My Japanese Friend and the Most Important Lesson I’ve Learned from Him

Maybe he was a weirdo. Or maybe a freak. Or some kind. His golden, disheveled hair and maximalist fashion speak volumes (think Naruto but more fashionable). Since a lot of my friends used to accuse me a freak, then maybe… I thought… maybe we could get along? Later on, I learned he was a Filipino-Japanese … Continue Reading →

 

The Story of The Two Monks and a Woman (On Letting Go)

Here’s another Zen parable that resonates with the modern world. It’s about the almost unstoppable “slideshows of the past” that the mind creates. Regrets, what ifs, mistakes, trying to be right… What else? The origin of this story — as far as my research goes — points to Buddhist teachings. I’ve read that it’s actually … Continue Reading →

 

Your Past is a Stepping Stone

Out of fear, we cling to our old identities, old dreams, and old selves. As if the old stuff isn’t enough, we add more. We add new stuff. New information, new connections, new sources of income, new titles, new habits, and on and on. Almost every day. Now we’re in conflict. We’re holding 2 things … Continue Reading →

 

Can You Fix It?

Not your gadgets or household appliances (sure, would be great if you could fix them, too). But your finances. Your career. Your livelihood. Your relationships. Those things are complex and prone to breaking. Truth is, when those things break, they’re almost always hard to fix. Not to mention that you might be losing your mind … Continue Reading →

 

Your Number One Fan

You can spend your whole life trying to impress others. Convince them that you’re good at what you do. “Look at me! I’m an ambitious person. A role model. I work hard.” Doesn’t it feel good when you broadcast to others that you’re killing it and you’re defying the odds, and now you have momentum? … Continue Reading →