Love yourself

"Loving yourself first" sounds selfish, but it actually isn't. Only when you take care of yourself, be truly happy with yourself and your life, can you in turn take good care of others and truly love others. For when you no longer judge yourself, you lose the urge to judge someone else. When you no longer have to protect your own ego, you accept someone else for who they really are. When you are happy, you see the world in a positive light, and spread happiness too. 

Therefore, in the new year, would you make the promise to love yourself first and foremost? It is OK to put your needs before others. It is OK to say 'no' when it is the only way to take care of yourself. Don't say 'yes' to things that drain you mentally, physically or emotionally, so much that you end up hurting yourself and others. It is OK to place your happiness first. 

In fact, it is crucial. Fill yourself with so much happiness and love that it overflows, so much that you can't wait to share it with everyone. 

You deserve all the love the world can give. And you know what? It doesn't come from something outside of yourself. It comes from you. It comes from your choices, and the desire to always act from a place of gentle kindness, a place of love. Be kind and gentle to yourself, Love yourself. You hold the key. It may feel scary at first, knowing that you alone are responsible for your own happiness, not anyone or anything else. But when you can tap into the place of unconditional love within yourself, feel the liberation from external sources of happiness. Now, that is freedom.

Much love to you, my friend. =)

Sarah Kay, performing poet

I came across Sarah Kay a year ago, when I watched her TED talk, "If I should have a daughter..", and really identified with her words. She spoke to me in a visceral way, like a friend I had never known. This evening, I chanced upon her other TED talk, "How many lives can you live?". Again, her words, though short, touched me on such a deep level. I felt like she had helped put some of my thoughts into words (like in that song, "Killing me softly"?).
Well, just sharing. I hope you like her poems too. Do click on the hyperlinks if you are interested.
Happy Monday, everyone =)

Appreciate how awesome you are!

Happy Friday! It's the holiday season! Amongst taking the time to appreciate those you love, do remember to also appreciate yourself! You have come a long way, and you are awesome!! ^_^

=)

Change your questions, change your life

I highly recommend that everyone reads this book. This book introduces the idea of question thinking, a way of approaching any situation or any thought process with questions, instead of statements. 

When faced with a situation, we often react in either of two modes: the Judger mode, or the Learner mode. The Judger mode is judgmental, negative, and keeps you stuck in the spiral of negativity and non-action. The Learner mode is open-minded, inquisitive and looks for solutions. It is easy to fall into the Judger mode, as we are only human (so don't beat yourself up if that is your default state), but it is just as easy to switch into the Learner mode, once you are aware that you are in the Judger mode. This switch is as easy as asking yourself, 'What do I want to do about this situation? What do I want?'. To change your frame of thinking in the Learner mode, you can start asking questions about the situation, 'What are the facts? What can I do about this? What do others need?', etc. To illustrate the difference between the two modes, here is a chart from the Inquiry Institute:

This process is not difficult at all, and can change everything in your life, personally and professionally. All it takes is first awareness, a choice to switch your mindset, and then asking questions. Most of us practice this sometimes anyway, but not intentionally or consciously. Can you imagine how much more powerful this habit can be if you are aware of it and practice it everyday, consciously, in every aspect of your life? One can only imagine the possibilities. 

*Thanks to J&J for giving me this book!

Happiness is an inside job

Often, we hear people say, "When I get this / When this happens, then I will be happy." What if you turned that around, and said, "No matter what happens, I will be happy."? How about focusing on the good things you do have, and enjoy the process of working for your dreams, instead of what you lack, or the outcome of what you are working toward? Seeking happiness from outside of yourself always leaves you looking for more. When you make the choice to stay positive and remind yourself of the good, thinking of difficult times as 'challenges' instead of 'problems', notice how your perspective also changes. When you are happy on the inside, everything outside of you will make you happy. Anything you receive or experience will be enough. When you are not happy, not even a billion-dollar job or the best spouse in the world is going to lift you up.

So why not take a shot at being positive and happy, and see how life turns around? All it takes is a moment, a conscious choice.

