when we think about change, we always focus on the external. i just spent some time at the singapore river contemplating the changes she has underwent - from a muddy silt filled disease channel to a fish filled waterway today. Most Singaporeans can viusalise the old days of lighters and bumboats and sweaty coolies hunkered under the weight of sacks of rice, coal, sugar, spice.
But as I read some of their stories i was startled at how they saw life. it was something to be endured. they had to plod on daily. there was no space for dreaming, no idle talk of self-actualisation.
How much has changed. And I am referring to our inner landscapes. Now it seems most of us think it our entitlement to be happy, fulfilled and entertained.
Of course, i do seem to note that the world is filled with two large groups of people: those who do and those who dream.
I belong to the latter, endlessly mining for greater meaning, romance and beauty. But woe is me if i ever think i am better, wiser, 'righter'. Indeed, it is often those who do, and do, and do, that makes our world go round.
I marvel at those who do, work, and come alive at smallest gifts: a friendly overture, a smile, a seat on the MRT.
Louisa May Alcott: Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations, I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Yes we must. We must also make our beds, greet our elders, sit for a while with a friend or a stranger..
But as I read some of their stories i was startled at how they saw life. it was something to be endured. they had to plod on daily. there was no space for dreaming, no idle talk of self-actualisation.
How much has changed. And I am referring to our inner landscapes. Now it seems most of us think it our entitlement to be happy, fulfilled and entertained.
Of course, i do seem to note that the world is filled with two large groups of people: those who do and those who dream.
I belong to the latter, endlessly mining for greater meaning, romance and beauty. But woe is me if i ever think i am better, wiser, 'righter'. Indeed, it is often those who do, and do, and do, that makes our world go round.
I marvel at those who do, work, and come alive at smallest gifts: a friendly overture, a smile, a seat on the MRT.
Louisa May Alcott: Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations, I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Yes we must. We must also make our beds, greet our elders, sit for a while with a friend or a stranger..
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