Thursday 27 October 2011

A drawing is simply a line going for a walk -- Paul Klee

I was really surprised by the overwhelming response that I got from the last post. I didn't realise my child-like stick figure scribbles would be so well-received. Although very talented, drawing had not been my cup of tea(simply because I was never any good), but right now I am starting to feel that maybe I do have a knack for it. You know what, this just proves that if you are willing to put your mind to it, you really can achieve anything!


So, as a sign of appreciation for all your ongoing support, I proudly present the ever so popular


Stick Figures


And the theme for today is: 


The Simple Life of Jacinta 


French baguette (tuna, eggs, mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce)
and 
Belgian waffle (flour, icing sugar, hmm, secret ingredients perhaps? anyways, yum)
for lunch
(and I had managed to finish 80% of it, what an achievement!)



Conversation with friends over lunch 
(Oh no, where is the food?)




Shopping for new yoga wear
(This is not being drawn out of proportion, I really do have a tiny waist and long legs!)




And last but not the least
First meditation class - send out the love. PEACE  





Tuesday 25 October 2011

It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities -- J.K.Rowling

Those times when I feel uninspired and having nothing in mind to write about, I choose instead to write about anything. I recall a conversation that I had with a friend today, the details of the discussion are insignificant, but I distinctly remember that we both acknowledged that there are two sides to everything. 

This shouldn't be new to anyone.

Good and evil, black and white, love and hate, north and south, east and west and it goes on. With this, we are allowed to become even lazier by simply appending a un, a im, a ab or a in to construct i.e. unpopular, impersonal, abnormal or inflexible to suggest the opposites to their original meanings, and in no mean this is the exhaustive list. 

Is it just me or have you also noticed that those words perhaps carry a slightly negative connotation? But if we try and put them into contexts:
  • Unpopular can mean someone who is popular amongst their friends, but disliked by their relatives, or someone who is well liked by the cops, but unpopular with the drug dealers (now I wish I had picked a different word and very different examples, oh well, continue on)
  • Impersonal can imply either neutral and objective or cold and detached
  • Abnormal can be different therefore suspicious or different therefore exciting
  • Inflexible can denote rigid and stubborn or indicate structured and strong willed


We know there exist polarities and opposites. Although knowing this, we sometime feel propelled to pick a stance and choose an action. 

When we are presented with various possibilities, we become accustomed to performing little mental potential P&L assessments to help weigh up the different options so we capitalise on our returns to avoid seeing a number in redWe carefully select and determine our decisions based on what we know, how we feel and what we see as more promising, more rewarding or more feasible at that moment in time, and hopefully that will lead us to a better outcome. 

Is it better to always know more? So we will have more information to rely upon in order to produce a more comprehensive risk analysis on pros and cons? But sometime the more we know, the more indecisive and reluctant we can become as more scenarios must be contemplated. Or is it better to go with what you have? This may force us into making an immediate decision without having considered all the possibilities, but how can we be assured that it is the correct one? 

Or is there even a correct decision as such?

If we are to pick an answer from a multiple choice question, the decision tree may look like, or you can also think of this as cause and effect if you prefer (be warned about the most horrific drawings you will ever find available on the World Wide Web):

a. Different decisions will lead to different outcomes


b. Different decisions eventually will lead to the same outcome

c. Different decisions will lead to different outcomes but we cannot foresee



d. Different decisions can lead to either different outcomes or the same outcome


e. No choice can be seen or made, seems empowered by fate

f. Everything is within reach, you can have it all!

So which one are you? 

Monday 17 October 2011

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind. -- William James




Tonight, the Scorpio Mars will not stop until I get this topic out of my system. Remember, Mars is the urge to assert and act, and when it is in Scorpio, trust me, it is definitely persistent. In this case, I cannot help but oblige but I promise not to write anything heavy loaded, just something light and fluffy~~~

Till now, I hope that I have managed to put enough emphasis in addressing some of the misconceptions that people carry towards astrology. Contrary to popular belief, astrology is not to be solely used for the purpose of future prediction aka the horoscopes, but instead should be adopted as a tool to assist us with understanding the personality roadmap.