=)

A life lesson, in a baby's illness

This touched me very deeply. I am not going to taint the underlying message with my words (for I cannot; it is beyond words), but simply let you experience it in your own way.

https://www.ted.com/talks/roberto_d_angelo_francesca_fedeli_in_our_baby_s_illness_a_life_lesson

The art of stillness

It is the start of the holiday season, and many of us are rushing around, trying to get the last bits of shopping and partying done, squeezing in as many activities and work as we can before making our resolutions for the 'new year'. Some of us may feel overwhelmed, feeling like we are running around like a headless chicken, with an endless to-do list but not really figuring out deep inside what it's all for. Maybe you feel like this throughout the year. Here, at the start of December, I invite you to take a step back, and take some moments for yourself to sit in stillness, take a few deep breaths and dedicate some time (it doesn't have to be long, 5-15 minutes will do) to just be with yourself. Turn off the alerts on your phone, close the laptop, and just turn your attention inward to your breathing, to your inner thoughts. Turn off the distractions from the outside world. Tune in to what your body is telling you, try to listen to what you really want for yourself, in this year, in this life. Not what you think society, your friends, your family, your colleagues, or anything or anyone else wants from you. What do YOU want? What makes YOU truly happy? When you make some time for yourself, instead of being pulled in all directions all the time, you gain clarity in what you're really looking for, what you're really living for. =) Also take the time to review and reflect on your journey. You have come farther than you think. Pat yourself on the back for the constant growth! Embrace the lessons, enjoy the memories, release what does not serve you any longer. Remember the big picture. You may realize that you have more time than you think. Or that you have more resources, more sources of love than you think.

So why not give it a try? This act of self-love is free, does not require too much time, yet is immensely rewarding (p.s. potentially addictive =p ).

What are you grateful for today?

I am so happy I found this while wondering how I can write about being grateful =)

On this Thanksgiving, what are you grateful for?

For me, I am grateful for everyone I have met in this life, my family, my friends, strangers who stop to smile and chat, people who challenge me to grow and improve. I am grateful for all this life has given me, and all that it will continue to give me. I am grateful for all the love that comes to me, from all places, some unexpected yet beautiful. I am grateful to the Universe for gifting me a comfortable life, while not letting me become complacent by placing timely challenges along the way, enough to push me yet never too difficult that I cannot overcome. 

Finally, I am grateful for you who are reading this. Through these words, we were momentarily connected for a brief moment in time. And that, in itself, to me, is beautiful. =)

Much love to you, whoever and wherever you are.

Happy Thanksgiving =)

All about Jane

Today I want to promote Jane Goodall, ethologist and conservationist. Jane's story is one of passion, bravery, and perseverance. 

Read about her story here:

http://www.janegoodall.org/study-corner-biography

http://www.biography.com/people/jane-goodall-9542363#accomplishments

Jane's early work changed our perspective on chimpanzees, that what we thought to be 'human' traits (tool-making, personalities, etc.) are not limited to humans after all. More importantly, her life work remains in environmental and animal conservation, as well as education of youth, challenging them to change the world.

Her fascination with animals never ceases; in a special excerpt in the DisneyNature film BEARS, Jane's excitement at seeing her first bear shone on her face. When asked if she was afraid, she said she was not, because she understands animals' temperaments well. How true. This really struck a chord within me. Many people think that animals are savage and fierce, when animals usually act hostile when cornered or hunting for food. I hope more people are like Jane, having a love for animals that goes beyond fawning over cuteness, while truly understanding that just like us, animals have their own personalities, and are just trying to survive in this world. We are not that much different, if we think about it. We love, we protect, we play. We are all part of this planet, and we all deserve to be respected. 

In what ways do you choose to respect our world today? What would you change?

Break out of your comfort zone!

A comfort zone is exactly what it sounds like -- a zone where you are comfortable, but not necessarily growing. Sometimes a comfort zone may not be a place that makes you happy either, but one that you are familiar with and are afraid to leave because of the unknown. 
Keep pushing the boundaries of what you 'think' you can achieve! Who knows what you can do? =) Don't worry about making huge steps, just take small, intentional steps everyday. Don't focus too much on the end goal, just focus on the journey. Discover something new every day! Progress happens even when you cannot see it now.
And when your circumstances have changed, you will look back and laugh at how you were afraid of leaving the nest when you could be flying in the big blue sky.

