The King

“Once upon a time, there was a king named George who enjoyed going hunting on Sunday mornings. Favorite amongst his staff was Peter, his personal advisor and old friend, of whom he was very fond. Every Sunday, just before dawn, Peter would carefully prepare their rifles for a new hunting adventure. One day, they decided to go far away from the castle in search of a more impressive and interesting prey. After a long journey, King George encountered a great one, however, as soon as he fired his rifle he felt a sharp and severe pain in one of his hands. The King’s hand was badly injured and started to bleed. King George was furious and blamed Peter for his dreadful mistake. Peter’s apologies were in vein and felt completely ashamed. While they were arguing about the incident Peter suddenly fell into a deep pit. 'Aha!' exclaimed the king. 'That’s what you get for hurting me, now let's see who helps you out of your misery.' The indignant king walked away with no remorse even though Peter cried and begged for help. Not long after, the King found himself captured by a tribe of savages that came out of nowhere. He was taken to their secluded community and was held prisoner. The tribe did not know nor cared who he was. They were only interested in celebrating their seasonal sacrifice. Soon, just after sunset, the king was brought to the tribe’s chief in order to perform their ancient ritual.  The chief began their traditional ceremony and soon discovered there was blood dripping from the king’s hand. Furiously he demanded the king to be liberated since he was considered to be imperfect and unworthy. The sacrifice could only be successful if it was carried out with someone who was "completely" healthy. The king felt relieved and was overwhelmed by his baffling experience with the savages. He walked for what it seemed to be a long time and fortunately found the pit where he had left his friend.  When he looked down inside he could barely see Peter lying down. ‘Peter, are you alright?’ asked the king.  Peter was overjoyed and was soon helped out by the king. The king told Peter everything that happened to him while he was gone. ‘I am sorry to have left you here.’ said the king. ‘Thanks to you I’m alive! If you had not made a mistake while preparing my rifle I would have been killed. I owe you my life Peter.’ Peter remained quiet and said nothing for a while. ‘Now that I think of it, I’m glad you left me in the pit your Majesty.’  He finally said. The king looked puzzled. ‘If you had rescued me before we both would have been captured, and since I was the one uninjured, I would have been the one sacrificed by the tribe. You saved my life too!’ The king had a big smile on his face as both friends found their way back to the castle.”

Sometimes when things don’t go according to plan we might feel frustrated. Problems are a part of life and there are always lessons to be learned. What is meant to be will be, and we should try to understand that although we might face adversity, there is a greater force working for better things to come about.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we might not understand why things happen the way they do, but when the time is right, we will know why. 

“Everything happens for a reason, live it, love it, learn from it!” -Anon

Direction

“Am I going in the right direction?” It’s a very simple and straightforward question but coming up with a precise answer may not be as easy as it seems.

Some people have the privilege of figuring out what they were truly meant to do with their life. These people know who they are, where they are going and the best possible way to get there.  They are constantly making a difference in the world and live fully every single day.

Many others, like myself, are searching and discovering their own life’s purpose as they go along. Trying to passionately pursue their dreams while becoming aware that their life is unfolding, gradually, as it should. Being connected with their mind and following their heart and soul, as much as possible, with regard to what they want to accomplish.

It is not easy finding out what we are meant to do with our life. One key question we can ask ourselves could be “What would I really love to do if time and money were no object?” We must think about our past, recognize our own gifts and talents, and see where we have succeeded. Consider all the things that move us and take constant action, step by step, towards achieving our individual goals.

We might not know for certain where we’re going, however, that does not necessarily mean we’re not moving in the appropriate direction.

Who knows what the future will bring? I think that as long as we feel good about ourselves, enjoy our lives and what we do, we are definitely heading in the right direction… Enjoy the journey!

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.” -Carl Rogers

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”  -Henry David Thoreau

Reflection

Looking through a window the other day I noticed my blurry reflection and stared at it for a while. I decided not to focus on my appearance but at my inner self instead. I began to wonder how many times in our lives do we look at our mirror images and meditate on who we are rather than contemplate on how we look.  We need mirrors in our lives, we use them on a daily basis, but how often do we stare straight back at us and consciously reflect on who we really are as individuals?

There are times in our lives when we need an introspective look into ourselves. Think about who we are and what we care about most. How we feel and why we act the way we do in certain given situations. This mental process of looking within has a higher impact, and could be more effective, when we confront ourselves “face to face.” Our own observation and self- analysis highlights both our flaws and strengths. We have a significant opportunity to think deeply about the things we don’t like and want to change about ourselves, and acknowledge, as well as value, all of our positive qualities.

Personally, I think reflection enables us to change and grow as individuals. Changing ourselves for the better would help us become better persons. Being better means having a greater quality of life, which would not only make us feel good about ourselves, but also allow the people around us to appreciate the person we are.

“The object of reflection is invariably the discovery of something satisfying to the mind which was not there at the beginning of the search.” -Ernest Dimnet 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Golden Hour

Someone once told me that the best time of the day was the “Golden Hour.” I’m referring specifically to that time of the day, just before sunset, where all of the surroundings begin to go through a remarkable transformation. Bright colours start to diffuse, illumination turns vivid, intense and powerful; and if you pay close attention you’ll discover a calm, serene, peaceful mood starting to emerge. Since then, I have learned to appreciate this moment and try to make the most out of it. 

This is an ideal occasion for photographers to start shooting some amazing pictures. The quality of light is distinct, there is less contrast, colours are enhanced and shadows appear longer in dimension and less dark than during the day. Things glow with a certain special effect, which could mean the perfect “time” to seek a memorable picture, particularly for those interested in scenery and landscape photography.

It is also a convenient time for mindfulness and self-awareness. The environment turns calm and peaceful providing an adequate opportunity to meditate. Living in a fast-paced world, not only we are constantly faced with distractions, but also our time-consuming daily activities, which occupy our minds most of the day, deny us from treasuring instants like this.

Next time you find yourself fully aware of this empowering time of the day, whether you decide to take some outstanding pictures, relax and think about your day, meditate on your future or just savour the moment… seize it! I have a feeling you won’t regret it. 

“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back.”  - Harvey Mackay

London Eye

 

While I was taking this “London Eye” picture a couple standing next to me started having an argument about unkind actions they had done to each other recently.

Later that day, I thought about the few people I’ve met over the years that follow the principle “an eye for an eye”. People that honestly admitted they wished no harm to others but if something hurtful were done to them, physically or emotionally, they would retaliate in the same way.

Although some might think this principle could be considered equitable I completely disagree with it.  Is it really fair?

I was brought up to believe actions such as revenge and retaliation were negative regardless of how fair or equal they intended or seemed to be. Chances are that living under this premise would unavoidably start a chain reaction. People would go through various feelings and emotions; they have lived their own experiences throughout their lives and what may be considered hurtful or harmful for some might not be as painful for others and vice versa.  We all cope with pain in different ways, and the intensity of many personal “pay backs” would be greater or lesser than others, depending on one’s own perception and judgement of what could be considered as “fair” or “just” compensation.

I believe following this principle would eventually lead to resentfulness and bitterness.

As a child, whenever I got hurt and encountered this kind of problem, my Mom and Dad always said to me, “Never take revenge… Be the better person.” In time I learned that being the “better person” was never about showing weakness… but rather a sign of strength.




"An eye for an eye would make the whole world blind." - Mahatma Gandhi