A few people have wondered why I suddenly became interested in astrology. Well, what has motivated me is precisely the desire in seeking the why. Astrology appears no different from any other studies such as psychology or science: to help with identifying the underlying pattern or behaviour that seems to be at work. 

Some of you may not be comfortable with me suggesting that astrology is comparable to science, so let me explain myself further.

We have all learnt that in order to draw a conclusion for any scientific experiment, the process involved in formulating a hypothesis and performing necessary field studies or observations is not unfamiliar. But quite often, observations are the result of subjective human sensory impressions, therefore acknowledgedly, the observer effect can be a problem encountered in the field of scientific research. It essentially describes that the act of observation may alter the outcome of a phenomenon than if it is unobserved. Different biases can also occur during any experimentation that consequently do not give rise to total objective conclusions. These biases include, to name a couple, confirmation bias, which is "we see what we expect to see" and pathological science, which is "we see what we want to see".

Similarly, astrology is also a subjective experience. We assign intrinsic meanings to the different planets and houses and signs, and then derive interpretations based on their locations and the interactions resulting from various planetary alignments. Even though astrology is an ancient study widely used in the ancient world of Babylon, Greece and Egypt, it has certainly evolved and modernised through the continual effort of gathering empirical evidence and our increased awareness of the universe. These information are then assimilated and reinterpreted by astrologers in their dealings or evaluations of their clients. Based on the experience, knowledge and orientation of an individual astrologer, for the same client, you can expect different output and interpretation. 

It is not reasonable therefore to expect astrology to be 100% accurate, and neither should we get too disappointed when it fails to do so. We may need to accept that this is perhaps inherent and underlying in all studies: it is in the eyes of the beholder. As explained perfectly by Einstein that we live in a universe which is limited by time and space.

However, I am also constantly reminded that we may never reach a why. In this book that I read recently written by Richard Idemon, it is mentioned that we can go in circles and perpetually asking why like the merry go round, but that doesn't help us. 

We learn to piece things together thinking they must be interconnected somehow. What if things just happen randomly and they don't really happen for a reason? This would be perplexing for some of us but reassuring for others.  :)




So there! That is my little give-back to the astrology community. 

Now I have got you all somewhat more interested (hopefully) in astrology, I will begin the next series of topics using real people's charts (yes, famous people!) for illustrations. Delving into the deep end is often the best way to learn, and then we can watch astrology gradually unfolds the working of itself.

NOTE: By the way, if you are still unsatisfied with the reason why I got into astrology, so to speak astrologically, Uranus (symbolising new ideas, inventions, technology, independence, other things, etc etc, and astrology) is right now transiting over and making a strong aspect to my Sun (identity, ego, drive, etc, etc). Aha!! No wonder then right? :P

Saturday 15 October 2011

It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses we must plant more trees. -- George Eliot



This week I got myself an air plant. It doesn't need soil, it rarely needs to be watered, nonetheless it flowers. It is the perfect low maintenance option to revamp my office feng shui. One that resembles mine looks like 


After placing it carefully on my desk, I immediately became attracted to the 'energy' of its presence. I can't help but gaze lovingly and grin absent mindly at it throughout the day. I don't understand why, but it makes me very happy.

We know that indoor plants improve the air quality by removing air pollutants which are caused by emissions from paints, furnishings, computer screens and other fixtures in the office. They offer additional health benefits including noise reduction and cooling, thereby reducing stress and increasing productivity as suggested by several research. 

I am not sure enhanced productivity can be effectively proven in my case, since that I also spend time playing with my plant. (This primarily includes lifting and putting the lid on and off the glass container) But interestingly, it possibly has had some tangible impacts on my emotional wellbeing.  

According to a UTS research, interior plants have been recorded to produce a reduction in negative feeling for workers by a magnitude of 30 to 60% over a 3 month test period. http://www.ngia.com.au/files/nurserypapers/NGIA_NP_2010-06.pdf


Maybe it is a good idea to clear out the clutter by giving away or throwing out the unused and no longer worked, and replace them with some nice plants. As for the next addition onto my little desk, I am debating over whether to get a water feature or a new mouse pad.


I suggest we all go and get some plants or simply something that makes us feel good, and watch it works its magic into our lives.

