Thursday, January 12, 2012
The golden years - ext
SPECIAL POEM FOR OLDER FOLKS
A row of bottles on my shelf
Caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop
Goes to my heart so it won't stop.?
A little white one that I take
Goes to my hands so they won't shake.
The blue ones that I use a lot
Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.
The purple pill goes to my brain
And tells me that I have no pain.?
The capsules tell me not to wheeze
Or cough or choke or even sneeze..
The red ones, smallest of them all
Go to my blood so I won't fall.
The orange ones, very big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
But what I'd really like to know........ ...
Is what tells each one where to go!
A row of bottles on my shelf
Caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop
Goes to my heart so it won't stop.?
A little white one that I take
Goes to my hands so they won't shake.
The blue ones that I use a lot
Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.
The purple pill goes to my brain
And tells me that I have no pain.?
The capsules tell me not to wheeze
Or cough or choke or even sneeze..
The red ones, smallest of them all
Go to my blood so I won't fall.
The orange ones, very big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
But what I'd really like to know........ ...
Is what tells each one where to go!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
5 top regrets of the dying - Bronnie Ware
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.
Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me…
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I hadn't work so hard…
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings…
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends…
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier…
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life.
Choose Consciously.
Choose Wisely.
Choose Honestly.
Choose HAPPINESS!
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognising and appreciating what we
do have."
Bronnie Ware is a writer and songwriter from Australia. Based on this article, Bronnie has now released a full-length book, also titled ‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’. For more information about this or to read more of Bronnie’s work, please visit her blog at http://inspirationandchai.com. - C.htm
Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me…
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I hadn't work so hard…
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings…
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends…
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier…
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life.
Choose Consciously.
Choose Wisely.
Choose Honestly.
Choose HAPPINESS!
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognising and appreciating what we
do have."
Bronnie Ware is a writer and songwriter from Australia. Based on this article, Bronnie has now released a full-length book, also titled ‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’. For more information about this or to read more of Bronnie’s work, please visit her blog at http://inspirationandchai.com. - C.htm
Last night dinner at China House, Penang
When my friends came calling from Kuala Lumpur, I recommended them to have dinner at the China House. It was not because of the excellent taste of the food but it is of different variety. The preparation and the taste is quite unique in Penang. There were 6 person at the dinner and we ordered speggati, tiramitsu, bread, cakes and beef. I wanted to offer my friends a different experience. There was mixed feelings from my friends. Some love the taste and some don't. But, all of them loved this experience of eating the food in an old historical environment. Yes, it was unique.
I have another agenda of having dinner there as the environment and setting is good to tell ghost stories. Under the dimness of the light and the eerie decorations. But, the place was full with dinners. In the fine dining area, there were alot of Europeans and they kept moving behind us on the way to the toilets. I told my friends that they were like the flying ghost in Harry Porter flims. Where can they find European "ghost" in a old China house, floating in and out. Isn't it an experience?
During conversation, I told them about Penang during the Japanese occupation, when the Japanese army beheaded alot of the locals in a nearby area near the restuarant. Some of them die in a very cruel way, They were forcely feed with water until their stomach is full of water and they jump on it forcing the water to shot out from their mouth. It was a painful death. So, there could be a lot of restless spirits moving around. One of the reasons that Penang celebrated the " bungry ghost" in a big way. To pacify these restless spirits. There are many stage shows during the Chinese 7th month hungry ghost festival and some stage shows offerred sexy dressed singers. Maybe, some of the organizers think that the spirits would also like sexy performances.However, it often attracts more living immortals than spirit.
By this time, they were really scare and what more in such a " haunted " environment, the effect was perfect. Two of them are my girl friends from KL and they are staying overnight in a Penang Hotel. We kept talking about our experience and our encounter of the third kind and they get were getting more scare. I enquired where are they living and they told me that they are sharing a room in Traders Hotel. Well, I told them that it is a decent hotel and it should be okay. But, I told them that my friends and I have some personal experience staying in hotels around the region. Ow! they were real scare by now but both the girls said that they are staying together and they will chase away all the ghost that come calling. Anyway, I offered them to call me and if they need I could sleep between them. LOL.
Anyway, it was an experience telling stories under two small tress in an old China House with a long period of historical events and with my real friends and many other unseen "audience". Until now, it is already 6am and there have been no calls from them, my plan have failed and they manage to make friends with the ghost or they have successfully chased all the ghost away including me , a honey bee.
Have a good day and keep wondering and thinking and be hopeful.
Namaste.
I have another agenda of having dinner there as the environment and setting is good to tell ghost stories. Under the dimness of the light and the eerie decorations. But, the place was full with dinners. In the fine dining area, there were alot of Europeans and they kept moving behind us on the way to the toilets. I told my friends that they were like the flying ghost in Harry Porter flims. Where can they find European "ghost" in a old China house, floating in and out. Isn't it an experience?
During conversation, I told them about Penang during the Japanese occupation, when the Japanese army beheaded alot of the locals in a nearby area near the restuarant. Some of them die in a very cruel way, They were forcely feed with water until their stomach is full of water and they jump on it forcing the water to shot out from their mouth. It was a painful death. So, there could be a lot of restless spirits moving around. One of the reasons that Penang celebrated the " bungry ghost" in a big way. To pacify these restless spirits. There are many stage shows during the Chinese 7th month hungry ghost festival and some stage shows offerred sexy dressed singers. Maybe, some of the organizers think that the spirits would also like sexy performances.However, it often attracts more living immortals than spirit.
