Monday, July 13, 2009

Notes from the universe

"Ever wonder why you can see the world more clearly than others? - To help"

I have been spending the past 2 Friday nights at EFT sessions with Perry. EFT is basically tapping techniques used to clear negative emotions in our body. Personally, these support group sessions are exciting to me and it has sparked a road of great self discovery which is much different from the Buddhist's teachings towards enlightenment path. EFT has so much potential to change the world for the great good and if I do become a psychologist one day, this will be one of my main tools to help my clients.

The past few months, I have been involved in the intense building up of BFY. There has been a lot happenings. Too many to mention. At this moment, I am just happy that we are given the opportunity to succeed. The pressure on everyone is immense at time and its beautiful to see how individuals react and respond. The adrenaline rush from BFY gives me a reason to spring out of bed everyday cause I know its worth living for. Like what Ajahn Cattamalo mention "Go for the 10% victories!" That's exactly what I'm striving for and making it count towards the cause. =)

I'm the man who can't be moved for the next 116 days! Stuck in the bunks of SGC ....

2:44 AM
Out of reach.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

BF Mid year 2009 =)

5:43 AM
Out of reach.

Friday, June 19, 2009

the "Preening"

Hi everyone,

I am in camp doing duty so decided not to waste time by "preening" my blog. As you can see, I have added and arrange contacts in alphabetical order so that it will be easier for you (and me) to locate address. Perhaps its time to find another blog skin, im considering that at the moment.

Its amusing how insecure adults are sometimes. Using cabinets and cupboards to form mazes and fortresses in an office. Go figure ...

Peace out,

Bin

8:37 PM
Out of reach.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

30 hour famine

Hello world!

I am back in camp after 2 great camps from last weekend. The hectic schedule of 2 camps in a space of 5 days has left me slightly tired but entirely satisfied. Somehow I do not need much sleeping or eating recovery as expected.

30 hour famine camp - part of the reason why i joined was because it was held at my secondary school (barker). The concept of this camp is to let students experience a refugee camp's environment as well as feel the stigma as a HIV carrier. I was a facilitator for a group of JC students which included 2 of my juniors. I am quite proud of my group, we made use of the tennis court nets to build a make shift shelter. somemore, we had no materials to begin with and by the time we started production, the materials were all "sold out".

Personally, I would have preferred to take on the role of a game master. In the sense that you can mingle with the larger faci's pool rather than mainly your own group mates. oh yes! the plus is that you can go home to rest, barker is so near my house. Anyway, I am still rather grateful that I had opportunities to meet people. like explaining to the tampines heartlanders that the old clothes and newspapers which they donate would go to helping the slum people in developing countries. That alone generates good karma and Im all for it.

The concert was quite an idea! but if only they had arranged transport to fetch us back to barker. As an english ed, I really enjoyed jack and rai's fa lala song as well as coldplay vida la vida (im learning how to play it on the guitar now). The dance item was impressive enough too, reminded me of my days in AC. Did not quite appreciate A mei's music though ...

2:10 AM
Out of reach.

Monday, May 25, 2009

slim shady

The Tao of Marshall Mathers: Addiction, Depression and The Comeback

By Christine Stapleton
May 24, 2009

I have not been a fan of hip-hop/rapper Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers). There is something about artists who espouse misogyny, homophobia and racism that kinda grinds me. Especially when they do so in the name of “art.” I respect and defend his right to do so. But I do not like his art or the influence it has on his 10-year-old followers.

All that changed this morning. In an interview on the cover of the Arts & Leisure section in the New York Times Mathers speaks about his addiction, depression, recovery, art and why it all matters.

“I don’t know if I’m exposing myself,” Mathers told the reporter. “I’m kind of just coming clean and exhaling.” Yes, Marshall, you ARE exposing yourself. And I admire the hell out of you for doing it. It’s one thing for someone like me - a middle-aged journalist - to speak openly about my alcoholism, depression and bipolar. It’s another thing for someone like Mathers to come clean.

Recovery from any addiction does not change WHO your are. It changes WHAT you are. Mathers gets this. He is still Eminem and Slim Shady. But he is no longer a selfish, self-absorbed and self-righteous addict who used the First Amendment and his art as an excuse for his addict-behavior.

Losing your identity is among the greatest fears of a recovering addict or alcoholic. Who am I without my drugs and alcohol? Will I still be liked? Will I still be cool? Will I be able to do what I did before without drugs and alcohol. Mathers, God bless his little bad-ass heart, answered all those questions in this article.

“I was the worst kind of addict - a functioning addict,” Mathers told the reporter. “I was so deep into my addiction at some point that I could not picture myself doing anything without some kind of drug.”
Exactly. Whether it is sober dancing or sober sex, this is a huge fear for us and was for Mathers, too.
“The deeper I got into my addiction the tighter the lid got on my creativity. When I got sober, the lid just came off,” Mathers said. The result is his new album “Relapse.”

