A New Earth

Dear Friends.

It is that time of the year where I would be running camps after camps after camps. While I will be very busy, I felt that I must write this for all to read.

Recently, I have gotten my hands on this wonderful book called "A New Earth". While I may have just read through just a quarter of the book, I must say I have agained alot of realisation. I hope to share some insights with you. Note, what I am about to say, is just tip of the ice berg, and I sincerely hope that you would get this book for yourself.

So far in this book, EGO is the main topic. Let me try to give you the definition based on my understanding.

EGO is the identification with FORM.

People naturally seek their own identity through forms. Take for example, some will take their physical possessions, e.g. cars, house, club membership, amount of money in the bank, qualifications, as a way to prove their identify. For this group of people, it is the how big, how much, that matters to them. And they would usually compare what they have with what others have. They will always be comparing, competing with and complaining about what others have that they don't.

For another, they may seek identification through intangible things like acceptance, recognition, sympathy, pity. These people will often ask, am I accepted, how do people think about me, how much do they like me, why don't people know how good I am. 

Interesting to note that, most of the above people are never truly happy with their own lives...note, TRULY happy.

And the reason is simple, there are abundance of people who would be better than us, things which are better than what we own, and if we are constantly seeking these things, we would basically be running a race with no end in sight. 

And most importantly, while they are looking OUT for things which they thought would make them happy, they are forgetting that true happiness comes only from within.

In the past, I would get really unhappy over "small" little things (even smaller now that I learnt to see through them". I would get upset when people say the "wrong" things, "gossip" about me, scold me. I would feel miserable when I comparing myself with others, the cars people have, the houses they own, the amount of money they earn.

Then it was through this realisation that I find, what's the point? Even with the best of medical sciences, the longest I can live up to is 100 years old. And what is this hundred years old in the whole history of mankind, the whole history of earth and the whole history of the universe? I believe, it is just like a small little speck. And therefore, I do not need to prove anything to the world. Rather, the only person which I must really look to for approval, acceptance, care, concern and love from, is within...Myself. 

Thinking back, it has been too long since I celebrated the "life" in myself, the miraculous energy in me that sustains me and how the systems in me that keeps me going.

It would be interesting to note that while the world's greatest scientist may have derived how the world is formed, how the universe can be like, how light works, all about sound waves and yet NOT one scientist has ever been able to explain about the biggest mystery of life. That is, our own body and how it functions. NO ONE CAN EVEN COME CLOSE.

So when you have a whole world of wonderful surprises in yourself, which you own, why do you want to trouble yourself seeking things which you can't even take away when you die?

The miracle, joys, laughters, tears, pains, pleasures, ecstasy, fulfilment...and so much more wonderful things are all found within you. Not from another person, another thing. 

So what if you have the best cars in the whole wide world? So what if you run the biggest corporation in the whole world? So what if you have the most loving spouse in the whole world? If you are "EMPTY" inside, you will not feel anything for those things/people outside.

If you may, take some time to communicate more with yourself. Nurture the "heaven" within you...and you fill find the "earth" around you to be so much better. 

I promise that I will write more about this topic. As I am currently still in the midst of the training, please be patient.

Thanks,

Ken

Simple "Thank You"

Just like to share a wonderful email that Peter received from our past graduate.

Great job, Joanne! 

From: Ong Joanne [mailto:joannestar5@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, 10 November, 2008 10:51 PM
To: Peter Lau
Subject: Thank you!

          

Dear Peter Trainer,

It has been a long time that i didnt see the SuperTeen trainers. I want to thank all the trainers and resources who've helped me in the Oasis class because i believe it was all of you that made me to improve so much. And to tell you guys, i got in Triple Science course in my school. I am happy to have gotten in this course. i will continue to make good use of the spidergrams. :) Help me to convey my appreciation to all trainers and resources and Dr Ernest Wong. It's possible because of all of you who made me learn & experience so much that were so valuable in the 5 days camp.
 
