I play the violin. I love it because I have been playing for about four years. I am not that competitive for the lead soloist position but in the few years when my musical talents have soared, I have started getting competitive for the position of Concert Master. For those who don't know that term, it is the person who is like the playing conductor who sits in the first row on the conductor's left hand side. They need to know the first person's piece best and they set an example for the rest of the players. I have started getting competitive for that placement for it is an honour. You work with the conductor and help him to maintain order during rehearsals and so forth. You help the other musicians and tune their instraments. Thus, the Concert Master must be the best player. Last concert I was awarded that position. I was overjoyed!
I have started feeling competitive because music has taken a part of my life to stand in. It makes my heart soar, being a part of a moving, breathing, playing orchestra in mid piece, when everything is flowing smoothly and wonderfully. I feel my heart soar and nothing can go wrong. Usually, I am right but even in that perfect moment, one still needs to stay with the music and not fall behind.
In every living thing, music moves them. When you play something to a dog, they bark or howl with the music's tune. They might act differently out of fear or happiness. This is just because their soul feels the music's tug, sometimes granting them wings to fly or tears to cry.
Even plants seem to grow faster with more low key music than rock or heavy metal.
Since we humans are more complex than our animal cousins, our brains act differently to different types of music. Most people call this a musical preference. I think it is which ever music the soul rests in.
Comment if you like this post or if you have any stories to add. :)
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Companionship (Friends)
This is something humans cannot live without.
Studies show that as human beings, we value companionship highly because we are very social creatures. Scientifically, we need this feeling to live. Without feeling valued by another human, we feel our lives are not worth living. Suicide victims choose that way to go because they feel like no one cares anymore. Believe me, I have felt that no one cared about me but of course, suicide is the coward's way out of things. I kept struggling, hanging on by a thread, hoping, waiting for something good to occur in my life. I showed myself and the God I believe in that I can get through the hard times. I believe the more suffering you endure during your lifetime, the happier things will be when you get older. Eventually the pain of this world will fade away and you may find real peace in death or later in life. Friendship is at the core of our peace and emotions.
By having a friend, people bond with each other and enjoy spending company together. There are a few things needed for a good friendship. The first and most important is chemistry. If the two don't have that natural enjoyment of each other, there is no use trying to make the friendship continue.
Second is effort. Without effort, nothing would get done. Each side of the friendship must work at things to make it right and to allow the bond to progress and get stronger.
Next is trust. Trust builds the true bond between two people, sealing away their stranger like qualities and allows the two to get very familiar with each other. People who know other people's secrets feel empowered, knowing they have a 'piece' of the other person's soul. This is most commonly why people tell each other secrets for this bonds them together.
Keeping a friend though is more difficult. Making a friend in a day is simple, you just hang around with them and feel like you trust them enough to give them your email or other contact so you can learn more about them. After the month part of the friendship, you both should know quite a lot about each other. Now it gets harder. It is easy just to have a whole pile of 'temporary' friends but they come with their own risks and consequences. You cannot really tell them many secrets because you cannot trust them for too long. That is why I only befriend people I can be friends with for a very long time, perhaps my whole life (preferably). I still keep in contact with a friend I made when I was about 7-10 months old. We are practically like sisters even though I have been living in another place from her for about 5 years. :(
I do try really hard to maintain friendships because everything pays of in the end. You are surrounded by people that have the same interests as you and when you are old enough to leave the house, the whole world opens up before your eyes. It is good to have someone (many people) to visit or be with. Not only do friends make you smile, but they also offer advise that parents cannot give. Friends go through the same feelings and things as you. They have had different experiences and met other people but have the same feelings and usually understand things better than your parents. They are good to have around to help you make choices that your parents wouldn't really understand. Also, their company makes you feel secure and loved. :)
Friends depend on each other and act as unrelated family. Almost like a half sister or brother. Once you tell someone a large secret, it is their duty to hold onto it and keep it safe form prying arms of the outside world. A friend is the one you go and cry to, telling them all of your pains and feelings because they listen. They not only listen with their ears but with their souls. They try to feel what you feel and understand what you go through each day. A real true friend is someone who you could switch places with and they would understand how you life works and would be able to survive. I really feel that way for about a few people and I know that we will be friends for my whole life!
