lasts only when you live. But ‘fame’ through kindness lasts forever. When you pass away, people will not remember who the CEO of that big company is, but people will remember that person who give them an act of kindness. When you’ve been good all your life, people will genuinely love you and will miss you when you die. You will still live in their memory. I guess that’s the kind of ‘fame’ I would prefer. Maybe not fame, but rather a sense of existence. That what you do matters to others in a positive way.
...
And the conversation went on and on from that point on. I don’t think I will bore you any further.
Anyway, I hope y’all are aware that the above ‘transcript’ is not verbatim. It’s just the gist of the conversation. Nay, I don’t talk big words like that in real life. I take pride in sounding normal and not like I am reading a C-grade philosophical essay. Y’know I just want to sound oh-so-smart there. Okay that is out of the way.
Some of us have probably wondered what our purpose in life is. Are we merely a result of two people falling into the gravity of physical attraction? Are we just a stretch of mortal time, resulted by random probability (maybe Stephen Hawkings can say a word or two about quantum fluctuation).
I guess we will not find out, with certainty. The point being is that we –exist-. Some people believe that they only exist for themselves; they are born alone and will die alone. But I would like to think, that we also exist for others. After all, others have existed for us. The heroes before our time existed to fight for our independence. The engineers through the age have existed to create better means of living for humanity. The doctors have existed to cure our diseases. The construction workers have existed to build our houses, our buildings, our schools and other structures. Our parents have existed to make us –exist-, to teach us speech and to raise us with love.
So when often you find yourself alone (it’s a massive hint for *coughRubabcough*), rest assured that you’re not. Everything around us is the product of the existence of others. Others have cared enough to make our lives easier and more advanced.
And when you find yourself “useless”, and tired of the routine. Just remember that your existence itself has affected others, either positive and negative.
If you’re a university student who thinks that all you do is ‘only’ studying, having fun with friends and working a few hours to sustain your living. Well, you’re not “useless”. What you are currently doing is preparing for the future, you are still “mixing the ingredients” for success. When the time comes that you are recognised for your skills and expertise, you will be ready to help others and be useful. Networking and having friends itself is an act of kindness. Right now you exist to be a support for your friends, and exist to lighten their burdens and brighten their days.
When you’re a housewife who thinks that all you do is being stuck at home, raising your kids, and not doing any social works. Well, you’re not “useless”. You are shaping and educating your kids, who will play their roles in the future generation. Hopefully your efforts will result in a better generation. That’s the meaning of your existence.
You don’t need to be the richest person on earth to exist. You don’t need to be the most outspoken activist to bring a change. Through simple gestures and random acts of kindness, you will impart a tiny part of yourself in others. You will exist. Trust yourself, you may not see it because own self is the most critical, but rest assured that your existence matters for others. Do what you can, even if it’s just one smile. Who knows, that one smile may brighten someone’s day and help them through their depression. Even if it’s just sparing a couple of bucks from your coffee allowance, you may help the needy survive another day.
You exist, and you matter.
Okay, I am not making sense. Partly because it is almost midnight, and also 'cause, well, my 'lil peanut brain just can do any better at articulating. Laksmi's out.
Anyway, more or less, this note is partially written for my gorgeous Sister who seems to be infected by my tendency to pointlessly ramble on basically the most trivial things in life *points at her most current note*.
Her note (if you are on her friends’ list, you can view it) reminds me of the conversation that I had with this person whom I crossed path a few weeks ago. We both happened to be waiting for the same train, and heading to the same destination. Knowing the hippy that I am, I chatted him up, and that led us to have a conversation on various topics. Religion, politics, economy, ethical farming, health and nutrition, you name it! I gotta say, the dude is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable. It was obvious, given the depth of his responses to the topics that we covered that day. Anyway, I learnt that he was a sociopath. He claimed that he could not feel any sympathy towards others’ misfortune nor he felt the urge to help ease others’ sufferings. Well, I frankly could not relate to what he was experiencing, but hey I would not judge. I cannot judge someone based on what their neurology has programmed them to feel and act. As long as they do not harm nor invade others’ personal space, I won’t say that sociopaths are bad people. Just my humble opinion.
