Monday 20 July 2009

The Art of Taking

For as long as I can remember, I've always had the tendency to feel bad about asking others for favours. I even went through a phase where I would feel bad about accepting drinks from people I'm visiting! Gradually though, I learned that by refusing others' offers, I'm not actually being polite but rude. It is about keeping a balance between giving and taking. I feel bad about taking and feel more comfortable with giving.

As transiting Saturn conjunct my natal North Node in Virgo 2nd house, I am in yet another one of my hard lesson cycles. In my previous cycles, I have learnt to be comfortable with accepting hospitalities from others. I still have a long way to go. Only recently, I made the mistake of blocking my 'taking' side again and refused kindness from others. I'm still regretting over that!

Angels, please help me accept goodness from the Universe graciously.

Saturday 18 July 2009

Doors

I remember when I was still working in Japan, I would fly back to England once a year. I'm now reliving the same lifestyle - working in Hong Kong and flying back home for my annual break.

There is one big difference though.

Back in the days of jetting back and forth between Japan and England, I would feel attached to Japan while I was there and not wanting to leave, and vice versa for when I was back home. This changed in my final year when I had a sudden yearning to leave Japan and return home.

A few years on, I'm now flying between England and Hong Kong. One big difference is that I have family, relatives and in both places. What's more, when in Hong Kong, as much as I miss England, I do want to stay there, and now that I'm home, as much as I want to stay, I do want to return to the far east. I feel at home in both countries. If you ask me to choose, I wouldn't be able to.

Maybe a few more years down the line, my feelings will change, but for now, I want to go with the flow - the flow being what feels right at this moment in time. If something is meant to be, then doors will open for you to breeze through.

However, there are different types of doors - some are already wide open, so all you need to do is step through the threshold. Others are half-closed, ajar, closed or even locked. Thinking back, the door to Hong Kong was ajar to start with. The Universe nudged me to come face-to-face with it. I had to have the courage to walk up to it, push it wide open, then finally stepping through it. It wasn't a smooth ride though, there were times when I had the urge to run back out, but my intuition told me to stay put. I used positive affirmation, Angeltherapy, the Secret etc to help me through the tough times.

Life is a long journey, there will be challenges and obstacles in the way. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness. Light is always at the end of the tunnel.

Friday 17 July 2009

Basil Does the Trick

Apparently, constipation is prevalent in the female population of Hong Kong. I have learnt this fact from more than one source - friends, relatives and the media. I was initially surprised by this piece of information, especially that I do not suffer from it at all (touch wood!). A quick browse in Louise Hay's dictionary of ailments finds that it is related to the difficult in releasing old ideas, being stuck in the past and sometimes being stingy. The corresponding affirmation is 'As I release the past, the new and fresh and vital enter. I allow life to flow through me.'

Perhaps collectively, these women are finding it hard to let go of their past hurts and are resistant to changes. I encountered a recipe from Spirit & Destiny which may be of help:

S & D, March 2009, p88

Basil pesto

Basil aids digestion and eases stomach cramps associated with constipation, so tuck into pesto if you're a bit bunged-up. A natural tranquiliser, basil helps the body relax, which also keeps things moving. Whenever you're in need, eating three spoonfuls of pesto - neat, tossed through pasta or spread on bruschetta - should do the trick.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
- 50g basil leaves
- 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 25g pine nuts
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1) Roughly tear the basil and put into a mortar with the garlic, pine nuts and a little of the olive oil.
2) Pound with a pestle until the mixture forms a paste, or whizz together in a food processor.
3) Gradually pour in the rest of the olive oil, mixing together well.
4) Stir in the Parmesan. Can be served on bruschetta and salmon or mixed with pasta.

Let go Max! Let go....

I don't handle endings well.

I can recall quite a few incidents where I found it so hard to say goodbye that I just left the situation. This then left me with a bad feeling and the regret of 'I should've just said goodbye! I so wish I could turn back the time...'

Perhaps the universe is trying to make me stronger, so it keeps on sending me these 'ending lessons'. But every time, either I don't have the courage to say goodbye and regret it or that I do make the effort but then get criticisms from those around me. I think at the end of the day, the underlying lesson is to trust myself and ignore other people's opinions - easier said than done. Angels, continue to work with me!

Saturday 4 July 2009

Life Mission

The demise of Michael Jackson has sent a shock wave across the world.  For some, it is still hard to believe that the King of Pop has left the earth plane.  I remember it took me a long time to accept Princess Diana's death.  I was so convinced that she was hiding away in a secret location!

Over lunch today, I had an insightful discussion with a friend about identifying one's mission in life.  When you find your gift or talent endowed by the universe, all obstacles put in your path would seem illusional and easy to defeat.  I guess for the longest time, I had doubts of my own chosen career path.  Seeing others around me, gaining social respect because of how much they earn, did make me think I had made the wrong choice.  However, the economic crisis we are currently in has confirmed the fact that I have made the right decision.  I am doing what the universe has asked me to do.  Once you find your mission in life, all problems begin to melt away, or at least, would seem surmountable.  

Life is extremely fragile; living happily is ultimately more important than anything else.

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