Mind in a box is like an oyster... ...always protected by hard calcareous shells. It is tough to get the mantle inside out. The shells close in abrupt when triggered and caught.
Open mind is outside the box. Dendrites fire messages as response to changes from without. Listening and understanding of the input from the outside......are the essential skills that yield understanding, harmony and happy life. Mind in a box.
Breakfast in La Prina Hotel in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia 6.2012
I swim for fitness. Many have asked me if I am into competition or any kind of swimming events. Today, after my swim someone approached me and said, "I watched you swim and you are great!" A positive comment about what I do makes me do better and move on. I believe it is just normal to have that feeling of positive affirmation. My respond, He asked me if I compete. I replied, "I swim for fitness."
Swimming for fitness is different from swimming to compete. I can compete, I but choose to swim for fitness. Each time I hit the swimming pool I have something to refine for enhancement of techniques. The little improvement always serves as an achievement and challenges me to move on to the next level. This is "self-challenge" which is different from challenging oneself using other's achievement as marker. This is "competition" which, more often than not, serves as a precursor of stress, which may lower one's achievement.
Swimming for fitness is stress-free. No one to compete with but with myself. Myself is my "master" of this sport. No one pushes me and I move on in my own pace.
Life is a journey. It's like traveling across the seas. As you traverse the ocean or encounter the air, excitements and apprehensions always come into play.
You expect what you've planned, but be open to surprises. Changes may be essential as it is inevitable.
Ethnocentric tendency is not the key it is the "open mind" that is needed to appreciate the beauty.
I have been grateful that all my experiences in every country I've visited in the past had been pleasant experiences. (Of course I stay away from places that will put me at risk and places where temptations dominate ...to say it...I am not into bar scenes and the like). The experiences I had were eye-opener for me and widened my understanding of human cultural differences in many aspects. One saying that I remember reading that struck me so much was about this thought: "It is not the different ethnicities of human beings in different parts of the world but the differences in cultures amongst people." In my point of view, we are all same, what differ are the "ways of life" and "life principles and values." Each one wears a pair of "lens" that enable us to see things differently and think variably. Despite of these differences, there are, of course, there are universal norms that all of us is expected know and expected to abide. Waiting for turn is a universal norm.
I treasure the positive experiences I had in each country I've been. The people I met, the culture I saw, the language I heard, the food I've tasted (but I not eat insects...hahaha), the peculiar gestures I've learned that may seemed to be "deviant" with my ways, and many other things including the land and water scapes of the places I've been linger in my thoughts as I reflect and revisit my experiences. What a worthy adventure I had that will always be there and will never expire nor decay unlike material possessions. Below are some of the countries that have a place in my heart and mind.
Thailand the land of the friendly smiles. You inscribed in my mind the calmness of heart.
China the red dragon of the east. What a history you have from the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC).
Egypt where the river Nile stretches her water. You mesmerized me with the marvels of the pyramids.
Galapagos, the idyllic dream destination islands of many. You envigorated my concerns to the wildlife diversity.
Ecuador, the country on the zero latitude. You gave me the experience to traverse part of the Amazon river basin.
Peru, the land of mysticism of the Incas. What a wondrous work of strength and diligence to build the Machu Pichu.
Vietnam, where Hanoi's organized chaos is an icon. You made me witness on how Vietnamese work so hard to be the next Asian tiger.
Cambodia, the land of the meek people and of the majestic wats. You made me connect my heritage with what they have.
Laos, what a peaceful and country to visit. You made me appreciate the humbling experience of the Lao people.
The Philippines, the land of the rising sun, where life thrives in the middle of ever changing society. You mesmerize me with my past to look back.
Costa Rica, the place of the "Pura Vida!" You instilled in my mind the diversified nature in it's pure state.
Colombia, the country of the "happy people!" What a great opportunity to see the improvement after long-time unrest. Koodos!
Panama, the isthmus between to continents. The canals show how environmental alteration hastens inter-continenal transportation.
Canada, the peaceful country, friends to all. You impressed me with the friendly citizens I met.
South Korea, the country of extraordinary experience. Language, culture, people and ways of life challenge me.
United States of America, the destination that many have dreamt about. The richness and vastness of your national parks and reserves amaze me.
Netherlands and Japan both brought forth new cultures to me. Amazing to see the varied lifestyles and cultural diversities.
Israel you will never be the same again. You made me uplight my spiritual values as a Christian.
Mongolia, the country of blue sky. Thank you for your friendliness and hospitality.
Palestine, the country mentioned several times in the Bible. You deepened my faith when I saw the assumed Jesus' Bethlehem birthplace.
Brasil is known to the world as sports huskies and fun, fun,fun. Delightful to see the envigorating strength of multiple sports on Copacobana beach.
Bermuda, where the mystery of the triangle lies. Lovely people, fascinating white houses, pink beaches and churches are just everywhere.
Jamaica, the country of laid back personality and worry-not attitude. "Yeh mon" response exerts a positive spirit and friendly acceptance.
India, the amazingly and incredibly thriving giant land. Love, multiculturalism, family ties, multiculturalism, human and natural resources dominates.
Singapore, the reflection of modern industrialization and fast progression. Beauty and charm of modern architecture make the country as the icon of new world technology.
Indonesia, you are the melting pot of many religions. From Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianism - you have a choice to satisfy you personal conviction
Malaysia you are really a truly Asia. The lush of green vegetation on the mountains covers the soil which makes it refreshing to see.
Nepal, the country of mysticisms. Nepalese people you are adorable because of you humble approach and warm hospitality.
Hong Kong - what a marvel to sight on how you make land and water blend. Your "blending" plus the infrastructure provide spaces for people's existence.
What will I find sparkling, worth-remembering or even worth adopting?
Oh, life is a journey like in traveling the world.
You expect the expected and adjust with the unexpected.
Awareness and understanding are significant moves,
to appreciate the beauty and NOT necessarily to partake what others do.
We all have our own principles and values deeply rooted in our heart.
To understand the differences of our brothers and sisters,
respect and understanding integral values to upkeep.
Photo taken in the Underground River, one of the 7 Wonders of Nature 2012 in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines 7.2.12