Anyway, our conversation led us to talk about profession, and what we wanted to achieve through our profession. He expressed sentiments against working for government, because he could not climb to the top as he would in the private industry. I disagreed. I argued that working for government provided us with work and life balance, and we would not be enslaved to gaining more and more money in the expense of our time. I guess people have already assumed that working for a government’s agency equates laziness and pure bludging (which sometimes I cannot deny, but I believe if someone is motivated and willing to work hard, then good things can come out). If I can recall correctly, the conversation goes like this
Hippy-dudette: I actually believe that working for the government is great! You can get work and life balance, something that you cannot get from private firms who usually overwork their employees.
Socio-dude: Well, I guess your perspective as a woman differs from male perspective. We men are born with this masculine instinct, that gives us the urge to climb to the top and ‘conquer’ other men. That’s why working in the private industry is ideal, because it pushes us to our limits, and we can earn high salary.
Hippy-dudette: Well I guess it boils down to our purpose in life then. Why would you want to spend most of your time working? Don’t you want to have spare time for yourself and others? Will your life be driven purely by money?
*note: that is kinda ironic because right now I am slaving away for work, barely having any day off >.
Socio-dude: It is not just about money! It’s about fame. Don’t you want to be on top, gain that social status and people acknowledge your accomplishment? So you know then, that your life is not wasted. That’s what I am striving for.
The preachy, and hippy me could not resist but answering like I was a character from a Disney movie:
Hippy-dudette: Yes, ‘fame’ can be good. Knowing that your efforts are recognized, that everything isn’t in vain. But I really think that ‘fame’ should be achieved through kindness, and not social status or wealth. When people know you through your position, that ‘fame’ lasts only when you live. But ‘fame’ through kindness lasts forever. When you pass away, people will not remember who the CEO of that big company is, but people will remember that person who give them an act of kindness. When you’ve been good all your life, people will genuinely love you and will miss you when you die. You will still live in their memory. I guess that’s the kind of ‘fame’ I would prefer. Maybe not fame, but rather a sense of existence. That what you do matters to others in a positive way.
...
And the conversation went on and on from that point on. I don’t think I will bore you any further.
Anyway, I hope y’all are aware that the above ‘transcript’ is not verbatim. It’s just the gist of the conversation. Nay, I don’t talk big words like that in real life. I take pride in sounding normal and not like I am reading a C-grade philosophical essay. Y’know I just want to sound oh-so-smart there. Okay that is out of the way.
Some of us have probably wondered what our purpose in life is. Are we merely a result of two people falling into the gravity of physical attraction? Are we just a stretch of mortal time, resulted by random probability (maybe Stephen Hawkings can say a word or two about quantum fluctuation).
I guess we will not find out, with certainty. The point being is that we –exist-. Some people believe that they only exist for themselves; they are born alone and will die alone. But I would like to think, that we also exist for others. After all, others have existed for us. The heroes before our time existed to fight for our independence. The engineers through the age have existed to create better means of living for humanity. The doctors have existed to cure our diseases. The construction workers have existed to build our houses, our buildings, our schools and other structures. Our parents have existed to make us –exist-, to teach us speech and to raise us with love.
So when often you find yourself alone (it’s a massive hint for *coughRubabcough*), rest assured that you’re not. Everything around us is the product of the existence of others. Others have cared enough to make our lives easier and more advanced.
And when you find yourself “useless”, and tired of the routine. Just remember that your existence itself has affected others, either positive and negative.
If you’re a university student who thinks that all you do is ‘only’ studying, having fun with friends and working a few hours to sustain your living. Well, you’re not “useless”. What you are currently doing is preparing for the future, you are still “mixing the ingredients” for success. When the time comes that you are recognised for your skills and expertise, you will be ready to help others and be useful. Networking and having friends itself is an act of kindness. Right now you exist to be a support for your friends, and exist to lighten their burdens and brighten their days.
When you’re a housewife who thinks that all you do is being stuck at home, raising your kids, and not doing any social works. Well, you’re not “useless”. You are shaping and educating your kids, who will play their roles in the future generation. Hopefully your efforts will result in a better generation. That’s the meaning of your existence.