"One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore." 

~Andre Gide

"Electricity wasn't invented by those optimizing candles." 

~Stephen Quake

Would this change how you live your life?

Often we rush around day to day, stressed out, worried, waiting for something 'better' to happen. What would you do, if you knew you could die in a day, an hour, a moment?

Would this very thought change how you live your life?

Would it make you live more lovingly, more bravely, more positively? Would it help you stop and look up at the sky, look around yourself, and admire the beautiful world you live in? Would it make you tell everyone you love, 'I love you and I cherish you'? Would it help you let the little 'negative' things go, knowing that at the end of the day, those things don't really matter at all, compared to love? Love for yourself, love for others, love for the world? Would it make you finally stop saying, 'When 'this' happens, then I will finally be happy'? When really, happiness and love are not things to chase after, but simply a choice and state of being.
What would you do?

Louie Schwartzberg: Nature. Beauty. Gratitude

Sometimes we just got to take a step back from our modern-day life, and remember that nature is all around us, remember what life is, and remember what we're really living for.

You are never alone

When you feel like you're all by yourself in this world, I hope that you remember that you are never alone. The Universe watches over you. You are loved. You are protected by love.

You are infinitely powerful

No matter what you do, I hope you remember that with courage and trust in yourself, you are infinitely powerful. You can achieve whatever you set your heart to =)

You are loved and protected

If there is one thing to remember for life, I hope you will always remember that you are loved and protected. And believe in it. =)

Death is not the end

I met someone on my walk yesterday. His name was Pete. Pete told me that he had a fear of death. I thought of Pete again today, and suddenly this came to me:
Death is not the end. It is only the start of the next adventure. 
Do not fear death. Only fear your fear of death, for it prevents you from fully living.

Of course, this is not limited to mortal death, but death of anything (an event, experience). Our human mind has been conditioned to wish for everything to last forever. But why? Change is the way of nature. Everything is impermanent. So just live in the moment, enjoy what you have been gifted to experience right here, right now. Live without fear. Living in fear, I think, is even worse than death.
=)

Real love is a choice

Sharing a well-written perspective on real love in a relationship.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-adam-smith/real-love-is-a-choice_b_6039412.html

We (especially girls) grow up thinking that love and relationships will be like a fairy tale, happily ever after, two people staying madly in love with each other for life. But the reality is, no matter how good a match you are, those initial, wild passionate, feelings fade away. The passion can still remain, but some effort is required to maintain the love. After all, a relationship is a partnership between two imperfect individuals who have been brought together to learn from and support each other. A relationship is a union between two best friends. Learning can be hard at times, but you have a choice over how fun the journey will be. It only depends on your perspective -- do you see difficult times as challenges and growth spurts, or as suffering? 

True deep love is one that is accepting, understanding and supportive, knowing that the other person is only human and wishing the best for them no matter what. True love is selfless; you look after the other person's needs as much as you look after you own. The best love you can offer a relationship originates from one where you fully love yourself, because only when you love yourself, can you truly love another. And because you are full of love from yourself, love comes easily for another, there is no effort required. This union becomes one of two people standing hand in hand looking out to the future together, instead of two individuals seeking another to complete his/herself. Just as the Dalai Lama says, "Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other." Such wise words. 

Let kindness be a way of life

Trust in life

I have a friend at work who has been having trouble professionally and in his relationship with his family. Every day I remind him of what I believe in, which I will share here, and hope it can help you too! =)

You cannot ask someone to change, but you can love and try to understand them from their point of view. Your thoughts influence how you see and interact with the other person. Check your own thoughts before dismissing the other person. 
You may not like what he/she does, but you are not them. Neither are they you.

Also remember that what others do is not personally directed at you, but is only the result of their inner state. 

Everything in life happens for a reason. 

