"I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."
Monday 15 October 2012
Thursday 11 October 2012
Life lesson
When
things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a
day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. T
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. T
hey agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
Wednesday 3 October 2012
embrace life
"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our
circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of
nature and its beauty."
All up to you
With or without you the world will keep on moving, it's all up to you which road will you be choosing? It's gonna be over before you know it, so be quick to smile, enjoy the ride. Beautiful and lovely.
Jainism
...exploring different beliefs cont.
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul toward divine consciousness and liberation.
Jains believe that to attain enlightenment and ultimately liberation from all karmic bonding, one must practice the following ethical principles not only in thought, but also in words (speech) and action. Such a practice through lifelong work towards oneself is called as observing the Mahavrata ("Great Vows"). These vows are: Ahimsa (Non-violence)
To cause "no harm" to living beings (on the lines of "live" and "let live"). The vow involves "minimizing" intentional as well as unintentional harm to another living creature. There should even be no room for any thought conjuring injury to others, let alone talking about it or performing of such an act. Besides, it also includes respecting the views of others (non-absolutism and acceptance of multiple views). Satya (Truthfulness)
To always speak of truth such that no harm is caused to others. A person who speaks truth becomes trustworthy like a mother, venerable like a preceptor and dear to everyone like a kinsman. Given that non-violence has priority, all other principles yield to it whenever there is a conflict. For example, in a situation where speaking truth would lead to violence, it would be perfectly moral to remain silent (for you are neither being untrue, nor causing violence by way of truth) Asteya (Non-stealing)
Not to take into possession, anything that is not willingly offered. It is the strict adherence to one's own possessions without desiring for the ones that belong to others. One should remain satisfied by whatever is earned through honest labour. Any attempt to squeeze material wealth from others and/or exploit the weak is considered theft. Some of the guidelines for this principle follow as under:
Always give people fair value for their labor or product.
Not to take into possession materials that are not earned or offered by others.
Not to take materials into personal possession that have been dropped off or forgotten by others.
Not to purchase materials as a result of being cheaper in value, if the resultant price reduction is a result of improper method of preparation. For instance, products made out of raw materials obtained by way of pyramid schemes, illegal businesses, stolen goods, etc., should be strictly prohibited Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
To exercise control over senses (including mind) from indulgence. The basic intent of this vow is to conquer passion, thus preventing wastage of energy in the direction of pleasurable desires. During observance of this vow, the householder must not have a sensual relationship with anybody other than one's own spouse. Jain monks and nuns practice complete abstinence from any sexual activity. Aparigraha (Non-possession, Non-materialism)
To observe detachment from people, places and material things. Ownership of an object itself is not possessiveness; however, attachment to the owned object is possessiveness. For householders, non-possession is owning without attachment, because the notion of possession is illusory. The basic principle behind observance of this vow lies in the fact that life changes. What you own today may not be rightfully yours tomorrow. Hence the householder is encouraged to discharge his or her duties to related people and objects as a trustee, without excessive attachment or aversion. For monks and nuns, non-possession involves complete renunciation of property and human relations.
(wiki)
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul toward divine consciousness and liberation.
Jains believe that to attain enlightenment and ultimately liberation from all karmic bonding, one must practice the following ethical principles not only in thought, but also in words (speech) and action. Such a practice through lifelong work towards oneself is called as observing the Mahavrata ("Great Vows"). These vows are: Ahimsa (Non-violence)
To cause "no harm" to living beings (on the lines of "live" and "let live"). The vow involves "minimizing" intentional as well as unintentional harm to another living creature. There should even be no room for any thought conjuring injury to others, let alone talking about it or performing of such an act. Besides, it also includes respecting the views of others (non-absolutism and acceptance of multiple views). Satya (Truthfulness)
To always speak of truth such that no harm is caused to others. A person who speaks truth becomes trustworthy like a mother, venerable like a preceptor and dear to everyone like a kinsman. Given that non-violence has priority, all other principles yield to it whenever there is a conflict. For example, in a situation where speaking truth would lead to violence, it would be perfectly moral to remain silent (for you are neither being untrue, nor causing violence by way of truth) Asteya (Non-stealing)
Not to take into possession, anything that is not willingly offered. It is the strict adherence to one's own possessions without desiring for the ones that belong to others. One should remain satisfied by whatever is earned through honest labour. Any attempt to squeeze material wealth from others and/or exploit the weak is considered theft. Some of the guidelines for this principle follow as under:
Always give people fair value for their labor or product.
Not to take into possession materials that are not earned or offered by others.
Not to take materials into personal possession that have been dropped off or forgotten by others.