By the way, it's a pity i couldnt help resourcing in the SuperTeen camp this end of year.  Coincidentally, i will be at Korea having holiday with my family during that period of time. i couldnt make it in time. Just to ask you, if i could just drop by to take a look of the camp?  Hope to get my your reply soon!
  
Warmest regards,

Joanne Ong, Superteen from the 1st June camp 2008! :D  

Holidays Are Coming, What To Do?

Dear friends.

Finally, the exams are over and the holidays are coming. 

For some of you, it is TIME FOR PARTY!

Yes, I do agree that you should have fun and also a good break. But if you haven't any plans yet for the coming holiday, I would like to suggest the following so that you do not waste such a wonderful opportunity to bring yourself to a higher level.

1) Part Time Work. I would strongly suggest that you take up a part time position in a company where you can get to learn some valuable skills, such as Sales, Marketing, Customer Relationship, Management. 

If you are between the age of 14 and 15, your available choice would be Mac Donald's. And it would be a good experience for you. Firstly, you can see how Mac's has a system that is easily duplicated worldwide. In future, if you do start your own business, you must aim to create a system where you can duplicate it easily. You wouldn't want to be working your own life, and once a good system is in place, you can focus on the broad picture of your business, rather than running it. The system will keep the business running, not the physical you.

Secondly, you would learn how to work with people of all ages and races in Mac's. If you noticed, there are people from are in their 60s, 50s. You can appreciate their life experiences. Then there are people who are in their 30s-40s. You can definitely learn from their management skills and leadership. Of course, there are the teens and 20s group. Build contacts with these group of people and you will never know how they can help you in future. Lastly, people from difference countries. Talk to them, and find out why they are motivated to come Singapore, study and work at the same time. Learn from them to not take things for granted.

Working at Mac's is just an example. There are countless companies in the market that are ready to take you in and train you up. Grab the opportunity. But I must ask that you Work, Learn, Earn and Save. Don't splurge and spend everything that you earn. Rather, save up a percentage of it. This money will come in handy in time to come.

2) Travel. Join your religious group for any missionary trip to other countries. Learn to contribute to others and you will find that they will contribute back into your life...spiritually and mentally. 

For this time round, take the road less travelled. Instead of visiting countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, US or UK, go to neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand and visit the under developed towns and villages. Experience the life of people there, the conditions they have to endure. I gaurantee you, you will come back with a different perspective of life in Singapore and start counting your blessings. (BTW, I will be planning a trip to Vietnam in Feb, if you are interested, let me know).

Best of all, these countries are nearer and of course, will take out lesser from your pocket.

3) Reflect on your 2008. Think through, write down the moments of this year. What are some of the memorable events that you feel deeply about. List them down. Give gratitude, say thanks and rejoice. We are coming to the end of the year and by doing so, I am sure you will attract more great things in 2009.

Do also reflect on the wrong things that have happened. BUT do not be sad. Instead, look at how things can be better, take the lessons so you can have the experience in future to handle similar events again. Remember this, all things happens for a good purpose that serves you. Learn from it.

4) Go for training programs. This is the time for you to catch up on doing things which you like. If you have always wanted to pick up music, this is the time. Learn how to play the guitar, how to sing, dance. If you have always wanted to pick up a sport, this is the time. Learn how to rock climb (you can ask me along), martial arts (I am doing Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, and Brazilian Jujitsu), fencing, blading, skating, wakeboarding. GO FOR IT. You will find that your holiday will be fruitful and more importantly, you learn things, skills and attitudes which will benefit you for life.

If you want to, you can also join back our Super Teens holiday camp and Smart Kids program as a resource. Where we will train you on leadership and management skills. You can also learn how to coach and counsell. As you know, our camps are tough, so be prepared. If you want to register, do visit Peter's Blog and email him your request.

Have a pleasant and fruitful holiday. 2009 will be great for you all!

Cheers!

Ken