Inevitable Change

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The weather is changing.
The leaves are falling.
Temperature is cooling.
Fall is coming.
What a lovely morning scene!

Cheer up and be grateful for inevitable change!
It's almost fall!

by: iSwim

                               August 17, 2012

Mind In A Box

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Mind In A Box
by iSwim 
(07.30.2012)

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 

Swimming For Fitness

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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

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Life Is A Journey


by    


iSwimiTravel 






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

Traveling The World...A Fascinating Way To Other Culture...

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"I am very grateful to have the opportunity and being blessed to be able to travel the world. Each and every step I take each time I leave the my home country, I see myself in a different world surrounded by great people. Traveling other countries makes me leave my "comfort shell." Indeed, all will be different - language, food, customs, traditions, clothing, body language and other non-verbal gestures - overall - different cultures. One quote I remember: "If you do not like languages, customs, foods, traditions - don't travel, stay home." - This is very true! In my travels, there is always an enthusiasm from planning the trip, boarding the plane, landing to a new country, going to unfamiliar places to the meeting of other people. Positivism, setting the fears and worries aside (not even entertaining it), getting out of ethnocentric tendencies, accepting the ways of others (but not necessarily doing it), knowing the limits, mind open to new and positive learning experiences, choosing the right people (great way to make new friends), going to safe places (I am not into bar scenes.) and careful planning before traveling are some of the most essential factors that I consider as the top priorities to have a successful journey. (As for me, successful journey means "would like visit again" not feeling regretful, which a sign of failure. By far, all my travels have been successful. I always keep in mind what the scriptures mentioned in the book of Psalm 19:11 "For He will order His Angels to protect you everywhere you go." and Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be discourage nor dismayed, for I am with you everywhere you go." 

                                     Photo taken in the King's Palace (Istana Negara) In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 6.24.12

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India...You Are Incredible!

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Today is my 7th day in India, the day before I fly to Indonesia to continue on to my trip to the far east. In a short time I've seen the many important places in the northern part of India in a "nut shell."  There are still many to explore and to learn about the history and culture of this incredible country. I am grateful that I made this trip. Since high school, when started to learning Asian History (one of my favorite subjects), it is the Taj Mahal (aside from China's Great Wall which I've been in Dec. 2009) that I have dreamt to see in real life because of it's being one the Wonders of the World. Wow! Many dreams really come true!!! 

India is "incredible!" It's population - 1.22 billion (2nd to China - 1.33 billion) makes this country incredible. (World's population is about to reach 7 billion in this current time). There is people everywhere. Streets are always busy specially at day time (of course). There are multiple passengers in small public or private vehicles. Passengers are hanging and sitting on the roof of public transport to get to their destinations. There are foods all over in small "tiendas." Gems are bountiful from the surrounding "rocky" mountains in Jaipur. Carpet-making and natural cloth paintings from plants with skillful workers provide most of the economy aside from tourism and seasonal crops. Selling small things to make two ends meet. The little children begging which breaks my heart to see (How I wish my students back in the states see how younger Indian children make "self economy" and not wasting and throwing foods in the cafeteria.) Many people in the suburbs living on the streets in a makeshift tents with a kinda "nomadic" life because they follow the jobs where they are available. (How I wish people with all things they need and are not complacent with what they have should see this situation.) Young people wipe car windows when stopped for alms. Babies curdled by their parents are riding on a motorcycle . Cows do not go to butchery and they are all around. (Eighty percent of Indians are Hindus and they regards to many animals including cows as holy). Goats hanging on motorcycle for final days en route to slaughter house. People speaks different languages and dialects (Hindi, Punjabi, English, French, etc.). Indian cuisine is exquisite and "healthy." Vegetarianism is widespread. (What will Chinese say about this?)  Friendly smiles and welcoming gestures are innate to them. (Saying "Namaste" or "Namaskar" with a two palms together close to chest). Preservation of culture is very evident in India (with women and men wearing their cultural clothes) unlike many countries with high "colonial mentally" wherein their original cultural practices and native tongue seem to come to oblivion. 

India you are "incredible!" The "Golden Triangle" showed me the most frequented important cities in the northern part of India - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These cities are separated by many kilometers (at least 100 kilometers) with an average driving time of 4 to 6 hours in between. Not to forget the traffic in the cities. Momunents dating back in time during the 11th century (e.g. Qutub Minar) are well preserved and show historical imprints which make the history to come alive right in front of my eyes. Unbelievable!  Most of the monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Paid workers from different countries (Persia, Turkey, France, Italy, etc.) were hired by emperors to build as compared to slavery and forced labor like the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Some to the monuments and important landmarks I've been in this trip to India were: Qutub Minar, Humayun's Mausoleum (Mughal architecture), India Gate, Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial, Jama Mastid, of course the world famous Taj Mahal (Love Poem In Marble), President's Residence, Parliament House, Secretariat Building, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Chandi Chok (once an imperial avenue now the busiest commercial area of New Delhi), Lotus Temple, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, Rajasthani Fort Palace in jaipur, "Pink City" of Jaipur, Amber Fort, Maharaja's City Palace, Jantar Mantar (largest stone and marble crafted astronomical observatory in the world), Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds) plus the unparalleled cultural showcases en route to the three major cities in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
India...you are Incredible!  Great India!




                                                     Taj Mahal in Agra, India 6.12.12

Change!

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This morning as I entered the gym a sign flashed on before me at the check in counter - "Pool Closed Thank You For Your Patience." Pool is undergoing maintenance. Deep inside I did not like it to begin my day of workout because I will miss swimming during the 32-day trip to the far east in the next 2 days. There will be swimming pools in the hotels I will be checking in but, for sure, I will not expect what I have here. This day will be "mini" taper time. I gotta modify my workout session...no pool only resistance training, Tai Chi and active stretching, plus extra time to relax and take time really slowly. It's summer vacation I the first place.

This unexpected situation at the gym requires modification, patience and change. Change is inevitable (but not in the soda machine...hehehehe). Change is a "universal concept" that applies to all areas of disciplines. Of course, applies daily life activities. There is a reason and season for change. The reason for change sometimes is not known or sometimes misunderstood. This may lead to questions and/or confusions about the new change. I understand why the pool was closed - maintenance. On the other hand, there are changes where the reasons are well-communicated and fully understood. Hooray! No surprises! If this is the case, people can set their minds to the result of the change.

Changes do not happen in a wink of an eye. Timing is essential. Leaves change color and fall in the fall due to seasonal changes. I remember the song "Changes In My Life" sung by Jose Mari Chan. What a wonderful song! (Google it and you will see many versions of this song in You Tube format.) People change - from physical looks to point of views, but these changes are gradual like the "evolutionary process," where the changes happen through time. 

Change happens. Acceptance or avoidance of change depend on the person. There are people who are open for changes and have the outlook "Change is good." On the contrary, there are people who have "closed minds" and do not accept or avoid changes. No matter what is our concept of change...it is always important to keep in mind that it is a universal truth that "Change is inevitable."

Make it a great day!

iSwim

          Photo taken in Fairbanks, Alaska April 2006

          

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