Not to purchase materials as a result of being cheaper in value, if the resultant price reduction is a result of improper method of preparation. For instance, products made out of raw materials obtained by way of pyramid schemes, illegal businesses, stolen goods, etc., should be strictly prohibited Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
To exercise control over senses (including mind) from indulgence. The basic intent of this vow is to conquer passion, thus preventing wastage of energy in the direction of pleasurable desires. During observance of this vow, the householder must not have a sensual relationship with anybody other than one's own spouse. Jain monks and nuns practice complete abstinence from any sexual activity. Aparigraha (Non-possession, Non-materialism)
To observe detachment from people, places and material things. Ownership of an object itself is not possessiveness; however, attachment to the owned object is possessiveness. For householders, non-possession is owning without attachment, because the notion of possession is illusory. The basic principle behind observance of this vow lies in the fact that life changes. What you own today may not be rightfully yours tomorrow. Hence the householder is encouraged to discharge his or her duties to related people and objects as a trustee, without excessive attachment or aversion. For monks and nuns, non-possession involves complete renunciation of property and human relations.
(wiki)
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Monday 1 October 2012
Grobak Padi
Very excited about a current project I've been working on with Multicultural Arts Victoria on for the Melbourne Festival:
(www.melbournefestival.com.au)
I've only recently begun working on cultural projects since arriving in Melbourne. I really enjoy learning the differences and combining traditions, creating art and entertaining people through unique combinations of cultures. This is my second project with an Indonesian core and i've not yet been to Indonesia!
Michael Hornblow devised the project while spending time in Indonesia, inspired by the street culture and the tradition of roadside food carts and street vendours, a humbling tradition that brings the people of Indonesia together through food, I don't think this tradition could be accepted long-term in the western world - so many rules and permits to overcome and obtain just for the 4 days Grobak Padi is live. Michael spent weeks filming on the streets for the video display on the gerobaks and has actually implemented tablets onto the gerobaks here and gerobaks in Jakarta so that the people at either end can wave to each other and eat their food together through visual technology. Very cool idea, such an exciting project to have watched develop - from the initial idea, to the actual gerobaks and bikes being delivered by sea freight straight from Indonesia, getting them fitted and painted, testing the cooking methods and tasting the food produced (yum) and now sourcing volunteers to help out during the festival.
Get down to Melbourne CBD sometime from the 17th - 21st October for some delicious food and an amazing cultural show!
Photos to follow soon...
Saya cinta kamu (I love you)
E Flyer: http://issuu.com/multiculturalarts/docs/eflyer_grobak_27_09_12?mode=window&pageNumber=1
GROBAK PADI (AUSTRALIA/INDONESIA)
AN INTIMATE EXCHANGE BETWEEN CULTURES AND CITIES THROUGH A MULTIMEDIA FUSION OF FOOD, FILM AND DANCE, GROBAK PADI IS A LITTLE PIECE OF JAVA MANIFESTED IN THE HEART OF MELBOURNE.
For five days of the Festival, a delegation of gerobak food carts from the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta wend their way through Melbourne, bringing the flavours and culture of Java’s bustling street scene directly to our CBD.
Based at the vibrant Foxtel Festival Hub, grobak Padi brings together free multimedia art installations and contemporary dance with authentic Javanese street food – sold at modest prices – creating a cross-cultural dining experience like no other.
Like a staple diet for the soul, the rice of the padi field symbolises a way of life in Indonesia. Its humble sustenance reminds us to say thank you for the abundance we already have. While several gerobaks remain at the Festival Hub displaying video art inspired by the padi, others set out across the city, dispensing delicious Indonesian food. As they serve the hungry people of Melbourne, the carts show live video of gerobaks plying their trade in Yogyakarta, fostering an amicable culinary and cultural bond across the Timor Sea.
After sunset, the roving carts return to the Hub to serve up a free outdoor event featuring accomplished dancers Agung Gunawan and Tony Yap, with video-art by Michael Hornblow, transforming the space through the imagery, sound and movement of Indonesian life.
A deliciously cross-cultural performance piece, grobak Padi provides a unique opportunity to discover an ancient culinary tradition first-hand, and to experience the spirit that lies at the heart of today’s Indonesia.
(www.melbournefestival.com.au)
I've only recently begun working on cultural projects since arriving in Melbourne. I really enjoy learning the differences and combining traditions, creating art and entertaining people through unique combinations of cultures. This is my second project with an Indonesian core and i've not yet been to Indonesia!
