T&O: Balance

Hey y'all, what comes into your mind when you think of the word "balance"?

Personally, I think of a number of things. In fact, I think of possibly everything.

The strive to achieve equilibrium; it starts from a thing as simple as checking your own food intake - whether you have taken in too much or too little glucose (sugar) and sodium into your body. Be it taking prescribed drugs, or drinking liquor, the last thing you want is to overdose yourself. Water and fire can also be a foe when they are in excess. Yes, all (or most) things require conditioning.

Despite all these precautions, ONE thing is for sure: IT IS HARD TO FIND THE BALANCE.

We all struggle to find it at times. We never find it, we compromise and barely try to narrow a bunch of listings down.   (Now shush Fey, don't get brutal and hurt others)

.

Balance can be associated with other subsistence like numbers and symbols. Remember the ever-so-famous Algebraic Manipulation? There is a standard way to find the 'x'. Firstly, you correct your own thinking. That is, by equipping yourself with relevant formulas (and how they are formed). Then take baby steps in matching the left side of the equation to the right, before deriving at the answer. 

How about cognitive processes Calista? Hmm... good question. Let me talk a bit about the effectiveness of using complex thinking. First off, when facing a mind-boggling problem, try finding the root cause of it. If it is bothering you too much, come up with ways to tackle it, worrying and over-exerting pressure will only torment you further. 

But how? Okay buddy, relax. I am not going to give any immediate solution(s) and what-nots (that would be utterly useless). Not oblige to do that anyways. This very post, the one you are reading with your own keen eyes, is going to be undoubtedly suggestive. 

Try uncovering the factors that contribute to the problem first. After all, these little parts create the whole picture. Join them together if they are related. This can be as simple as asking yourself why you feel in a certain way.



Fictional scenario 1 (with mildly fictional characters and place)

Sta-bot: F@%^!$%@! Argh... dammit I'm pissed.

Sta-wiz (comforter):  Why are you infuriated, my dear?

Sta-bot: Idk, I just... I don't like coming to this place at this time. Regrets!

Sta-wiz (comforter): But honey what can you do about it? /talks all-round like a mama/

Sta-bot: Sheesh, you are not helping any further. Why did I even follow your here!!

*Now, at this point of time, the opposite party can lit up and spark a fire, aka argument. But no.*

*continues*

Sta-wiz (comforter): Oh no no Sta... You just don't go about pointing fingers at another living being.

Sta-bot: *After a dramatic episode and much simmering down* I'm sorry.

Sta-wiz: Don't worry child. You're forgiven. Now that you've chilled, let me ask you a question: Think about your sudden outburst, I see you don't like coming to 'Town A' at 12 P.M., on a Saturday. It's just back then, I know. But why is that so?

Sta-bot: That's correct wiz. Well back then I was overwhelmed by the heat and excruciating humid weather. You can see me sweating non-stop. Moreover, there's this bunch of people strolling around me. It seems like everywhere I go, people are following. Transportation wise, we are all packed like sardines and there is no room space for us to breathe freely. I am conscious of myself.

Sta-wiz: Well, there you go.
___________________________

What's written above is a scenario that shows the underlying answer to the big 'WHY'. In some ways it is similar to the '5-Why Analysis' (except Sta hasn't ask herself 4 more questions HAH)!

To a person who adores Pepe. Kiwiwi, this is for you. Totally relevant but irrelevant, I know. [Source]

Question of the day for all my readers: How do you find your own balance?

Girl whom I missed

She's just a sweet innocent girl

No 

to think that she's growing up

Retrieving lots of information

and movements from her 

surroundings

Oh what a great sight

passionate indigo blue

the remarkable child

Empathetic one

smile as radiant

fresh genuine and smooth

Like a baby

whom outshines that

of another living being

Sort of

always looking out

always concerned

To her friends 

this girl 

is absolutely special 

So distinctive

I will remember her

always

Words I cannot fathom 

upon how grateful I am 

towards her

The wisdom she has

Immersed

and wise beyond age

Yet so pure

and vulnerable

indeed

She is a blessing

an Angel 

gift from the universe

With her ever-so-warm

adorable and affectionate 

gestures with some clumsiness

Now I finally 

learned

understood

The power behind why

things happen for a reason

state beyond transcendence 

Maybe it is the cause and effect

or that every

action has a reaction

But this star

out of a billion others

had impacted me 

You can be creative too!