For all of you who read this blog, share it with your friends and spread the word. Comment to correct or share your ideas with me. I need topics to discuss too. :)
Studies show that as human beings, we value companionship highly because we are very social creatures. Scientifically, we need this feeling to live. Without feeling valued by another human, we feel our lives are not worth living. Suicide victims choose that way to go because they feel like no one cares anymore. Believe me, I have felt that no one cared about me but of course, suicide is the coward's way out of things. I kept struggling, hanging on by a thread, hoping, waiting for something good to occur in my life. I showed myself and the God I believe in that I can get through the hard times. I believe the more suffering you endure during your lifetime, the happier things will be when you get older. Eventually the pain of this world will fade away and you may find real peace in death or later in life. Friendship is at the core of our peace and emotions.
By having a friend, people bond with each other and enjoy spending company together. There are a few things needed for a good friendship. The first and most important is chemistry. If the two don't have that natural enjoyment of each other, there is no use trying to make the friendship continue.
Second is effort. Without effort, nothing would get done. Each side of the friendship must work at things to make it right and to allow the bond to progress and get stronger.
Next is trust. Trust builds the true bond between two people, sealing away their stranger like qualities and allows the two to get very familiar with each other. People who know other people's secrets feel empowered, knowing they have a 'piece' of the other person's soul. This is most commonly why people tell each other secrets for this bonds them together.
Keeping a friend though is more difficult. Making a friend in a day is simple, you just hang around with them and feel like you trust them enough to give them your email or other contact so you can learn more about them. After the month part of the friendship, you both should know quite a lot about each other. Now it gets harder. It is easy just to have a whole pile of 'temporary' friends but they come with their own risks and consequences. You cannot really tell them many secrets because you cannot trust them for too long. That is why I only befriend people I can be friends with for a very long time, perhaps my whole life (preferably). I still keep in contact with a friend I made when I was about 7-10 months old. We are practically like sisters even though I have been living in another place from her for about 5 years. :(
I do try really hard to maintain friendships because everything pays of in the end. You are surrounded by people that have the same interests as you and when you are old enough to leave the house, the whole world opens up before your eyes. It is good to have someone (many people) to visit or be with. Not only do friends make you smile, but they also offer advise that parents cannot give. Friends go through the same feelings and things as you. They have had different experiences and met other people but have the same feelings and usually understand things better than your parents. They are good to have around to help you make choices that your parents wouldn't really understand. Also, their company makes you feel secure and loved. :)
Friends depend on each other and act as unrelated family. Almost like a half sister or brother. Once you tell someone a large secret, it is their duty to hold onto it and keep it safe form prying arms of the outside world. A friend is the one you go and cry to, telling them all of your pains and feelings because they listen. They not only listen with their ears but with their souls. They try to feel what you feel and understand what you go through each day. A real true friend is someone who you could switch places with and they would understand how you life works and would be able to survive. I really feel that way for about a few people and I know that we will be friends for my whole life!
For all of you who read this blog, share it with your friends and spread the word. Comment to correct or share your ideas with me. I need topics to discuss too. :)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Peace
There are two types of peace. The inner peace what can be obtained by an individual and the peace between two or more people. Today I am going to talk about both.
First, the inner peace, which is most important. Inner peace can be given through religion, confidence, and mental understanding of one's own life. Inner peace is mainly based on one's own self and emotional rock or core. Take religion. I am part Christian. I find peace through believing in God and the trust relationship I have with him, offering up my life to something I believe and honour. This gives me peace because I trust in Him because I know he will improve and use my life for his glory. Other people find inner peace through their emotions. Emotions can be from contact with other live beings or from one's own thoughts and confidence. Many children who suffer from abuse or alienation form too young an age suffer later in life at finding inner peace. Also, young bullying can cause these effects but younger than normal. I have struggled through bullying and dealing with other problems related but I have kept my inner peace all the way through. Some children can find this because their emotional core is sturdy and anchored to something permanent. Like for me, what got me through troubled times, I found Christ. He anchored my soul and lead me to the green pastures. Even now, when I feel troubled, I still find that peace within myself. This keeps me going because even when things get bad, I just know they will have to get better.
