Rantings, An Island Away
To truly understand some one, you have to live in their world. Otherwise, we just thought we understood. This is also what made top men weep when they discovered the wonder of people who work for them when they did the "Undercover Boss". Watch:
You have to do their work and live their lives to remind yourself to be humble and the idea of paradise is not the same for everyone.
Eat the same, work the same, receive the same treatment and look at things from their angle even to be in the world of giant isopods. We have to understand people and issues better and deeper rather than to pass judgement. Otherwise, we are just being superficial. Worse, we engage in gossip.
Just like people, there are all kinds of fish out there. Find something innately good in them and you will find them but people tend to be self-righteous and judgemental and they talk about others. "Look at those children, they have no manners. Why don't the parents teach them well?", "See how kiasu Singaporeans are, going all out to fight for a place in a reputable school".
I didn't do what most parents did. "Aiyoh why didn't you do something or else they will be left behind!" What most parents do not understand is that they are plainly stressing themselves, worse, stressing their children out. I didn't activate my circle of friends or those who could be influential because I understood for all my good intention and wishes, my children may not enjoy or do well in that famous branded school. I put them in the nearest school possible to lessen their travelling time. I wanted them to have real education, education of life. "No way!". Yes way! I believe in people and that they will find their place in life. Everybody will say one thing and do another but you are not everybody. Do it your way.
We are all unique and comes with different and diverse talents but at the end of the day people will equate success with wealth. They measure it by $$$. How many of you have soul?
As such, we have a very long way to go as a people.
We didn't see that uniqueness in people individually like this fish. On the other spectrum, when everyone else is unique you become common. So now your common interests, worries, "kiasuism", etc, becomes Uniquely Singapore.
I am afraid we may miss the woods for the trees.
People like flowers will blossom and flourish at different times of their life. Man cannot live by bread alone. A little sunshine and rain help. Don't feed them to the sharks.
We go through great length to attend courses and training.
We can be as smart and intelligent as a dolphin but do we have their heart and their ability to communicate? Their kindness.
Our human conditions afflicts all and is inherent is us. Instead of more training like for a sea lion, we should be untrained to shed and rid ourselves of unwanted elements in us.
I packed my bag and kept the camera, about to leave for home sweet home.
How to cool down and finally become a gracious society, I pondered.
As graceful as...
...these sea angels.
We cannot be complete and hope to have balance if we do not find grace. Grace as a people and in society. The day we become truly gracious is the day we have arrived!
We should always go blend in with nature and if you like climb a tree.
Let your hair down and have fun even for those with a few strands.
And hang in there.
And if you should fall, pick yourself up again.
You go where the light is just like this trees.
Do you realise that when you are at a beach resort, your mental make up changes. What's wrong with these city dwellers the islanders would be thinking.
Because the city is a hard and concrete place no matter how many trees are planted?
This should be fun.
Remember to have fun always.
Although we now have a very updated and modern Sentosa, give me the old laid back island any time. Pulau Blakang Mati was its historic name where in Malay "Pulau" is island, Blakang is back or behind and Mati is die or death. In other words, island of death? Dead back island? Google it for the etymology.
Yes, there are casinos here but do not gamble. Otherwise you will later go to the blakang to mati.
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