Reflection on the Thailand Trip

Reflection on the Thailand Trip

"Happiness is making the best out of the conditions that you have."
Simple Bear 10.01.2014.

One of the most striking things about the Thai people that I encountered in Bangkok, Thailand is the resilience that I see in them, working hard to make their lives better regardless of the conditions that they have.

I took a photo of a little young girl managing a fried fish ball stall on my first day in Bangkok, Thailand. The little boss of the fish ball stall is probably around 13 years of age and she impressed me with her politeness, confidence and silent resilience that I felt when I saw her.

Maybe it's her age, maybe it's the silent strength of resilience that I felt from her. I couldn't help but to reflect on it. When we complained about the not so optimal conditions of the roadside stalls, the refusal of the stall owners to reduce prices, fatigue from shopping etc, we forgotten to be grateful for the good conditions for us to be tourists in their countries, to have the financial means to travel and buy what we like.

A sense of shame arose in me. There is so much more that I have.

I see beggars on the streets of Bangkok, the bridges, the stairs, outside the malls and all I can do for them is a silent wish that they will have better conditions in the future, for the relief and eradication of sufferings.

A good trip of good food, shopping and also a trip to help remind myself of gratitude.

May all be well, healthy and happy.

I Choose

A good reminder on a Monday!

"I Choose…
to live by choice, not by chance;
to make changes, not excuses;
to be motivated, not manipulated;
to be useful, not used;
to excel, not to compete.

I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.
I choose to listen to my inner voice,
Not the random opinion of others.
I choose to be me."
Miranda Marrott

Size does matter

Size does matter

"The bigger you get, the easier it is to suffer."
Simple Bear 01.01.2015.

The resolution for the new year is to make myself smaller. First I need to realise how big I am

Training not to see I but we

"In Buddhism, we train not to see you and I; we train to see we."
Venerable Thubten Chodron

Grateful to be able to end the first day of the new year with a Dharma talk by Venerable Thubten Chodron.

Thank you everyone who made it possible especially my friend, Lim Wah Teck who asked me to go along for the Dharma talk.

May we have the good conditions to encounter, practice, understand and experience the Dharma.

Difference Between You and I

Question: What are the differences between you and I?
Answer: You and I are the differences.

Simple Bear 26.12.2014.

Progression or Regression?

Progression or Regression?

"While we may perceived that we had progressed as a society; paradoxically, we may have also at the same time, regressed as humanity."
Simple Bear 18.12.2014.

Patience is a gift

Patience is a gift

Rainy morning didn't dampen my mood. In fact, it added another contemplative dimension.

On my way to volunteer at a camp for children with special needs, hoping to bring a little sunshine to them. No matter how heavy is the rain, there is always sunlight at the end of the dark clouds; we all need patience, a gift of joy and happiness, to wait out the rain and for the sunlight.

Patience, as a gift to oneself and others
 
Patience, to understand one and other's pain;
 
Patience, to empathise with each other;
 
Patience, to protect oneself and others from anger and sadness;

Patience, to protect oneself and others from each other's ego 

Patience, to be patient with oneself and others

I may not be contactable for the next few days so please I seek your kind understanding that my replies to your messages and posts may be delayed till late Sunday.

Have a good week and weekend everyone smile emoticon

In the meanwhile, be patient with the rain and you will appreciate the sunlight better later.

May all be well and happy.

Love,
Simple Bear