Then there is the peace between contact. This can involve a peace between countries, family members, humans, or animals. The most common type of peace is when one's presence is acknowledged by another human being. In the Animal Kingdom, this is known by body posture or acceptance. In humans, for we are animals too, we can use our words or feelings to express how we feel about people. Peace is a fragile thing for it is often resembled by a dove. If someone grasps a dove too tightly, it will break its wings to fly. If one holds it too loosely, it will fly away and not come back. Peace can be passed on, like a gift but once one receives it, it is hard to loose it for it sinks deeply into one's mind and soul, giving them something to live for. This kind of peace turns into inner peace after a while.
To receive peace, one must work for it. Not in the way most people think. We see the word work and we think it is something hard to get but I am using the word work very lightly.
Last night, I was at the American Club and I have recently sprained my ankle playing soccer (football for you Brits out there :D). I was waiting to get a taxi home when a young, middle aged man approached me. He was carrying gear for perhaps his children over his shoulder. He looked very happy and full of friendly love to pass on. He smiled and asked me how I hurt my ankle. He then asked if I play professionally and I said not really. He smiled again and asked if I was waiting for a taxi. I nodded and he said this,
"Yes, we are also waiting for one. My son over there plays soccer too but not professionally." He then sticks his arm out and calls a taxi over for me. He opens up the door and right before I head off he says this,
"When you get home, prop your foot up and get some ice on it." When I got in the taxi and headed home, I felt a wave of humility come over me. I knew I probably won't do what he did for someone. If they were struggling with something, I would help them but he noticed me! This just made me feel so humble. Then I had a feeling come over me. It made the burden lift from my shoulders, it made my heart feel numb with pride and happiness, and it made me feel like I was breathing fresh air, healing my brokeness. This man truly taught me an important lesson on humility and how peace can influence your life. If this man is reading this right now, thank you so much! I owe you so much because that little thing has changed my view on life. Thank you!
Besides that, he opened my heart and has given me the passion to write this entry today. I dedicate this passage to him. I only wish other humans could reach out as he did, bringing all of us closer together, showing us that no matter how much hate there is in this world, there will always be the good to battle against it.
Thank you again, all of you who are reading this because those who take the time to read what I have to write will be at peace for someone out there might be ready to make the really wrong choice in ending their life. I dedicate this to everyone who has felt unwanted, hopeless.
First, the inner peace, which is most important. Inner peace can be given through religion, confidence, and mental understanding of one's own life. Inner peace is mainly based on one's own self and emotional rock or core. Take religion. I am part Christian. I find peace through believing in God and the trust relationship I have with him, offering up my life to something I believe and honour. This gives me peace because I trust in Him because I know he will improve and use my life for his glory. Other people find inner peace through their emotions. Emotions can be from contact with other live beings or from one's own thoughts and confidence. Many children who suffer from abuse or alienation form too young an age suffer later in life at finding inner peace. Also, young bullying can cause these effects but younger than normal. I have struggled through bullying and dealing with other problems related but I have kept my inner peace all the way through. Some children can find this because their emotional core is sturdy and anchored to something permanent. Like for me, what got me through troubled times, I found Christ. He anchored my soul and lead me to the green pastures. Even now, when I feel troubled, I still find that peace within myself. This keeps me going because even when things get bad, I just know they will have to get better.
Then there is the peace between contact. This can involve a peace between countries, family members, humans, or animals. The most common type of peace is when one's presence is acknowledged by another human being. In the Animal Kingdom, this is known by body posture or acceptance. In humans, for we are animals too, we can use our words or feelings to express how we feel about people. Peace is a fragile thing for it is often resembled by a dove. If someone grasps a dove too tightly, it will break its wings to fly. If one holds it too loosely, it will fly away and not come back. Peace can be passed on, like a gift but once one receives it, it is hard to loose it for it sinks deeply into one's mind and soul, giving them something to live for. This kind of peace turns into inner peace after a while.
To receive peace, one must work for it. Not in the way most people think. We see the word work and we think it is something hard to get but I am using the word work very lightly.
