2019 New Year's Resolution!!! Well, Life's Resolution!!!

It's the fifth day of January 2019!!! Happy belated New Year!!! Hahahaha... Is there such thing? :P Nevertheless, this will be the first post I write in the year 2019!!! :) Hope everyone is in good health and everything goes well so far!!!

Not sure if you noticed or not (eventually I did), I saw many people exercising especially on the first few days of the year (be it running, going to gym, cycling, swimming, and so on). Then I would be reminded that "exercising" must be one of the things listed in their New Year's resolutions. How long would it last? Only heaven knows. Some might be able to maintain it well, but some might only have temporary spirit to do it. Hahahaha.... :P

Typical New Year's Resolutions (Pic source: Google.com)

I used to set the New Year's resolutions just like the above picture. To try and learn new things, dream big, live colorful life, choose happy, do what I love, etc. I kept doing it until it had become part of my life's habits and way of life. For now, there was nothing new from the above resolutions.

Then when the New Year itself arrived, I still had no idea what resolutions should I have this year??? I thought, "Let nature takes its course. Maybe just leave it and live my life like usual," until I chatted with few different people recently.

From my conversation with them, I realized that I had always had that thought in mind, although I had not really been doing it. Eh, that thought in mind that I referred to was, I always imagined myself of joining nunnery one day, busy chanting or reading Tibetan text (as if I could understand Tibetan language :D), having solitary life (leaving family and friends behind and serving other beings), and so on. But of course, I never had a courage to really do so.

All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy

Moreover, recently I read the book written by Anuradha Roy - All the Lives We Never Lived. In one part of the story, the protagonist's father left home embarking on a pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of Buddha to Patna, Nalanda, Lumbini, etc., living as Buddhist monks did, with no money, seeking food and shelter from the charitable, meditating and learning about Buddhism along the way, and with no time frame too.

Upon returning home, he found out that "The world thought it was an unbalanced thing to do, but anyone who is truly spiritual is both mad and selfish. So many great seekers have spurned family and children, left them bereft for years on end; was not the Buddha similarly guilty? And yet, would anyone say that it was a mistake for him to have left? How many millions over how many generations have been saved because he had the strength to sacrifice his family? My own misguided quest ended in failure of sorts; I learned at the feet of great masters, but my attention wandered. My back ached. My insect bites itched. In short I discovered I was human and pitiful and my physical needs were greater than my spiritual hunger. These are bitter things for me to confess but necessary: the first necessity in the quest for knowledge is truth."

If I was so extreme, I might end up like him. Go for it, try it for myself, and come back with such thinking. Is it really necessary for me to leave everything behind and join the nunnery for the quest of my spiritual hunger?

Many who are younger than me (in their twenties), told me that this type of life would never suitable for their age. They feel that age is the measurement of the proper actions in life. Like in twenties, they feel that it is time for them to indulge themselves to fill their desire to their hearts' content (go for party, karaoke, binge drinking, trying different girls, etc.). It is also good time for them to get marry, build career, earn more money, have children, etc., which is not wrong at all.

And only when they get older, it will only be the suitable time to slow down in life, meaning, by then, they will change their life style - more pray and circumambulate, more visits to temple, more time to meditate, etc.

So, the search for the peace and happiness, the quest of the truth, will only be applicable in the olden age. Well, if you are lucky - meaning if you can live that long - then only you will have such opportunity. But if you are not (anything can happen you know! Does not mean you are healthy and strong now, then you will stay healthy and strong forever. Accident may happen to us anytime of the day too!), it means, you will waste your chance and opportunity for having been born as human in this life, to invest yourself for a better next life.

I'm just thinking, the solution for this is to live the balance of both worlds. Do both things at the same time. Not too extreme on both sides, but find the middle or correct way of doing it. And you can start it from the younger age, not necessarily wait until you get old.

In Buddhism, it is believed that to be born as a human being is the goal of every reincarnation, because only when we are in the form of human, we are given brain that differentiate us from other beings and compassionate heart to help more sentient beings. Only when we are human being, we are given the opportunity to change our life, to lessen up bad karma and make more good karma. And it makes me thinking that my New Year's resolution would be this - "Be a better self than before."

Meaning, everything that I do, I hope that I can be more aware of it - the words that come out from my mouth, the thinking that appears on my mind, the action that I do. I know it very well that I am just a human being, with lots of mistakes and imperfections. I often said things I did not mean it; I often hurt people's feelings at spur of the moments; I often did things that I soon regretted it; I often did stupid things that hurt other people's feelings. I felt sorry but somehow I could not restrain it.

I just think that, well, maybe for some, I am considered in old age category (lol!), which suits me best to start having peace of mind, meditating more, doing more good deeds and so on. But still, I feel that it's best to set that resolution for more years to come and instill it into my everyday's life, just like the rest of the resolutions above that have been the parts or way of my life.

2019 New Year's Resolution!!! Well, Life's Resolution!!! (Instagram: Rimareykawrites.com)

I wish I can use the opportunity of being born as human being in this life well, not waste it unnecessarily, treasure it, and live it well, the best I could. I may not be able to cut my hair bald and change my everyday's clothes to red or orange robe. I may not be able to meditate inside the forest accompanied by mosquitoes and snakes around. I may not be able to help every beings surrounded me. I may not be able to resist temptations that comes in life fully. But I really hope I can be a better self than I was before, one day at a time, until the end of my life. This will be it. Not just a New Year's resolution, but my overall life's resolution. Wish me luck!!! :)

Benefits of cycling

Pic source: wheelbrothers.com

Below is my point of view towards the benefit of cycling. Basically it is divided into two: mental and physical benefits. There is no scientific proofs about the correctness but solely based on what I've experienced so far. Therefore, read it at your own risk! ;)

Pic source: abdn.ac.uk

Mental benefits of cycling:

1. It is a form of meditation. It enforces us to focus on our breathing. Breathing in, breathing out. In, out... In, out... at our own pace.