You don’t need to be the richest person on earth to exist. You don’t need to be the most outspoken activist to bring a change. Through simple gestures and random acts of kindness, you will impart a tiny part of yourself in others. You will exist. Trust yourself, you may not see it because own self is the most critical, but rest assured that your existence matters for others. Do what you can, even if it’s just one smile. Who knows, that one smile may brighten someone’s day and help them through their depression. Even if it’s just sparing a couple of bucks from your coffee allowance, you may help the needy survive another day.
You exist, and you matter.
Okay, I am not making sense. Partly because it is almost midnight, and also 'cause, well, my 'lil peanut brain just can do any better at articulating. Laksmi's out.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
++ About Growing Old ++
After God knows how long, I finally got myself to watch a movie. Yes, I was bored. It was freezing cold, and what would be better than getting rugged up in a thick blanket, sipping a mug of soy hot cocoa with a dash of honey and cinnamon, while watching an award-winning movie? Not that I do it often. Nonetheless, it was pure bliss
Anyway, the story goes, I watched a movie titled The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For those who have not watched it, the movie is about someone who was born old, and grows younger by the years. Basically it narrates someone’s life experience as a boy trapped in an old man’s body, and reverses his age, in which he grows older internally but younger externally.
Quite a bittersweet story, actually. It makes me think of what will happen when I grow old. Questions started arising inside my head.
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when my children think that I am old fashioned?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when the kids around the block think I am just an imbecile old hag?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when I start not understanding what is going on with the world?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when I sit alone and no one visits me because they think I will nag and just too much of a burden?
What will happen if that time comes to pass that I have to depart this earthly life, will I be able to let go and say that I have done enough for humanity?
The thought is rather scary. I am not much too concerned about physical aging, after all there is botox and age defying make-up (haha). I just think, what will become of me when I realise I have changed emotionally? Or rather, when I think the world has changed. Scary indeed.
Anyway, that movie did give me a new perspective. After all, we may not get our parents or other older relatives. But I guess they may be experiencing that stage of change, when the world has changed, when people don’t understand you, and no one seems to care. I need to keep telling myself to be kinder to ‘the other generation’.
Peace out.
Anyway, the story goes, I watched a movie titled The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For those who have not watched it, the movie is about someone who was born old, and grows younger by the years. Basically it narrates someone’s life experience as a boy trapped in an old man’s body, and reverses his age, in which he grows older internally but younger externally.
Quite a bittersweet story, actually. It makes me think of what will happen when I grow old. Questions started arising inside my head.
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when my children think that I am old fashioned?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when the kids around the block think I am just an imbecile old hag?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when I start not understanding what is going on with the world?
What will happen if that time comes to pass, when I sit alone and no one visits me because they think I will nag and just too much of a burden?
What will happen if that time comes to pass that I have to depart this earthly life, will I be able to let go and say that I have done enough for humanity?
The thought is rather scary. I am not much too concerned about physical aging, after all there is botox and age defying make-up (haha). I just think, what will become of me when I realise I have changed emotionally? Or rather, when I think the world has changed. Scary indeed.
Anyway, that movie did give me a new perspective. After all, we may not get our parents or other older relatives. But I guess they may be experiencing that stage of change, when the world has changed, when people don’t understand you, and no one seems to care. I need to keep telling myself to be kinder to ‘the other generation’.
Peace out.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
++ Marriage ++
Marriage.
For many people, the word seems to be able to conjure magic, where all the life problems will disappear once someone enters life of marriage.
“And they live happily ever after.”
The fairy-tale lovers are intoxicated with the idea of marriage, which is almost always associated with everlasting love. After all, everyone needs love to live a happy life. Just like Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, marriage will provide one with happiness. Right?
“Marriage is half of someone’s faith.”
The more religious ones believe in the idea that marriage is an act of worship, where they will be more righteous in the eyes of God. After all, that’s what the forefathers tell them, who heard it from their forefathers.
Right.
I am sure some of you are often being asked questions such as, “So, when are you getting hitched?”, “Why are you still single?”, or “Why don’t you hurry up and get married already?!”.
Seesh people, just like all things in the world, marriage has its positives and negatives. We are delusional if we think that marriage is THE key to happiness. Sure, marriage or relationship for that matter, enables someone to experience affection and intimacy, (hopefully) with their loved ones. Sure, marriage may give you that special friend whom you can turn to and eases your burden when you’re down. I am sure the list can go on (I won’t have a clue, I have never been married). However, it too has negatives. There are some things that need to be compromised when it comes to two people living together (three or four if polygamy is your thing -_-). There will be occasional (or usual) fights and arguments throughout the course of marriage. It takes efforts, respect and understanding to make a marriage work.