Everything that happens is a gift from God (or the Universe) to help us learn and become better human beings.

Life can only get better. You are loved. Never forget that. 

All will reveal itself when you stop worrying so much. Have faith. 
Just do your best.

Never underestimate the power of human touch. A hug works wonders. Always. =)

And finally, 

May peace come to you, my friend.

Beauty is everywhere if you open your eyes to it

Beauty is everywhere if you open your eyes to it =)

From Tiny Buddha:

Soul Pancake handed out a bunch of frames to people on the street and asked them to find beauty in the world around them. As one very wise participant shared, “I think that if we took some time, if we looked up, we looked down, we looked at each other, we would find that there is beauty everywhere around us.”

Genius is...

Stop trying to be happy and just be.

Sharing an article: "Stop trying to be happy."

Love it.

"...with regards to being happy, it seems the best advice is also the simplest: Imagine who you want to be and then step towards it. Dream big and then do something. Anything. The simple act of moving at all will change how you feel about the entire process and serve to inspire you further.

Let go of the imagined result — it’s not necessary. The fantasy and the dream are merely tools to get you off your ass. It doesn’t matter if they come true or not. Live, man. Just live. Stop trying to be happy and just be."

An additional note from me:

When you realize that no one is here to save you, you can actually get started on living the life you want. You are responsible for your own happiness. So get out there and start creating it.

Be whoever you want to be

The Tutu Project comes to town!

The Tutu Project came to Bloomingdale's at the Stanford Mall this weekend! I am so excited and honored to finally be able to meet these two amazing individuals! They are truly an inspiration. Bob is so kind and Linda, just look at her! She is so so so beautiful. She is still fighting cancer (go, girl!!) yet look at that smile on her face! She is radiant and they are both being so positive about this whole journey. This is a fabulous example of seeing difficult times as challenges, instead of problems, and rising above it. This is how truly living life is. Never give up. Find the silver lining. 

Linda told me that when they started the project, they faced discouragement from naysayers who said it wouldn't work, but hey, they're just doing this from the good intention within their hearts, and whatever they can raise is enough. This is something I completely agree with! It does not matter if things will work or not work. If you have intention, just try. And try your best. No agendas. Act from the goodness of your heart. You never know what life will give you. One can only try! Without trying, what's the point of living? ^_^

I don't know if they'll ever see this, but to Bob and Linda Carey, Thank you for being such an inspiration. You two are my idols (I must have said it 5 times yesterday, haha), you will always be superstars in my heart. Keep up the good work and Linda, I wish you all the best with this battle, and I hope you find a new spunky pair of reading glasses! I know that you will win, no matter what. Bob, you are an amazing man. I can feel the love you have for Linda behind every photo you take. I am so happy that your non-profit is gaining more and more support by the day, and I have faith that you will be touching many many more lives in the days ahead.

Love you two lots. =)

xoxo

p.s. To find out more about The Tutu Project and the Carey Foundation,

I had written about them earlier here. Or find out about them on these pages:

http://www.thetutuproject.com/

http://www.careyfoundation.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TheTutuProject?fref=nf

I was so wowed by their presence that I lost half my verbal capabilities, but that's OK, there's always next time =p 

Have the courage to venture out!

Asking for help when you need it

My kitchen's InSinkErator has been jammed for a year now. I did not bother to try to unjam it after the initial attempt, but have been worrying about it lately. Today, I decided to do something about the situation and buy a kitchen drain declogger. On the way home, I came across a handyman parked outside my apartment complex, who was fixing something for a neighbor. After a few moments of hesitation, I decided to ask him if the declogger liquid I bought would do the trick. He said no, and offered to come up to help. I was not sure, given my trepidation about letting strangers into my house. He told me to take his wrench and try it out myself, which I did and failed, since my InSinkErator was not the standard kind. Embarrassed, I went back to him and asked if he could come up to help. He said, "What did I tell you?" (haha) And we fixed the problem in less than 5 minutes (though it was no simple feat), with extra tips from him about what to do in the future. I could not have solved the problem on my own without his help! And all this for nothing, except for a friendship and referral in return.