By this time, they were really scare and what more in such a " haunted " environment, the effect was perfect. Two of them are my girl friends from KL and they are staying overnight in a Penang Hotel. We kept talking about our experience and our encounter of the third kind and they get were getting more scare. I enquired where are they living and they told me that they are sharing a room in Traders Hotel. Well, I told them that it is a decent hotel and it should be okay. But, I told them that my friends and I have some personal experience staying in hotels around the region. Ow! they were real scare by now but both the girls said that they are staying together and they will chase away all the ghost that come calling. Anyway, I offered them to call me and if they need I could sleep between them. LOL.
Anyway, it was an experience telling stories under two small tress in an old China House with a long period of historical events and with my real friends and many other unseen "audience". Until now, it is already 6am and there have been no calls from them, my plan have failed and they manage to make friends with the ghost or they have successfully chased all the ghost away including me , a honey bee.
Have a good day and keep wondering and thinking and be hopeful.
Namaste.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hong Kong - demand for haunted house : news
Bargain hunters target Hong Kong's 'haunted houses'
Asia | Updated today at 06:00 AM
HONG KONG (AFP) - It may not be everyone's idea of a dream home, but for bargain hunters in Hong Kong's turbocharged property market apartments that belonged to the recently deceased are proving irresistible - and the more gruesome the occupant's demise the better.
Popular belief in a city awash with superstition runs that the ghost of a person who dies in unnatural circumstances - a suicide, murder or bad accident - inhabits their home, passing misfortune onto the new occupants.
The threat carries weight in a city where feng shui consultants do brisk business; families placate the 'hungry ghosts' of their ancestors with offerings and people even refrain from whistling in the street in fear of disturbing lurking spooks.
By law, buyers are entitled to details on so-called 'haunted houses' - or hongza in Cantonese - and many rigorously check the backstory to their potential purchase.
Asia | Updated today at 06:00 AM
HONG KONG (AFP) - It may not be everyone's idea of a dream home, but for bargain hunters in Hong Kong's turbocharged property market apartments that belonged to the recently deceased are proving irresistible - and the more gruesome the occupant's demise the better.
Popular belief in a city awash with superstition runs that the ghost of a person who dies in unnatural circumstances - a suicide, murder or bad accident - inhabits their home, passing misfortune onto the new occupants.
The threat carries weight in a city where feng shui consultants do brisk business; families placate the 'hungry ghosts' of their ancestors with offerings and people even refrain from whistling in the street in fear of disturbing lurking spooks.
By law, buyers are entitled to details on so-called 'haunted houses' - or hongza in Cantonese - and many rigorously check the backstory to their potential purchase.
Today, my father's death anniversary
My father have died more than 20 years ago and today, we are still praying for him. This ceremony is a Chinese tradition for many generations. Once he is my father, forever he is my father until I am dead. Where is he now? Reborn or still caught in transition or still in a different universe or realm. Can he still remember or recognize me? For a long time, I have not dream about him but it is still in my memory. As I often say, our memeory travels in lightning speed go back in time or a auto flash back. The soeed is faster than the latest train in China travelling 500km per hour.
OF course, I owe my life to my father. If without him, where is me ? He is my source of life. It is pre-destined or by chance. I do not know. Am I reborn or a freshie from some source? I do not know either. There have been many theories explaining the creation of this Univese or life.
But, by nature, I feel some connection with Buddhism. Maybe, it is influenced by my mother or my upbringing. But, my mother believe in Taoism which is a mixture of myth and folklore. My inclination is towards Buddhist philosophy and the the way of life. Every religion is good but Buddhism cultivates goodness in one self and loving kindness to all loving beings. Maybe, I feel that I have some Buddhist attachments in my previous life. Maybe one of those insignificant monk in a temple. A low key fella sweeping the floor and washing the dishes. The great monks from the past could be very important person in this life. Those who can change the world and life of thousands of people. Yes, these are the great guys.
My father have gone more than 20 over years and sooner or later, I will also be gone and my daughter will be still praying to me after I am gone 20 years. Hopefully, she still follows the tradition or maybe, my ashes will be thrown into the sea or the drain if she choose to forget me. Does that matters to me after I am gone? Where is the connection anymore? Just like my father and me, we are linked by only our memories.
Why do we need to be uptight? Everything is only temporary and impermanant. It is a matter of time, we become ashes and disperse in the wind or in the sea. Once again, does it matters? LOL.
Namaste.
OF course, I owe my life to my father. If without him, where is me ? He is my source of life. It is pre-destined or by chance. I do not know. Am I reborn or a freshie from some source? I do not know either. There have been many theories explaining the creation of this Univese or life.
But, by nature, I feel some connection with Buddhism. Maybe, it is influenced by my mother or my upbringing. But, my mother believe in Taoism which is a mixture of myth and folklore. My inclination is towards Buddhist philosophy and the the way of life. Every religion is good but Buddhism cultivates goodness in one self and loving kindness to all loving beings. Maybe, I feel that I have some Buddhist attachments in my previous life. Maybe one of those insignificant monk in a temple. A low key fella sweeping the floor and washing the dishes. The great monks from the past could be very important person in this life. Those who can change the world and life of thousands of people. Yes, these are the great guys.
My father have gone more than 20 over years and sooner or later, I will also be gone and my daughter will be still praying to me after I am gone 20 years. Hopefully, she still follows the tradition or maybe, my ashes will be thrown into the sea or the drain if she choose to forget me. Does that matters to me after I am gone? Where is the connection anymore? Just like my father and me, we are linked by only our memories.
Why do we need to be uptight? Everything is only temporary and impermanant. It is a matter of time, we become ashes and disperse in the wind or in the sea. Once again, does it matters? LOL.
Namaste.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)