Last night, I was at the American Club and I have recently sprained my ankle playing soccer (football for you Brits out there :D). I was waiting to get a taxi home when a young, middle aged man approached me. He was carrying gear for perhaps his children over his shoulder. He looked very happy and full of friendly love to pass on. He smiled and asked me how I hurt my ankle. He then asked if I play professionally and I said not really. He smiled again and asked if I was waiting for a taxi. I nodded and he said this,
"Yes, we are also waiting for one. My son over there plays soccer too but not professionally." He then sticks his arm out and calls a taxi over for me. He opens up the door and right before I head off he says this,
"When you get home, prop your foot up and get some ice on it." When I got in the taxi and headed home, I felt a wave of humility come over me. I knew I probably won't do what he did for someone. If they were struggling with something, I would help them but he noticed me! This just made me feel so humble. Then I had a feeling come over me. It made the burden lift from my shoulders, it made my heart feel numb with pride and happiness, and it made me feel like I was breathing fresh air, healing my brokeness. This man truly taught me an important lesson on humility and how peace can influence your life. If this man is reading this right now, thank you so much! I owe you so much because that little thing has changed my view on life. Thank you!
Besides that, he opened my heart and has given me the passion to write this entry today. I dedicate this passage to him. I only wish other humans could reach out as he did, bringing all of us closer together, showing us that no matter how much hate there is in this world, there will always be the good to battle against it.
Thank you again, all of you who are reading this because those who take the time to read what I have to write will be at peace for someone out there might be ready to make the really wrong choice in ending their life. I dedicate this to everyone who has felt unwanted, hopeless.
Why Stand Up for What you Believe is Right?
I was thinking about people in the world that are cowardice, too afraid to stand up for themselves. In the past, many people all over the world in unique circumstances would not dare speak their minds or stand up for themselves. Then I think, why do people really stand up for what is right? I then think back to the African American era in the United States because we are doing a unit about Civil Rights. Many African American were living in fear of the whites, even after they were freed and the Jim Crow Laws were in use. (The Jim Crow Laws were put in place to keep both races seperate and claimed that both sides were completely equal but in truth, not even close. All the whites had all the better stuff and the blacks were still oppressed.)
Also, what gives people the courage and power to do what is right is their passions and beliefs / core values. Everyone is brought up having their own idea of right and wrong. When the world around people become harder to endure, people usually turn on their religion or family for support to get through it. If the world does not change, then they work to change it.
I believe that everyone should fight for what they stand for, if it is eating dinner later or changing the world, everyone is entitled to the own opinion. Now, this does not mean that you should go around protesting and hating but you should be acceptant of others and support their ideas as well as your own. I highly encourage those who are being bullied, stand up! Those who are the bullies, have empathy and realise your wrong doing to another human being. We are all the same, trying to live and learn. For me, the learning part is more important but should come after the living part. We should trust ourselves and keep living to our standards, not anyone else. Stand up and take action for Gandhi said,
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Comment and tell me what you all think! Do you want me to keep writing on this blog or do you have suggestions, questions? Tell me what to write on next.
Also, what gives people the courage and power to do what is right is their passions and beliefs / core values. Everyone is brought up having their own idea of right and wrong. When the world around people become harder to endure, people usually turn on their religion or family for support to get through it. If the world does not change, then they work to change it.
I believe that everyone should fight for what they stand for, if it is eating dinner later or changing the world, everyone is entitled to the own opinion. Now, this does not mean that you should go around protesting and hating but you should be acceptant of others and support their ideas as well as your own. I highly encourage those who are being bullied, stand up! Those who are the bullies, have empathy and realise your wrong doing to another human being. We are all the same, trying to live and learn. For me, the learning part is more important but should come after the living part. We should trust ourselves and keep living to our standards, not anyone else. Stand up and take action for Gandhi said,
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Comment and tell me what you all think! Do you want me to keep writing on this blog or do you have suggestions, questions? Tell me what to write on next.
Boston Bombing
I was stunned, like everyone else. Who? Why? How? These questions were just the start of my feelings. I heard about it after a few hours after it happened. I was on my way to school. I go to the Singapore American School so by the time I got there, everyone was glued to the news, watching the clips from YouTube constantly, hoping for some light through the darkness. Today my teachers were talking about it. One teacher in particular opened my mind about the bombing. She told us that perhaps the bomber just wanted to bring back fear into everyone's lives, seeing we forgot what true panic felt like. She went on to speak about how perhaps, sick minded the person that did this was, so set off a bomb at Boston's most precious marathon. I heard many people were running for the survivors of the Elementary bombing not too long ago. At our school, we often talk about the occurrences in the world, especially America.