In a nutshell, I learnt that sometimes, asking for help when you need it, isn't that bad at all. Someone else probably has the expertise that you don't, and you can get the job done more quickly and painlessly than if you tried to hack at it yourself. You just have to be brave enough to ask, and accept help. =)

Friendship and animals can do wonders

Friendship and animals can do wonders.
Just saying =)

http://www.boredpanda.com/thula-therapy-cat-autistic-artist-iris-grace/

Discover yourself by not looking

Sometimes we ask ourselves, "Who am I? What defines me? What are my passions and interests?" Do you feel lost if you don't have a definite answer to these questions?
Why do you feel lost?
Why be limited by a definition or set of 'things' that describes the wonderful being that you are?

Life is a journey of discovery. Allow yourself to wander around, try new things, find out what you like at that moment, right here, right now. 
Interests change all the time. We change all the time. Why hold on to definitions that don't hold true anymore? It's OK that you aren't the same person you were a year ago. In fact, more than OK, it's wonderful! Isn't the constant growth and discovery of new things, of the new person you can be, the most amazing part of life?

So just live life. Don't be tied down. Live moment to moment, embrace what life has to offer. Fall in love with that, and give yourself wings to fly. =)

Be brave, love. You can be so much more.
xoxo

Stay optimistic always

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts. 

How do you choose to think?

=)

Stay true to yourself

Quoted from the Republic of Singapore Navy,

"

"Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship."

Look to the stars, fix your eyes upon your goals and dreams. And let the truths and values by which you live, guide your life.

Though it may be tempting to follow the passing lights of easier paths, stay true to your dreams, and to yourself.

And you'll eventually find yourself in that higher place you set out to be.
"

Harness the power to change your life

Life is always in your control!
Accept what you can't change. Change what you can. 

Life is an adventure

"Consciously and deliberately appreciate the blessings and abundance in your life. 

Breathe deeply, embrace the stillness, and keep your heart open. 

You are exactly who and where and what you are supposed to be. 

Find your treasures." 

~ Creig Crippen

You are in full control of how your life will turn out. Make use of that power. =)

Let love be your message

=)

Your fate is in your own hands

命運是在自己手裡，

不在別人嘴裡。

Your fate is in your own hands, 

Not in someone else's mouth.

~Jimmy Liao

Everyone is living in their own dream, don't let the words of others dictate how you live your life. Choose your own path. =) 

Wisdom and strength is within you

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." 

~ A.A. Milne

If you're feeling turbulence in your heart today, don't panic, don't judge yourself.  Remember that there is a source of wisdom and strength within you that you can always tap into, if you are willing to accept it. Don't think so much, just follow your intuition. Follow what your heart is telling you. There is nothing to be afraid of. =)

My wish

For all beings to be alleviated from suffering,
For all to be embraced by love,
For all to recognize that we are all brothers and sisters in this world,
May there be joy and peace in this world.

Namaste.

Mission Blue

Sharing a piece on an inspiring woman fighting for the ocean, a place that is always close to my heart. 
http://blog.ted.com/2014/08/15/mission-blue-chronicles-ocean-champion-sylvia-earle/

And of course, a meaningful excerpt:

"In the end, what are the takeaways from Mission Blue? That following your passion makes for an exciting life; that sometimes you have to go against the grain to make a difference. And finally, that we’re all interconnected on this planet, which means that we all need to be mindful of the consequences of our choices."

=)

Follow your heart [part 2]

My best friend posted this today, 

and soon after I saw this!

I love how little coincidences happen sometimes ^_^

[Book] Buddhist Boot Camp

Recommending this book by Timber Hawkeye, a collection of concise chapters on basic Buddhism (yet secular) principles with 'the intention to awaken, enlighten, enrich and inspire' (and does exactly that). 
He covers the following topics: Mindfulness, Love and relationships, Religion/spirituality, Understanding, Success, Anger, insecurities and fears, and Living in Gratitude.