Side note: This is a Creative 101 session from a "crazily random girl".

Ever had those moments when you felt exceptionally limited? Difficulty forming relevant concepts in your head.

Running out of ideas for a variety of reasons?

Or simply, too tired and lazy for life in general?

Hopefully, this mini habits will help you revive, anticipate and relive your aha moments. Don't forget to "keep on thinking" right? (hey there Life Noggin). Also, you may get your creative juices running again! You are disposing dead brain cells each day, so why not take the chance to feed new information constantly. Sure, you may forget 3/4 of the things you learn in a day. But accumulate that 1/4 of knowledge for a week. You get a wholesome of general goodness!



1) Looking around when commuting.

Bus, train or even on the car... do scrutinize on details inside out. It can be observing the people on board, how new/old the vehicle is, landscape, alignment of buildings, structure, shapes, patterns and even lights. There is always something to look beyond to. Something that will make you ever-so-curious. Consider asking yourself questions like "why does this particular thing happens to be like this?" or "what can I do to find out more about something?".

2) One topic links to another.
Try linking several terms in Geography with Biology, Design with Maths and Language with Arts etc. Everything plays a part in this moving world. Information may be stored in multiple textbooks, trusted websites and videos.


These are just a few Examples.

Geography x Biology

Some people may argue that ecosystem is not really part of Biology. But check out the definition of the subject, and you get this:

"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification and taxonomy (classification). "

So technically, because ecosystem speaks about a community and physical environment, it serves as an extension to Biology. Ecology from an ecosystem can be defined as a way of interacting with the environment from living organisms. It is also about energy transformation and the cycling of substances.


Design x Maths

In Secondary (high) school, we question ourselves on the value of drawing graphs. We can solve it quickly using algebra and specific formulas, but why the hassle? And why come up with problems that require a must to draw graphs? I created a double-barreled question for myself but all's well.

Drawing graphs not only show statistics, range and trends, but also help designers in their field of work.

One simple question: how do you get a really symmetric shape or logo? By using the graph to plot where you want your lines and curves to be. Exactly!

Another reason why measuring needs to be accurate:

In 1991, there was a computer miscalculation which led to a collapse of a 57 000 ton North Sea Oil platform, Sleipner. The aftermath: the fall triggered a 3.0 earthquake on the Ritcher scale. The failure was caused by a computer glitch in the Nastran software, which was used to calculate the design of the structure. A failed "geometry and inadequate" design, they say.


Language x Arts

Language is an art form and Art is a Language. Lets start off with Art first. It can be categorized into three main groups: Literary, Visual and Performing.

Many a time, language is associated to writing and reading. Hence, it can be grouped under the Literary Art Forms. They include poems, short stories and novels. Anyone can be expressive when speaking or writing.

Other times, it can be Visual, as a form of communication.  Like the poster below.

Source: here 

And you know what, this again correlates back to design (like what was mentioned earlier)!

You are welcome.



3)  Carry a dream-journal.
Not going to deny that tracking dreams can be interesting and funny. You might not fully remember a dream after you wake up. But you can slowly train your mind to be conscious. That is, by repeating and replaying the events in your head. Write them down in your journal afterwards.

I do not write my dream-journal on a daily basis. Days when I write are days when I feel a strong urge to figure out what is going on within, and around me. I gathered that sometimes, my emotions affect my dreams.

There are times when dreams get really incomprehensible. They are random to the extent that humor is on its toll. The most stimulating part is when I get to make my own self-interpretations. And have others guess them.

Source: here

4) Keep logic on par. 
Balancing your creativity with a logical mindset. They work like a machinery; the best of both worlds.

Reasoning logic and thinking critically are some tools that can help you build claims with evidences. Creativity can also support you in making decisions and solving problems.

Something I have learned in one of my modules is: the usage of ethos, pathos and logos. When combined together, they create a relatively persuasive work (can be an essay, poster etc.). Cheers to Aristotle.