I think in my mind how that bomber felt. I heard that s/he had placed other bombs in the Library and in a restaurant. My mind traveled to the bomber's thoughts. What could s/he have been thinking before doing that? This was obviously planned for a long time for the bombs were home-made and strategically placed. Also, s/he thought about it for a long time and made strategic placements because they knew that at 4 hours, many people would be in the stands and more runners would be coming in (the average time for the marathon). The two bombs were placed in the stands. I heard that not many runners died or got hurt but many spectators did. A young eight year old boy is now sitting in Heaven, sitting with his God, looking down on this spiralling world of hate. This just angers me to the core, thinking of how a young boy's life was wasted for no reason, just to cause panic.
Imagine if that boy was yours, gone from you forever. Now you must put him into the ground.
A lot of people got hit by the scrap metal that flew from the bombs. There were about 48 limb amputations that uncured that day, 8 dead so far. Why does the God up there let this happen? I try to think that he has a plan but I catch myself doubting the real positive reason for all this horrible, hateful occurrences these days. If Christianity says God loves us and we are all under his creation, why does he create other to kill our 'brothers' and 'sisters'? How can anyone allow such hate? I know that "hate breeds hate." Is there any real way to stop hate from growing?
Martin Luther King Jr was the most famous (besides Gandhi) who used peaceful protest. Today, is peace the better option? In some cases, war is for a rightful cause but are the casualties necessary? Can you imagine how the parents feel after getting the letter saying their boy won't be coming home for Christmas? I certainly can't.
I has been said that people would rather burry themselves before their children and now I see why they think so. If I were to have kids, I would think the same.
I pray for the victims of the bombing and the families. I do know however that which ever God you believe in, there is always a better outcome tomorrow. I know that for a fact. A few months ago, my life was pretty bad. I was very sad and I felt like nothing could ever get any better but it did! I have found true and honest friends and my bonds with my family have strengthened more. I know that God has a place for everyone and we are all just players in His great plan. He knows what to do with this world and how to act.
If there is Light, there must be Darkness.
I do know that if there is a good God, there must be his 'shadow' lurking to corrupt his highest pride and joy, us. Satan, Lucifer, the Devil, or what ever name you may know him by is really out there, waiting to take us away from our morals. If you are still questioning your beliefs or faith, Satan still lurks and tries to tempt you away from your self morals. God / Jesus fights for your soul against Satan and so does he but the real winner is determined by us. It is better to be an atheist that go along with temptation and self greed.
My heart just sobs when I see a fallen soul, full of hate and self doubt. Satan may seem tempting but he does not carry through with what he promises. The Christian Bible tells us that only God/ Jesus caries out his plans and promises for you. Satan only gives you what your physical body needs in this life, not preparing you for what you may face when your body dies. No matter what, even if you beleive in scientology, your soul must go somewhere. Some think it sleeps in the body it dies in but I think that is just doubting yourself. A soul is something that connects you to the Circle of Life and gives you a purpose. Some say your brain gives you your personality but your soul gives you a connection to your creator and to your animal cousins. It proves that your are mortal and you life is there. Without a soul, there is no proof of a life worth living. Buddha agrees what a soul is the thing that connects your life to everyone else's. That is what I also believe, at the bottom of my heart I believe the same thing. I just know it is true.
I am almost fourteen. What can I possibly know about life at my age. I know many people think I am older because of the way I think but I just have seen the world differently. I have met other kids just like me, as well as grown adults. i learn a grow everyday, that is what I seem to live by. Maybe we all just need to see the world differently and things like the bombing won't happen. If we all just see the link between our creation and look at the animals, the earth, and ourselves as being gifts, we can live in true peace.