Every chapter ends with a meaningful quote, of which I will provide some examples:

"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become. "
~Carl Jung

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author, and every day you have the opportunity to write a new page." 
~Mark Houlahan

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly." 

~Richard Bach

"Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less." 

~C. S. Lewis
"If you recall the happiest moments in your life, they are all from when you were doing something for somebody else." 
~Desmond Tutu

It is a short and worthwhile read. Perhaps it will change the way you live your life, who knows? =)

A happy life

=)

Who are you?

“The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation. You are not discovering yourself, but creating yourself anew. Seek therefore, not to find out 'Who You Are', but seek to determine 'Who You Want to Be'.”

~ Neale Donald Walsch

Gratitude

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is “thank you,” it will be enough." 

~Johannes Eckhart

And the funny thing is, the more you thank life for what you have, the more life gives you to be thankful for.

Courage is...

A quote shared by my friend, A! =)

"Courage doesn't always roar. 

Sometimes it's a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I'll try again tomorrow."

~ Mary Ann Radmacher

Take time to do what makes your soul happy!

Often we're caught up in the daily grind, rushing around. Remember to slow down, reflect and do what makes you happy! Better still, do what you like, or like what you do, then it wouldn't be 'work' anymore =) 

Happiness is...

"All the happiness in the world stems from wanting others to be happy, 

and all the suffering in the world stems from wanting the self to be happy." 

~Shantideva

in other words, love ^_^

What you perceive, you attract

"What you love, you empower.

What you fear, you empower.

What you empower, you attract."

is a famous quote (though source unknown) that describes how your thoughts may attract a particular quality of life.

In this post I will write about my hypothesis regarding the attraction of what one perceives, and how one might be able to change one's reality by changing one's perception.

Let's suppose that the world is comprised of energy interacting with each other. Our brain (for whatever reason it is in existence) converts the energy around us into what we perceive, in order to create an entity separate from other energies, a creation of an individual. This was suggested at by neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor at her TED talk about her stroke experience (her left brain perceiving thoughts and solid matter, her right brain perceiving the world as energy). If what we perceive is not real and only created, then our so-called reality can be created by what we perceive. Similarly, as the double-slit experiment with electrons suggest, what is observed depends on the observational device. We only observe what we look for. Hence, we can be the creator of our reality for tuning what we look for. It has been suggested in several spiritual teachings that when we look for abundance and good things, we create abundance and good in our reality. When we think about what we do not possess (ie. focus on lack), we create lack in our reality. 

If indeed the world is comprised of energy, one can rationalize the abovementioned concept with the superposition principle. To give an example, an assumption must first be made, however, about the quality of energy. Let’s assume good thoughts have high vibrational frequencies, and bad thoughts have low vibrational frequencies. The intensity of the thought or emotion is represented by its amplitude. By the superposition principle, there is an additive effect when two waves coincide. A standing wave (resonance) occurs when two coinciding waves are in phase, and have the same frequency and amplitude. When the waves are exactly out of phase, they cancel each other out to zero. Everything else is in between. One can then do a thought experiment and imagine two waves, both of different frequencies, coinciding. The resulting wave comprises of both frequencies, with the higher frequency wave superposed atop the lower frequency wave. The resulting wave then has a larger amplitude than either of the original components, but the base amplitude depends on the lower-frequency wave. Therefore, if you imagine our thought processes to take the form of energy of a particular frequency, then what we attract (or resonate with) depends on our current frequency. If our frequency is low, then we will resonate more with low frequency waveforms. Even if we encounter high frequency waveforms, the higher frequency wave can only be added onto our low frequency, perceived as intermittent sparks of happiness. If our frequency is high, however, then we will resonate more with high frequency waveforms. Even if we encounter low frequency waveforms, it will be only perceived as an undercurrent. 

In resonance, the amplitude (this can be thought of as emotional intensity or intensity of the situation) of the wave doubles. Hence, possessing a high frequency waveform in our thoughts allows us to more intensely experience the same high frequency waveform incident from our experienced environment. In a way, this is somewhat like attraction. Put in other words, we attract what we think. 

The good thing is, since our brain perceives what our reality is, we also have the power of choice over our perception, and change our reality accordingly.