Writer's block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol. Sure, a writer can get stuck for a while, but when that happens to a real author -- say, a Socrates or a Rodman -- he goes out and gets an "as told to." The alternative is to hire yourself out as an "as heard from," thus taking all the credit. The other trick I use when I have a momentary stoppage is virtually foolproof, and I'm happy to pass it along. Go to an already published novel and find a sentence that you absolutely adore. Copy it down in your manuscript. Usually, that sentence will lead you to another sentence, and pretty soon your own ideas will start to flow. If they don't, copy down the next sentence in the novel. You can safely use up to three sentences of someone else's work -- unless you're friends, then two. The odds of being found out are very slim, and even if you are there's usually no jail time. -- Steve Martin

OK, I'm having the classical 'writer's block'. Today I received a feedback that although what I write about is interesting, but the topics can be somewhat too tense. This has triggered me to question the intention behind this blog.


Initially, I envisaged creating an atmosphere which promotes self discovery and fosters discussions by relating personal experiences to the transpersonal. Essentially, I had aimed to make it sound although private, yet impersonal.


The actual focus however seems to be on what I think and how I feel. This can become intense at times, hence I blame my progressed moon right now going through and touching off the stellium of planets in Scorpio in my natal chart. Yes, Scorpio is probably the most intense sign in the zodiac (and very magnetic too :) ), so you can understand carrying this much emotional intensity and depth can be sometime hard to bear. 


Each post represents a snapshot that reflects my thinking at that particular point in time. Considering thoughts can be fleeting, just traversing back to the beginning of the year, I was very likely quite different to how I am now. 


All and all, I want us to find and realise our happiness in our own ways, and I was hoping this blog would encourage everyone to do just that. 


So maybe it's time for me to lighten up. Since we all operate at different wavelengths, rather than trying to instigate an emotional resonance or advocating change and growth, maybe I can bring joy and laughter instead through introducing the little things that I find pleasurable.   


Although I am not sure what I will be writing about next, the blog may possibly undergo a 'paradigm shift' and hopefully becomes more inclusive. So thanks to those who have been continuously reading and keeping an interest in me.


In response to what Steve Martin has said above, I decided to unashamedly and safely 'plagiarise' two of my friends' quotes this week:


* "Look forward, not backward."
* "Abundance attracts abundances, lack attracts lack. It is all about where it comes from."


I had a relatively quiet but important week this week, I had an epiphany early in the week , and some very happy things happened to me during the week. Before I go off, I just have to mention: 


* Congratulations to SSSSS on the new job offer. You deserve it and I will look to you to get some private insurance discounts 
* Thanks AAAAA for trusting me to read the chart. I hope I had brought you some good news
* I was teased by LLLLLLL for not being able to identify my method of anger release, and the next day 'provoked' by IIIII to pick a method and act on it. Thanks to you both then for helping me meet the monthly healthy stress discharge quota   

Monday 10 October 2011

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. -- John Gray

But are they?

I have always known this book to be a popular hit (amongst female readers mostly I suppose), but was never interested until some months ago noticing it in the shop. I have to admit that I was impressed after finish reading it, because it perfectly explained the behavioural differences that separate men from women which to me before seemed so incomprehensible. The author has a good observation and understanding as to why men act one way, and women the other, and especially what motivates one and not the other. (Obviously some exceptions excluded)

But do we really come from distinctly different planets? 

Astrologically speaking, each of us has a Venus and a Mars. The signs which these two planets reside in (Aries to Pisces) and the types of aspects they form tell us a lot about what we find attractive (Venus) and how we go about getting them (Mars). Although this is a much simpler interpretation, but as a general rule, Venus shows what we find pleasing and how we please others, whilst Mars is about how we assert our will and ourselves.

Most of the psychological astrology books that I have read up on recently share the common theme that our relationships represent as a mirror for ourselves. The qualities that we repress or deny are likely to be found in others whom we have close relationships with. I guess this must be mean when opposites attract. We feel inevitably drawn towards to people who are different from us, but at the same time paradoxically, we can be repelled by these dissimilarities. This is because the qualities which we think we lack, are projected onto others unconsciously. 