I think in my mind how that bomber felt. I heard that s/he had placed other bombs in the Library and in a restaurant. My mind traveled to the bomber's thoughts. What could s/he have been thinking before doing that? This was obviously planned for a long time for the bombs were home-made and strategically placed. Also, s/he thought about it for a long time and made strategic placements because they knew that at 4 hours, many people would be in the stands and more runners would be coming in (the average time for the marathon). The two bombs were placed in the stands. I heard that not many runners died or got hurt but many spectators did. A young eight year old boy is now sitting in Heaven, sitting with his God, looking down on this spiralling world of hate. This just angers me to the core, thinking of how a young boy's life was wasted for no reason, just to cause panic.
Imagine if that boy was yours, gone from you forever. Now you must put him into the ground.
A lot of people got hit by the scrap metal that flew from the bombs. There were about 48 limb amputations that uncured that day, 8 dead so far. Why does the God up there let this happen? I try to think that he has a plan but I catch myself doubting the real positive reason for all this horrible, hateful occurrences these days. If Christianity says God loves us and we are all under his creation, why does he create other to kill our 'brothers' and 'sisters'? How can anyone allow such hate? I know that "hate breeds hate." Is there any real way to stop hate from growing?
Martin Luther King Jr was the most famous (besides Gandhi) who used peaceful protest. Today, is peace the better option? In some cases, war is for a rightful cause but are the casualties necessary? Can you imagine how the parents feel after getting the letter saying their boy won't be coming home for Christmas? I certainly can't.
I has been said that people would rather burry themselves before their children and now I see why they think so. If I were to have kids, I would think the same.
I pray for the victims of the bombing and the families. I do know however that which ever God you believe in, there is always a better outcome tomorrow. I know that for a fact. A few months ago, my life was pretty bad. I was very sad and I felt like nothing could ever get any better but it did! I have found true and honest friends and my bonds with my family have strengthened more. I know that God has a place for everyone and we are all just players in His great plan. He knows what to do with this world and how to act.
If there is Light, there must be Darkness.
I do know that if there is a good God, there must be his 'shadow' lurking to corrupt his highest pride and joy, us. Satan, Lucifer, the Devil, or what ever name you may know him by is really out there, waiting to take us away from our morals. If you are still questioning your beliefs or faith, Satan still lurks and tries to tempt you away from your self morals. God / Jesus fights for your soul against Satan and so does he but the real winner is determined by us. It is better to be an atheist that go along with temptation and self greed.
My heart just sobs when I see a fallen soul, full of hate and self doubt. Satan may seem tempting but he does not carry through with what he promises. The Christian Bible tells us that only God/ Jesus caries out his plans and promises for you. Satan only gives you what your physical body needs in this life, not preparing you for what you may face when your body dies. No matter what, even if you beleive in scientology, your soul must go somewhere. Some think it sleeps in the body it dies in but I think that is just doubting yourself. A soul is something that connects you to the Circle of Life and gives you a purpose. Some say your brain gives you your personality but your soul gives you a connection to your creator and to your animal cousins. It proves that your are mortal and you life is there. Without a soul, there is no proof of a life worth living. Buddha agrees what a soul is the thing that connects your life to everyone else's. That is what I also believe, at the bottom of my heart I believe the same thing. I just know it is true.
I am almost fourteen. What can I possibly know about life at my age. I know many people think I am older because of the way I think but I just have seen the world differently. I have met other kids just like me, as well as grown adults. i learn a grow everyday, that is what I seem to live by. Maybe we all just need to see the world differently and things like the bombing won't happen. If we all just see the link between our creation and look at the animals, the earth, and ourselves as being gifts, we can live in true peace.
Monday, April 1, 2013
My Easter Vacation
I went on an Easter break and at my school they sadly only give one full week to enjoy yourself. My family and I headed out to Chang Mia, Thailand. On our first day there, we went to an elephant park. I think of it as dealing with elephants that have post traumatic stress disorder and for those readers that do not know what that means, it is basically when someone undergoes so much mental of emotional stress or pain, the brain shuts everything out and often gives the victim horrid nightmares, short term memory loss, or halusinations.
These elephants suffered this because of their hateful owners who do not understand how intelligent elephants are. They are full of life and awareness. Their eyes speak more than they words they could say. As I heard every story behind those few lucky elephants, my hear reached out to them. I truly felt their pain and sadness. See, they were the lucky ones because they had been rescued. A few orphans had been rescued before they had to go through the Thai ritual, the Phajaan.