Why worry?

When faced with a challenging situation, why worry? Worrying takes up precious energy that can be better spent at thinking up solutions to the problem. If there isn't a solution at the moment, worrying won't help you find one anyway. So don't worry, and relax! Just do your best. =)

Being in a state of love

In which I write about my second enlightenment.

To be in a state of love, to be a being of love, is to be energetically open. Keeping the heart open, no matter what happens. To be energetically open is to accept anything that you experience, yet to let it pass through you as well. This way, there will be no resistance to life. When you are energetically open, you will gravitate toward situations or people of high vibrational frequencies*, and move away from low frequencies. Even if you cannot move away from the low frequencies, you are stable in your core; the lower energy cannot affect you, it will simply pass though you because you do not let yourself be influenced by it. You are present.

Your ego will resist this process by attempting to take over with the manifestation of the pain-body**, through incessant thoughts and negative emotions. However, if you stay present, and keep your body and energy open, you will be able to observe the pain-body as simply a physical manifestation, and not identify with the thoughts or emotions. You are not your thoughts or emotions. Only then will the pain-body be transmuted into love. Only by acceptance and fully feeling the pain-body can this transmutation take place. Darkness cannot rule over light. 

The important thing to do is to keep the heart open. Love, no matter what happens. Do your best. To love and to be open is to be accepting. That way you will learn to have no expectations. You will release the desire to control others, what they think, how they feel, what the outcome should be. You will trust the universe/fate/God, that what happens is meant to happen; everything happens for a reason. To bring about joy or to teach you, so that you can be guided to a better state of being/consciousness. You trust that the universe has good plans for you, and that things will come at the right time. To be trusting, and to be open, to be love, to be accepting, you see the good in the world. You appreciate and are thankful for everything. Your core purpose is to love. Yes, love, even when it hurts. However, when you open your heart to the pain, the pain will be transmuted into peace. 

When you are energetically open, you will no longer feel the need to love yourself, or to love others, or to be loved***. Because you are open, every statement, every motion is one of love. There are no needs anymore. You are accepting of yourself (loving yourself), accepting of others (loving others), and you don’t need to be accepted (no need to be loved in return). There is no more effort involved. You are open to every experience. Because you know that behind every moment is good intention. You are doing your best. You no longer feed the ego, you no longer have a self to maintain, you no longer have a self to love. You act from a deeper place. You are secure in what you do. You don’t have to judge yourself or anyone. There is nothing to judge. When others judge you, you know that it is not personal. It simply passes through you, you don’t have to succumb to the low energy.

You are unafraid. You emit love, receive love, release the received love as love. Live and let live; love and let love.

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"The most important aspect of love is not in giving or the receiving: it's in the being. When I need love from others, or need to give love to others, I'm caught in an unstable situation. Being love, rather than giving or taking love, is the only thing that provides stability. Being love means seeing the Beloved all around me.

I'm not interested in being a 'lover.' I'm interested in only being love. In our culture we think of love as a relational thing: 'I love you' and 'You are my lover.' But while the ego is built around relationship, the soul is not. It wants only to be love."~ Ram Dass

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*At high vibrational frequencies, you experience joy and peace. Some people recognize this as good, happy, or lucky situations or people. And yes, miracles do come true ^_^
** Taking reference from Eckhart Tolle's use of the word (from "The Power of Now", and "A New Earth"). This describes the part of an individual that usually brings about emotional pain, which usually also takes the form of physical pain. It is the result of past experiences, and attachment to thoughts.
*** Although this is the ultimate goal, one first has to go through the process of learning to love oneself and others. This is not a single-step process and there is no short-cut; one has to learn through moving up the ladder of consciousness. First have a love relationship with yourself, before you realize one day that there is no self to love.