Michael Hornblow devised the project while spending time in Indonesia, inspired by the street culture and the tradition of roadside food carts and street vendours, a humbling tradition that brings the people of Indonesia together through food, I don't think this tradition could be accepted long-term in the western world - so many rules and permits to overcome and obtain just for the 4 days Grobak Padi is live. Michael spent weeks filming on the streets for the video display on the gerobaks and has actually implemented tablets onto the gerobaks here and gerobaks in Jakarta so that the people at either end can wave to each other and eat their food together through visual technology. Very cool idea, such an exciting project to have watched develop - from the initial idea, to the actual gerobaks and bikes being delivered by sea freight straight from Indonesia, getting them fitted and painted, testing the cooking methods and tasting the food produced (yum) and now sourcing volunteers to help out during the festival.
Get down to Melbourne CBD sometime from the 17th - 21st October for some delicious food and an amazing cultural show!
Photos to follow soon...
Saya cinta kamu (I love you)
E Flyer: http://issuu.com/multiculturalarts/docs/eflyer_grobak_27_09_12?mode=window&pageNumber=1
American Psycho
"I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?"
"I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin,
hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed
and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't
know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel
lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to
slip."
Christian Bale is up there as one of my favourite actors. How good is his character in American Psycho? and also The Fighter..
Hinduism
My special friend Kate reminded me that seeing as we are going to India we should probably do some research into the cultures and religions that we will be coming into contact with, so that we can appreciate the country and the people.
Kate: "I came across this teaching in Hunduism that I thought you would like it too: it is in honour of Ganesh (god of wisdom) you know the elephant man with lots of arms
'wise men, holding wisdom highest,scorn delights,
As false as fair,
Daily live they as Deaths fingers twined already in their hair.
Truly richer than all riches, better than the best of gain,
Wisdome is, unsought, secure-once won,
None loseth her again.
Bringing Dark things into daylight,
Solving doubts that vex the mind,
Like an open eye is wisdom - he hath her not is blind.'"
What I liked: "Hinduism grants absolute and complete freedom of belief and worship. Hinduism conceives the whole world as a single family that deifies the one truth, and therefore it accepts all forms of beliefs and dismisses labels of distinct religions which would imply a division of identity. Hence, Hinduism is devoid of the concepts of apostasy, heresy and blasphemy. Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to), Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices)" sounds like goodness to me.
Here's my girl...
Maybe less of that in India!
What makes us happy
Take a moment to think about what makes you happy.
For me, these 6 things sure do:
1. Love - being honest, reliable, respectful, affectionate, kind, approachable, warm, true, loving etc etc - having that special bond with someone is so important to me - I can't imagine a life with no friends, no one to share good times with - existence would be a bore. Love from friends, family, your partner, your pets - whatever - love is the key, love makes the world go round, love makes me happy.
2. Sunshine - the weather really does affect our happiness - the sun generally makes people happy, i've noticed this over the past few years - moving to places with different weather patterns and meeting new people, it's really obvious that when the suns out people are a lot happier compared to when it's raining.
3. Money - although money is at the route of all my problems, it definitely helps to fund my happiness. It's not the actual money that makes me happy - its the things I can spend it on - the activities and services that generate good times.
4. Being happy at your job - the times in my life that i've been most unhappy are when I have been in a difficult financial position so life has become a struggle, or when I've not been happy at work - perhaps not getting along with your boss, not feeling fulfilled, having to do the same tedious tasks every day, dealing with difficult customers, not being in the role you want to be in - it really makes you question the meaning of life and what is most important to you - I understand that sometime you have to work in a shitty job for a while to work your way to a better position, but that doesn't change the fact that it makes you unhappy. So yes, being satisfied with my job is a very important factor to my happiness - we spend so much time at work - it would be terrible to hate life for all those hours a day.
5. Communication - communication with friends and family is so very important to me, letters/emails/phonecalls - even if they are weeks or months apart - just a reminder of your concern for them and your love for each other, respect for your relationship. Communication also through society helps generate understanding, clear communication in work helps avoid problems, learning to communicate with people from different cultures, religions, nationalities is important. Communication and understanding helps to avoid confusion/frustration/unhappiness. Most problems that occur in the world is a result of poor communication combined with a lack of....
6. Respect - Respect for ourselves and others, respect for differing opinions, cultures, beliefs, religions, belongings, feelings. It's important to be appreciated, understood and respected. I imagine I would be unhappy if I was paid no respect. I don't mean that I demand for people to bow down to me, I just believe it's very important to show people respect, and to show the world respect - it's not hard, it's very simple. I've seen it happen a lot around me - when people have no respect for themselves, they make silly decisions and they end up unhappy. When people have no respect for others, they don't tend to be loved so they become unhappy, when people have no respect for their job and their responsibility to work, they end up with no job and no money and then consequently unhappy as they are not able to fund good times.
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