This ritual occurs in an elephants life then he or she is only about a year or two old. This is the first time they are away from their mother and have no comfort from their own kind. The baby elephant is dragged into a very small cage and is beaten with sharpened stakes and poles. Then they are kept there for about three days, no food or water. The owners and towns folk come to mock, beat, and try to break the elephant's individual spirit, making it submissive and more venerable to a working environment. The owners try to instruct the elephant to place it's feet into very small and inflexible circles made out of rope. If the elephant misses or does not respond to a command, they are beaten or hit more in very sensitive areas such as the eyes, inner ears, or under the feet. Also, people can sit on the elephant's back, training it to get used to it's rider or owner. This is the first time it has had someone treat it this way and without the comfort from its mother, the elephant's brain tries to shut out the horrible experience. They become submissive and fearful of humans due to the trauma they have went through and developed as an after effect.
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| The Phajaan |
After the Phajaan, the baby elephant is dragged through the town's main street and the people still can strike out at it if it goes the wrong way or misbehaves. This is very difficult for the elephant because all of the people are around it and a screaming and shouting, causing it extreme confusion and stress. After all this, it is reunited with it's mother, its spirit already broken.
I saw a video of the Phajaan actually taking place. My heart almost gave out at a sight like this. Through all the pain and horror, the baby elephant kept calling out, almost as though it was calling it's mother. You could really hear the pain and trauma the elephant was suffering. Many people can tell the difference between a cry of unaware pain and real terror and understanding of ones own suffering. This elephant really understood it was alone, uncared for, not understood, and helpless. It was sheer inhumanity and cruelty.
While at the park, I got to work with and assist the caretakers, one for each elephant. These are not owners of the elephant but like it's helper or voice. These young people dedicate their lives to tie a tight bond with their assigned elephant. These Thai people usually stay with the same elephant for the rest of its life. This builds a solid relationship between the two, a human and an elephant. This helps the creature start to trust humans once again. These good people help the elephants socialise with other elephants and begin to reintegrate themselves into the wild life. There are no fences, no chains, no boundaries to restrict these elephants to. Their lives are quite free. They only return because they are fed and their 'keepers' will better look after them. When I looked into the eyes of one elephant, I could really see the eternal suffering this creature went through. See, she was pregnant when she was working for a tourist company that gave rides. One day she was marched up a mountain and towards the top she gave birth. Her rider urged her forwards, not allowing her to stop to nurture the newly born elephant. Her maternal instinct went overdrive and she was torn between her instinct and her brutal owner's wrath if she did not obey. He forced her forwards and she obliged eventually after a small struggle to stay with her child. Sadly, she witnessed her child fall down the hill, dying. As any mother, one would want to mourn their loss quietly and rest but her rider forced her to keep working until the tourists were brought back the correct location. After the tourists got off and payed their money, unaware of the brutal punishment the elephant would receive, they left, quite satisfied with their encounter with an elephant. The elephant's rider marches her to the back of a line to wait for more business. When new tourists get on, the elephant refuses to move. Her rider beats and screams at her harshly but she still does not move, replaying the death of her child in her head. Her rider beats her over and over again in the eyes and inner ears until she can no longer see. Thus, not able to work. Her rider abandons her and a few days later, members of the Elephant Save Foundation find her, bringing her to a elephant sanctuary known as Elephant Heaven to the locals.
At Elephant Heaven, all of the elephants were happy and content, although some of them were still feeling sad and you could see this in their eyes. They looked at the world differently for their perception has been altered.
Today I am going to talk about the soul. The soul is a necissary part of our body. It gives emotions, a purpose in life, and our faith in a higher power. Animals have a very strong connection with their own should because they have resented their own comforts and have chose to live as their God created them. I believe this is their way to obtain eternal peace with creation and the creatures we are so close to.
Today I am going to talk about the soul. The soul is a necissary part of our body. It gives emotions, a purpose in life, and our faith in a higher power. Animals have a very strong connection with their own should because they have resented their own comforts and have chose to live as their God created them. I believe this is their way to obtain eternal peace with creation and the creatures we are so close to.