I am not against marriage at all. Heck, if anyone picks me up from the bargain shelf, I’ll probably start fussing about marriage itself! But I just don’t understand why people think that marriage guarantees happiness, or that singlehood is synonymous with misery and loneliness. Some people can actually be unhappy in a marriage if it’s not a health and loving one. And some people can be happy waving the singlehood flag if they are comfortable with themselves, and living their lives to the fullest.
I wonder, when people say they want to get married, do they understand why they want to? Is it because, well, everyone else is married and hance they need to be married? Has it become a social standard that everyone needs to adhere to?
I don’t know, some people are just investing way too much time to get that “special someone” to marry, in the expense of other things. Well, putting efforts is not bad, really. After all, if we invest a lot of time, effort and resources to undergo education, and secure a profession, why not devote a bit of time to seek our life partner? But yeah, I cannot comprehend when someone’s mind is occupied with the thought of being married. I am sure there are better things to worry about.
A dear friend of mine, once said it profoundly,
“When the time comes when you have to depart this world, and pass way, it will suck if you come into realisation that you spend your times thinking about hooking up, when you can instead, strive to become a better person.”
Indeed, it’s true. I personally think marriage is a way for an individual to find a partner in life. A tag-team, to help one discover the meanings of life. To be able to have someone who uplifts one’s spirituality, and makes one a better person.
And not just because, well, everyone needs to get married!
For many people, the word seems to be able to conjure magic, where all the life problems will disappear once someone enters life of marriage.
“And they live happily ever after.”
The fairy-tale lovers are intoxicated with the idea of marriage, which is almost always associated with everlasting love. After all, everyone needs love to live a happy life. Just like Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, marriage will provide one with happiness. Right?
“Marriage is half of someone’s faith.”
The more religious ones believe in the idea that marriage is an act of worship, where they will be more righteous in the eyes of God. After all, that’s what the forefathers tell them, who heard it from their forefathers.
Right.
I am sure some of you are often being asked questions such as, “So, when are you getting hitched?”, “Why are you still single?”, or “Why don’t you hurry up and get married already?!”.
Seesh people, just like all things in the world, marriage has its positives and negatives. We are delusional if we think that marriage is THE key to happiness. Sure, marriage or relationship for that matter, enables someone to experience affection and intimacy, (hopefully) with their loved ones. Sure, marriage may give you that special friend whom you can turn to and eases your burden when you’re down. I am sure the list can go on (I won’t have a clue, I have never been married). However, it too has negatives. There are some things that need to be compromised when it comes to two people living together (three or four if polygamy is your thing -_-). There will be occasional (or usual) fights and arguments throughout the course of marriage. It takes efforts, respect and understanding to make a marriage work.
I am not against marriage at all. Heck, if anyone picks me up from the bargain shelf, I’ll probably start fussing about marriage itself! But I just don’t understand why people think that marriage guarantees happiness, or that singlehood is synonymous with misery and loneliness. Some people can actually be unhappy in a marriage if it’s not a health and loving one. And some people can be happy waving the singlehood flag if they are comfortable with themselves, and living their lives to the fullest.
I wonder, when people say they want to get married, do they understand why they want to? Is it because, well, everyone else is married and hance they need to be married? Has it become a social standard that everyone needs to adhere to?
I don’t know, some people are just investing way too much time to get that “special someone” to marry, in the expense of other things. Well, putting efforts is not bad, really. After all, if we invest a lot of time, effort and resources to undergo education, and secure a profession, why not devote a bit of time to seek our life partner? But yeah, I cannot comprehend when someone’s mind is occupied with the thought of being married. I am sure there are better things to worry about.
A dear friend of mine, once said it profoundly,
“When the time comes when you have to depart this world, and pass way, it will suck if you come into realisation that you spend your times thinking about hooking up, when you can instead, strive to become a better person.”
Indeed, it’s true. I personally think marriage is a way for an individual to find a partner in life. A tag-team, to help one discover the meanings of life. To be able to have someone who uplifts one’s spirituality, and makes one a better person.
And not just because, well, everyone needs to get married!
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