From the sound of it, Mathers has no intention of hitting the recovery road-show circuit. He has never wanted to be a role model and still does not - which makes him an even more convincing and powerful poster-child for recovery. Recovery is NOT going to turn you into Wally Cleaver. You are still you, but your ego is right-sized, your body is healthy and you are given back your soul.

I once knew a biker who got clean and sober. Another recovering addict suggested that he get his hair and clean-up his image. I said, “You do not have to. You are a more powerful example as you are now - a clean and sober biker with tatoos, a pony tail and half a mouth of teeth.”

Marshall, please keep making your music, working your program and doing the Slim Shady thing. You are a powerful role model, whether you like it or not. Thank you.

Christine Stapleton has been a reporter for The Palm Beach Post for 23 years and in 2006, began writing a column entitled, Kicking Depression.

5:16 PM
Out of reach.

i turned 20 last week

hey,

I am now back in camp leaving a great party weekend behind. It has been a really long time since I actually celebrated my birthday in such a big fashion. After primary school, birthdays has always been humble family affairs till now. With the exception of JC2 year where I had a buffet lunch at Seoul Gardens with my classmates. Hence, I told myself that this year, its is gonna be different.

Initially, I wanted to book a chalet (Costa Sands / Goldkist) or rent a room at a cafe (Minds / Settlers). The psychology of parties tell us that we should have a few focal points e.g. ice breaker games, music, entertainment. My home, though large, can actually be quite boring without a Wii or a swimming pool. However, my home does have strength in terms of outdoor spaces (basketball court) and a large television. I am fortunate to know a few friends who were able to tun the party up a notch (thank you people!). And I am quite proud of the fact that alot of things at my party was home-make. The tiramisu and chocolate moussel that me, carene and hao made can challenge the commercial ones. For the record, I did not get to eat either cos it was all snapped out LOL.

Back to now, I am going for the 30 hour famine facilitator camp this weekend. Its held at ACS (Barker Road) and Im really excited at visiting my old school which I have not gone back for ages. It is similar to PES temple where there are alot of open spaces though different in religious ideology. I want to visit any shop which is still open on a weekend and eat the school food there! The food aint spectacular but its for the memories.

The week after, I will be at BFY mid-year camp 2009. Really glad to be a participant this time =)

From the 5-9th June, I will be off to 30 hour famine camp as well as the first ever National Buddhist youth camp. Oh and i forgot to mention that in between will be one of my dude's birthday party. Definitely cannot pangsei. Oh yes and restless @ ACJC too! I want to visit ACJC and view the completion to centre of performing arts (CPA). Gosh there are too many things happening that weekend but its gonna be great. So many opportunities to meet new people.

Lastly, i will spend the 13th to 18th in Hua Hin with my family. It will be interesting to observe how some of my family members react to simply being alone, stripping themselves of the everyday business. My first meditation retreat with Ajahn Cattamalo cleared my mind a great deal, I simply hope it will be as beneficial to them too! =)

alright im off ...
sent me love ... =)

5:07 PM
Out of reach.

Monday, May 18, 2009

birthday wishes =)

Hey people,

Thanks for the birthday wishes and gifts. I have posted a few below ....

Jenny: hey bin! Happy Birthday! Enjoy and cherish the years ahead! Get prepared to receive a card soon! :-D

Perry: Happy Brithday rubbish bin with hole in e bottom! ajahn brahm says its a compliment ha! u've been a good mate, cheers to more good times.

Ben: happy bday!! may all your dreams and wishes come true. haha.. greeting frm your frens at selerang camp (zee ad i r sending tgt!) .. take care! seeya soon!

Zee: Happy 20th Birthday Bin! May all your wishes come true! And may you find someone to be part of your life. :)

Xinhui: Although you're going to be celebrating it in camp, remember to still have fun!

Jasmine: HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY BIN!!:d have a great day in ... camp!haha

Carene: happy birthday bin:) may all your birthday wishes come true and may u always blessed with the triple jem.

Hooi Chin: Happy birthday Heng Bin! Hope you have a great day. Can't believe that you're 20 already... Never ever doubt your abilities and always aim high! Hugs from your rellies in Oz. :)

Pam: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! WOOTS! you're officially 20... Sorry I couldn't make it to your bash on Sat... hopefully my ideas of flowers and potpourri took my place for my absence ;)

perry:bimbo+bin = binbo.happy birthday energizer airhead!:D

5:12 PM
Out of reach.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

msn chat =)

Wenjie says:
ok its almost 12pm here.. and im turning in soon.. so here's wishing u a very happy bday.. its really been a pleasure knowing u Bin, and im honestly very happy to see u stepping up to the plate, time and again to contribute.. u have a big heart, even if u modestly deny it, ur contributions have made a diffrence to the ppl around u. stay true and pure =)
Wenjie says:
oh and u remind me of myself.. cos i stepped into BF and started contributing around the time when i just got into NS.. so i kinda know (well at least i claim to know..haha) the hardships and the dillemas that confront u from time to time
Wenjie says:
ok.. im going off..
Wenjie says:
u have a good night
Wenjie says:
i mean 12 am*

6:46 AM
Out of reach.