I believe that the animals of this world are at one with their own souls. This gives them a lesser understanding of the world today but allows them to connect with each other and creation, therefore knowing why they were created. The animals of this world know the elements better than any living thing. They have lives by them and know their power. The animal's soul is delicate and can be crushed by humans for we have not learned this important lesson. When animals are young, they learn that life must be preserved but not everything lives forever. Life can be unfair but that is the way of the animal kingdom. Humans have always thought that since we have separated ourselves from the animal kingdom, it is a good thing, representing our superiority over the animal race. I think it is just the opposite! We need to reconnect ourselves with the creatures we call our cousins. We are all connected by on creator and one purpose, to live on and thrive, together in peace and happiness. Who wouldn't want that but instead, we have only caused the animals pain and that is why some are trying to remove that, like a young lady names Lek does with these elephants. She was the creator of the elephant park and looks after these elephants with all her hours and mind. She has rescued aggressive and timid elephants, fearful of humans from the Phajaan but she has not lashed out of shown any fear of the gentle giants. She said it was like raising a child. If they do something bad, you correct them but not is a way to hurt them. She has suffered many injuries from dealing with her live's work but this never has stopped her. In the end, even the most bad behaved elephant named Hope, an orphan, saw her good and true intensions. Now Hope is learning to behave, even though he is a young teen. This is the kind of goodness all humans need to recognise sooner or later. We all are a part of the same thing. Why should we let our animal siblings suffer for what we have done wrong?
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| Flyer for Elephant Park |
This is me with the elephants:
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| getting a bath for the elephants was fun but i think i got more soaked then they did |
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| Feeding time (me on the left and my little sister on right) |
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| Me with the blinded elephant |
This World of Lies and the Masks We Wear
This sadly is a world of infinite lies and deception. There is no escape from the terror and fear of being engulfed in a false existence. scientists haven't even figured out how we came to be yet, in how our universe was created or why. Also, people lie, we have all done so ourselves but even as an adult, living gets you farther than telling the truth. Now, anyone can wonder why as human beings, we all tell lies, even from a young age. No other animal in this while amazing world does that single act or selfishness. why, as human beings be deceptive and sneaky? There is no sense lying to people
who care about you or care understand and handle the truth.
Such lying can lead to major pain and suffering if the mental view of the world. Is wearing our own masks a way of protecting ourselves anyway? These masks we wear are really to make sure that our personalities aren't judged so harshly that we break down and forget ourselves in the pain. If we all wear masks, we keep spreading pain for some things we say are filtered the wrong way through another person's mask. Thus leads to their own sadness and pain so they shove their feelings into someone else to try to feel better. This is just one huge chain reaction, one day going to plunge our world into the depths of hopelessness and suffering.
Although, this world of lies is not all bad for lies are what protect those who cannot handle their own fate, therefore lessening the pressure on their shoulders. It makes sure those who cannot handle the real world yet are hidden from it, the wool pulled over their eyes. My friends are not always aware of how much the wool is pulled over their eyes, therefore we come at a cross standing, the pathways leading to each other. All that happens is that both of us go around in circles, therefore the world cannot go on as we know it.
But, I because life goes on, that means other take the fall for others. This is why this painful world still exists.
who care about you or care understand and handle the truth.
Such lying can lead to major pain and suffering if the mental view of the world. Is wearing our own masks a way of protecting ourselves anyway? These masks we wear are really to make sure that our personalities aren't judged so harshly that we break down and forget ourselves in the pain. If we all wear masks, we keep spreading pain for some things we say are filtered the wrong way through another person's mask. Thus leads to their own sadness and pain so they shove their feelings into someone else to try to feel better. This is just one huge chain reaction, one day going to plunge our world into the depths of hopelessness and suffering.
Although, this world of lies is not all bad for lies are what protect those who cannot handle their own fate, therefore lessening the pressure on their shoulders. It makes sure those who cannot handle the real world yet are hidden from it, the wool pulled over their eyes. My friends are not always aware of how much the wool is pulled over their eyes, therefore we come at a cross standing, the pathways leading to each other. All that happens is that both of us go around in circles, therefore the world cannot go on as we know it.
But, I because life goes on, that means other take the fall for others. This is why this painful world still exists.
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