Source: here

Some of the best convincing works out there have at least two or more modes of persuasion. In other words, they do not work in isolation.


And lastly...

5) Continue seeking more knowledge and wisdom. 

Education is a powerful tool. Sounds familiar? Hahaha! "You know...I know... (Selena Gomez's "Kill them with kindness")" Okay that was honestly one of the most random add-on in a sentence, ever.

Back to sub-topic. Learning is a lifelong process. There are tons of stuffs out there we don't know. Languages unheard, cultures not practiced and terminologies/phrases not understood - semantic noises.

Sure, some schools might not give you the most "all-rounded" education. At the end of the day, you yourself hold great responsibility for your own well-being. So set your own timing and priorities. Get enthusiastic with touching a topic entirely new to you outside (if you're like me, easily tired of repeating the same routine each day). Try to 'peak it'.

If you ever question(ed) why some subjects are compulsory in school (like me once)... I have a valid answer for you!

These subject either (a) Test on your discipline, patience level to study or (b) Real life-based problem management skills or (c) Simply there because somebody else finds the beauty, and appreciates it like crazy. I mean, I am damn sure you too can be interested in something, no?


I shall end with just five of these unique (maybe not so...) suggestions. Hope yaw are having a whirl of fun my friends. See you!

Equilibrium

Butterflies be pollinating the flower

oh-so-lovely!

With his strong figure

Smooth, fair skin

Delicate features

Double eye-lids

Relatively big eyes

Eurasian appearance

Such an exquisite piece of

well crafted creation from heavens!

On one hand

He deserves this mini fame

In school

Soft smiling eyes

Kind-heart with obedience

Traits certain people want 

That is

If those girlies know him 

Inside out and well

Just like what they said
Every action
Has a reaction

Thought good about himself;
And others;
He attracted goodness!

OOTD: Rollin' With Dirt

A Look Through OOTD #1

Follow the sun

its beams

its rays

the warmth

Imagined 

tousled hair

messy days

still lookin' nice

These days

they are

momentary

short-lived

We can't

get em' back

so why not

enjoy now?

Differing plans

credits: here 

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." - Dalai Lama

"When one door closes, another opens." - Hellen Keller


I wanted to share an essay I wrote for English class last year.

Topic: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Why does it mean so much to you?

I have had several joyous moments in life. My achievements play a huge part in bringing one joy. The greatest achievement I consider having would be getting a leadership role in my CCA (Co-Curricular Activity), choir. I would love to quote out this extract from a book called "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle: "Deep practice feels a bit like exploring a dark and unfamiliar room. You start slowly, you bump into furniture, stop, think and start again. Slowly and a little painfully, you explore the space over and over, attending to errors, extending your reach into the room a bit further each time, building a mental map until you can move through it quickly and intuitively." Personally, the 'dark' and 'unfamiliar' room here symbolizes the challenges faced during every choir practice.

My eight years in choir, struggling to become an even better person as a whole made me learn a lot about life, how the values cultivated during lessons are equally applicable in the real world. I started off joining choir as a complete newbie, without any music background or knowledge. I still remember my very first day. I was a primary two student, a very anti-social and quiet one with just one or two friends. Looking back, the me then would not have believed how much things changed. Ironically, the mindset I had during my primary school days was the thought of not making it worthwhile in the CCA. Reason being: I found it hard socializing and felt nervous whenever there were sectionals (of any sort). I thought choir was yet another tedious CCA joined to quit afterwards.

Had it not been the encouragement from my loved ones, I would have long discontinued my journey as a choir member. To put it shortly, my parents were hesitant in signing the letter to opt out. They asked me to reconsider before coming to a final decision. Miraculously, I stayed till the end of Primary six. That was when I started feeling emotionally attached to music and singing in particular. I decided to join choir again in Secondary school. It was no doubt I made the best choice in sixteen years of my life. To reinvent myself in a CCA so familiar.

