A closer look, please!
An African proverb goes as follows: “The camel never sees its own hump, but that of its brother is always before its eyes!”
Maybe it’s really true, because most of us forget to see our very own self. Does it really help, if we always see “this way” - US in a mirror?
Our tendency to focus on the irritating faults of others most of the time. obscures our vision of the positive aspect of others, as Karyl Yvette Mendoza stressed already in 2004 in “Pinoy Balita Korea”. Yes, we lose sight of the good and decent qualities of others, the true essence of who and what they are, and we all see only the humps in in life. I remember again “the yelling alien in the Bureau of Immigration” (as Feyma wrote about a couple of days ago)…
Shouldn’t we use our own eyes clearly and effectively? So let’s start our new day with a positive, closer look over our own whole, even being in front of our mirror, and the, taking a glimpse on the good things around us. Have you watched the butterfly over the flower, or is really everything a big mess in the Philippines? Have you used your freedom of expression over loud music? I mean, not the whole day or night time, when others go to sleep. Have you already seen it from the positive side, if your boss wanted you to learn over his strict instruction?
Yes, I confess, many times I also forgot those simple rules - and, I forgot to stay young, happy and healthy. This was and is my goal as expat living in the Philippines. Young? Yes, because it’s not a time of life - it’s a state of mind. Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Yes, wrinkle the skin, but to surrender enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear - these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn growing spirit into dust!
Is it a matter of being 14 or 84 to enjoy the love of wonders, the stars in heaven and the joy of life here in the Philippines? Life is not measured by the numbers of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away.
Subconsciously we “cook our ideas” while being passive. Newton relaxed, when he saw the apple falling from the tree - and got the idea of gravity. Watt relaxed in the kitchen while watching the jumping steam boiler cover - and got the idea of the steam engine.
What’s your idea, my dear reader, as an expat, already living in the Philippines, or an future expat, who plans to live here? Will you only notice the humps, or will you plan and look closer BEYOND THEM?
Hi Klaus yes speak the truth the people ( o Anthropos) only
need very little things of the life and after we are happy.
Hi Zois, once again thanks a lot for stopping by. Regards to Greece. Stay always safe.
Hi Klaus,
I have never commented on your column but I have found it to be very inlightening and spiritual. I have a friend who just returned from the Philippines and is planning his retirement there already. I am also thinking of retiring there. My friend’s comment on the Filipino’s were that they are the poorest rich people he has ever met. That they do not have much money, but they are rich in life. I have yet to visit the islands, but when I do I will be looking for the beauty beyond the differences. I have found that with all the conveniences that the west has, the simple pleasures are often over looked. Keep writing your great column.
Hi RichardfromGA, thanks a lot for stopping by and leaving a comment.Unfortunately I can’t figure out what means GA. Anyway, thanks for your praises. yeah, it’s very true, Filipinos are rich in life. I remember my first longer stay in the Philippines in 1982, when the poorest people in the province invited me to share with them a bottle of Coke, because they earn a little bit thru a sari-sari-store along the highway. They never accepted a payment for the Coke, but they have been so proud meeting me and talk to me. I got more experiences like this during my first long trip, when I visited Mindanao.
Sorry about the confusion Klaus. GA is the abbreviation for the state of Georgia in the Southeastern USA. I am looking forward to my visit to the Philippines and I much appreciate all the valuable advice I have received from LIP
Hello Klaus,
Another interesting and inspirational subject. I agree, one must ocassionally “stop to smell the roses” but is easier said than done when one is fully engaged in working, saving, and all that goes with day-to-day living. Soon, in five years or less, I too, (God willing) will be retired and will have the time to ponder life’s wonders and inspirations.
regards
Harvey
Hi Richard, no probs. Meanwhile I learned from another American guy, that this is Georgia. Thanks for your praises again, and don’t hesitate to contact LiP, if you should also visit Davao. Take care.
Hi Harvey, thanks also for stopping by. You are lucky, five years only. I still have to wait longer, but since I live here in the Philippines I am alreadt able to ponder life’s wonders and inspirations. I wish you good luck, and enjoy reading LiP.
Hi klaus I forget tell you about the Otto Rehhagel he is from
germany, the Otto Rehhagel he is coach of Greece football team. He is winner for euro 2004 make the greek football
team champion euro 2004. And he is like to make the Greek
football champion for 2008. I like the system of Otto Rehhagel
have program and discipline he is 69 old year.
regards
Hi Zois, yeah, I know. Okay, its a little bit off-topic, but I met Otto Rehhagel before, when I was still editing sports magazines. Regarding Philippine-German relations: some years ago we also had a Filipino player in Germany, but I forgot his name.