Additional Note:
You don't have to follow every word I say; after all, language is limiting, and my words are only a sign post. However, if you are receptive, you will discover what I mean, and how to implement it, in your own way. Trust in the universe/God, and it/He/She will show you in its/His/Her own way that only by relinquishing control, you gain more control over what you desire.  Yes, life is ironic that way. =) However, always know that you are loved and protected. Just open your senses to the signs. Be thankful, and life will give you more to be thankful for.
Also remember to always be humble. When you get complacent, thinking you've got it all nailed down, life will always find a way to show you otherwise. The lesson will repeat itself until you learn what you are supposed to learn. Love and presence (which is what meditation really is) is a constant practice. 

If interested, you can read about my first enlightenment here.

Never too young to make a difference

This little girl is Emily James. Emily wanted to do something for other children who have cancer, and decided to donate her locks, so that they will not "be sad that they have no hair".

An inspiring story, that goes to show that one is never too young to want to make a difference. One does not need to have gone through life to have compassion and love for others. How about you?

Thank you to The Breast Cancer Site blog for sharing this story.

Embrace uncertainty

“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.”

~ Patrick Overton

Life is full of uncertainties. Instead of being afraid of not knowing what's next, why not embrace the uncertainties with vigor? Like Forrest Gump said, "Like is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.". So why not enjoy the process? Live life with positivity and love for what comes your way, it will be more fun that way! 

Trust that everything happens for a reason, trust that life never forsakes us, trust that every experience can be a learning opportunity. 

=)

Life is what we make out of it

Life is beautiful, if you choose to see it.

Life will be beautiful, if you choose to live it.

=)

Love lifts us up where we belong!

Love triumphs over fear, always! Invite love into your life, experience the lightness in your heart, and embrace the amazing feeling! ^_^

Wisdom is...

Thank you to my friend, G for sharing this quote!

Take the path of least resistance

"The path of LEAST resistance will often take you farther from your destination than the seemingly more difficult one."

~Timber Hawkeye

When you encounter a difficult situation, why do you resist the present moment? Resistance will only bring you mental suffering. Acceptance of the fact allows you to put more energy into productive activities that can help take you out of difficult situations.

Why are you angry?

"You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished BY your anger." 

~The Buddha

When you are angry, whether at another person or a situation, you don't cause the other party as much suffering as you do to yourself. Even if the other party reacts to your anger, no one can ultimately punish you as much as yourself for how you feel.

You may also refer to an earlier post I wrote about anger.

What would you do today if you knew you were to die tomorrow?

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
~Mahatama Gandhi

If you knew you were to die tomorrow, what would you do differently from now? Would you live the day more happily, tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them, be more fearless with what you love? 

"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching."

~Gerard Way

Live each day fully without regrets.

All that matters is this moment

All that matters is this moment. Not the past, nor the future. 
How would you choose to live today?

Listen to your heart

Sometimes we think and worry too much, when all we have to do is go with the flow and listen to our heart's desires =) 

What is your heart telling you now?

How to reach your dreams

Just sharing an article on how to reach your dreams! Where there's a will, there's a way ^_^ Don't stop believing! The sky is the limit. Or is it? ;)

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/7-things-you-should-know-reach-your-dreams.html

Be kind and smile!

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." 

~ Mother Teresa

=) 

True friends

A quote from 幾米 Jimmy Liao:

時間，帶不走真正的朋友；歲月，留不住虛幻的擁有。
時光轉換，體會到緣分善變；走過一段路，總能有一次領悟；經歷一些事，才能看清一些人。人生中，最難得是有個好朋友。
最難放的是真感情。最難忘的是入心人。最難求的是被人懂。

Translation:

Time cannot take away a true friend.

Age cannot retain the illusory.

With the passing of time, we will experience the improvement of fate.

With every path, we will learn a lesson.

Through some experiences, can we really see some people for who they are.

In this life, what is truly hard to come by is a good friend.

What is hardest to let go of is true feelings.

What is hardest to forget is someone who understands your heart.

What is hardest to wish for, is to be understood.

Dedicating this to my friend, Angel, who has been with one of my best friends for so many years. True friendship is difficult to find, but once you find it, it never really goes away. Even if you had not spoken for years, one realizes that the time apart has changed nothing when you meet again. Love you, dear. I am glad to be walking down this road with you. =)