Choir has exposed me to many types of song genres, languages and compositions. I decided to put in more effort at the beginning of my Secondary school life by opening up, making friends and knowing what or how to sing a song well. Basically, I learned values like confidence, teamwork, perseverance and many more. Without taking the risk, I would have always been a turtle inside the shell, never coming out to see the beauty outside, never getting to interact with new faces or even so, never making the connection with music. If I had quit, I would not have had the opportunity to become sectional leader for Soprano Two. I would just be the same old me. No predominant experience of bumping into furniture, stopping, thinking and starting again to extend my reach into the room.

If the younger me were to think of who I am now, it might have completely sounded inane. Life is a battle after all. Each day, I am actually fighting with my inner voice. What really matters to me is the ability to overcome the negative one in my head. Instead of just easily giving up on an interest, I should carry it further by putting in more effort. After all, I do not believe in such terms "efforts gone to a waste" or "achieved nothing at the end" when I do something. I believe that experiences are lessons that will guide us in every situation.


---

I owe y'all and explanation of how my life is now. It is really occupied, to be honest. I have been coming back home pretty late each day because of school. It is fun though. I love taking long train rides, interacting and smiling like there's no tomorrow. That optimism though, eheheheh! I came to realize that there is no point lamenting over things I cannot change.

Polytechnic life has been an eye-opener to me. People from ALL WALKS OF LIFE coming together to attain a higher education. The difference between Secondary and Poly life is that in Poly, there are far more group projects and presentations. Students are free to roam about anywhere during their lunch break. Bring in drinks into the classroom. Express themselves with fashion. Sign up for many activities happening around school. Take initiative to do things. And get to work and talk with different people. Classes change every semester so by the end of the day, I will get to know most of my course mates. Switching classes definitely prevent us from forming cliques/ sticking to the same group of people. That is, if you see it from the positive side.

Everybody is allowed to take part in CCAs (what we call: IGs (interest groups) here). Although they are not compulsory, I insisted myself to take up one for exposure.

Initially, I wanted to join something new. Instead of going back to performing arts, I would like to take part in something sporty. To keep it short, I didn't manage to go for two out of three trials due to some valid reasons. I also failed one trial because I couldn't play decently. Hitting a nerve is no joke. My left side of the inner thigh muscles were basically "dysfunctional". If someone were to observe me carefully (o-hoho), you will see me wobbling. Back at that time, I could be like "what a timing" or "just my luck".

Now that I think of it... it might be the universe calling out to me. A blessing in disguise.

That week was something. Not only am I able to stepped out of my comfort zone, but got to interact with new unseen faces. I wouldn't get opportunities to talk to these faces because they're from other schools at my Poly. We're all 'far away' from one another and don't meet easily on a daily basis.

I also attended an open singing class, as prompted by some of my current classmates. That was unknowingly a life-changing game; a new evolving plan for me. I had this sudden feel to try out for an audition because I really enjoyed the class, and the vibes from some people there. Fast-forward: I got in. I got into my school's a capella group! I fairly think it was partially because of my experience in choir (which I am beyond appreciative of, by the way).

I hope I get my point across for this post. I linked my current life situation to the essay I wrote (and am proud of) a year back. Just so to let y'all know that there is always a plan for you, though it might not seem obvious. Even if expectations don't meet the reality, the reality could still be someone else's dream. Yes, you are living someone else's dream!  If you continued engaging in a sport for example, please know that not everybody is fortunate enough as you to land themselves into a team at large.

Calista & her singing journey part III - 8 years+ and counting.

Taking off.

Not that I want it to be

My tears are always frozen
I can see the air I breathe
Got my fingers painting pictures
On the glass in front of me
Lay me by the frozen river
Where the boats have passed me by
All I need is to remember
How it was to feel alive - Aurora

Honestly, the more I think about something, the more unsure I get. And so it concludes, I shouldn't think too much. Worrying too much for the future doesn't help.

But its hard.

Thoughts are ever-flowing. Its not like I can be completely in control. Awakening and then sleeping back. The repetition.

I get weary. And at times stony. Its 'funny' when I have those monotonous, tedious days.

Fear that stops me from going on. Hence, the lack of ideas; artist's block.

I can think to the point that I stopped thinking.


Do you ever feel that way too?