It is therefore not difficult to see that perhaps most men tend to feel more comfortable exemplifying Mars, whilst most women will associate with Venus. And the reason for this comes down to what is regarded as the social norm, and what is determined as culturally or socially acceptable despite that we think men and women should be equal. Men are probably expected to be more assertive and women are expected to be more sensual. And when some of us do step outside of our zones, they end up manifesting entirely the other. This happens occasionally when men are totally disconnected from their Mars, and women from their Venus. So this still does not change the fact that we project the part of us (whether Mars or Venus) that is disowned onto partners whom we choose to complement us.

It is possible to integrate both Mars and Venus by first acknowledge the existence of both within ourselves. I cannot help but wonder, once we have embarked upon this process, what would it mean to the dynamics of our existing relationships? If I reclaim back the Mars that has always carried out by you, you must be impacted in such a way to also identify with your Venus in order for the relationship to still remain (or should I say, evolve). Or maybe we will be attracted to very different people for very different reasons.

I cannot comment on if this is better, and it may just be up to the individual to realise how important the journey of becoming whole or complete within themselves is. 

However I do believe that men are able to be more sensitive without becoming effeminate, and women can be less passive yet remaining feminine. And I feel more inclined towards this, and through transforming ourselves, we can bring along others to grow and become with us.

Saturday 8 October 2011

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? -- Vincent van Gogh

The Road Not Taken  by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -- Victor Hugo

If you really loved me, you'd find me -- Jules Feiffer























Wednesday 5 October 2011

It is important to look at death because it is part of life. It is a sad thing, melancholic but romantic at the same time. It is the end of a cycle—everything has to end. The cycle of life is positive because it gives room for new things. -- Alexander McQueen

Sleeping is no mean art: for its sake one must stay awake all day. -- Friedrich Nietzsche

I need sleep. No update tonight.

If you can't forgive and forget, pick one. -- Robert Brault

I have lately withdrawn into a state of hibernation. People from the past are appearing in the dreams now more frequently than ever, and although I can never recall the details the next day, I am always left feeling exhausted and perturbed. Can we forgive and forget the people who have wronged against us or hurt us? And most importantly, can we learn to truly forgive ourselves?


Maybe each person has different capacity to forgive and forget, and some of us may find it easier to move on than others. But we sometimes make ourselves believe that we are just fine, until something triggers a part of that buried memories, be it a song, a scene or an innocent comment made by someone else, then the emotions bubble up onto the surface and we no longer feel strong but vulnerable again.


There is no point wishing the past was different, because it makes us who we are today. Hopefully, we learn from our own disappointments, failures and mistakes and become stronger. But what if we find ourselves keep failing in the area that we desperately want to conquer? The pattern gets harder and harder to break as time goes on. It is different from having had no experience so we can be enthusiastic about experimenting, once we have accumulated the joy and pain and everything else that goes on in between, we retreat and feel immobilized to change 'fate' - further preventing us from attaining the one thing that we want the most. Isn't it funny that we fear the same thing that we desire?


As said by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Forgotten is Forgiven. Maybe they are essentially the same thing. We can no longer be bothered by something we have forgotten. And if a certain thing
provokes a reaction, there must be the same thing within us which mirrors it.


It may be possible to differentiate the two if not permanently, but temporarily. Forgiveness comes from a place of love. If there is someone you love, you can forgive or convince yourself to forgive, but you may not be able to forget if it has caused you pain. But when the love is gone, you will wish to forget but may not be able to forgive because of the previous pain you have been inflicted.


Some people say that we only begin to forgive when we recall those who have hurt us and can wish them well. I personally have not mastered this, and honestly, nor do I wish to. I appreciate the experience for what it is, not more, and not less. If they are people from your past, make peace and just leave them there. I believe the most important thing is to realize who you value now and who you want in your future, think about them, protect them and love them.


Forgive many things in others; nothing in yourself. -- Ausonius. I don't believe this to be true. True forgiveness can only come when you have learnt to accept and forgive yourself first, then can you hold real compassions towards others for the struggles they go through. Because what we see in ourselves, we find in others.


How unhappy is he who cannot forgive himself. -- Publilius Syrus