2. It trains us to be alert to our surrounding. Whenever we need to cross the road, make a sharp turn, make a big U-turn, overtake the other cyclists or other people, etc., we need to look at the overall situation in order to go through it safely and have a smooth journey.

3. It teaches us to always look forward, just like our life. Life goes on. It forces us not to look behind as it is very dangerous. We may fall down and hurt ourselves! So, what is over, is over!

4. It trains us to be brave, independent, lead, and decide our own way on where we want to go as we are alone in this journey. It requires us to analyse the type of risks we are facing too when choosing which path or way to go. It all requires our bravery and decision-making ability.

5. It trains us to be patient, especially when we have to face those riders who never ride at one side (dominate the whole road) and selfish walkers who treats the road as if it is owned by their grandfather.

6. When anger arises due to such circumstances, we are reminded not to always take life seriously. In fact, no one does. It is not as if we are in the competition to win trophy or something, but rather to have a leisure ride. Therefore, when we are irritated by others, remind ourselves on why we should make ourselves angry and unhappy? Instead, this realization leads us to forgive and forget them. In an instance, the smile will appear on our face and let unhappy things go! 

7. It requires determination, strong motivation and discipline to push us to make cycling happens, most importantly, passion. Think of how many times we give up cycling and instead, relaxing or watching TV? Laziness is the greatest enemy that attacks us anytime.

8. It frees our mind from anxiety, worry and reduces stress that coming from many area of our life, such as: long-day work, family problem, financial problem, heart-breaking experience, and so on. When cycling, we tend to forget all that and live in the present moment!

9. Sometimes it even gives an answer to our problem. When cycling, our brain still works but in relax state. We will have a clearer mind, think things thoroughly and at the end, it can give an idea on how to solve our problem. 

10. The first thing that we think when we go out for cycling: Our safety is a number one priority! We don't want to go out happily and come back with bruises marks or sometimes even with a much worse condition. With this kind of thinking, we have automatically felt that we want to treasure our lives, which many people are failing to have.

11. Cycling outdoor enables us to enjoy the nature surrounds us. It rejuvenates our soul and mind, especially the view sunset, sunrise, beautiful flowers, greenery, etc. 

12. Sometimes the wind blows against our direction and makes the saddle hard to be paddled and requires us to put in greater effort to ride. Take it as if it's a challenge that we are facing in front of us. Instead of stopping and giving up, we can choose to persevere and overcome that challenge. Anyway, it won't last forever. Just like the wind blows, wind can change direction or we can also change our direction. Eventually, things will change to the better.

13. Sometimes the road that we have to go through is up and down. We need to paddle hard in order to be in the 'UP' position. But once we are there, we will enjoy a greater view and then, have an easy ride and great enjoyment when going down. It just makes us realize that in life, 'No Pain, No Gain'.

14. To ride the bicycle, we must know how to balance. Interestingly, in order for us to have a good life, we also need to know how to balance! Think about how much time do you need to work, to spend with family, to rest, to spend with friends, to sleep, to pursue your hobby, and so on. If one thing is too much or too less, will you be happy?

Pic source: Pinterest.com

Physical benefits of cycling:

1. It is said that cycling is good for our heart. It can improve our cardiovascular fitness and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. 

2. It builds our stamina. By practicing and doing more, we will have a much better stamina, which in results, the further distance we can go. E.g. today we cycle 10 km and after practicing the same distance for some time, we can increase the distance to 15 km without feeling too tired or too difficult. Or perhaps with the same timing, we can reach further distance. 

3. It builds up and tones our muscles, especially at the lower part of our body - the calves, thigh, hips, and rear end. 

4. With the built-up stamina and muscles, it can prepare us to engage in any other kind of activities, such as: walking a long distance road or up and down hill, hiking through mountains, etc. 

5. It trains us to coordinate our body parts and mind well as we need to focus while steering our bike, to control our speed, and to react fast when there is a sudden movement from other side, e.g. the small kid suddenly run or jump out from the safety zone into your lane. 

6. After a great deal of cycling and showering under the hot water, you'll sure have a very good quality of sleep and rest.

7. Just like other exercise, cycling can help us reducing the sign of aging - less wrinkles, look much younger than your actual age is, etc. - as it helps to flush the toxin out and to bring more Oxygen into our skin and produce Collagen as the essential items to keep young.  

8. And also, it helps you to lose weight. It is especially suitable for me, someone who loves eating ^^

So, the above are the total of 22 benefits that I can think of while cycling. There may be many other benefits that I didn't mention above. However, if you are interested, you can start it right away. 

Pic source: Pinterest.com

No bicycle? Well, it's the cheapest among the rest of other kind of transports though (compare it with motorcycle, car, etc.). Think about it! You can save time (rather than walk) and money (by taking bus or TAXI) by cycling to the nearby markets from your house, in case you are running out of your daily necessities. At the same time, you are exercising. Nice ah?

It is the air-pollution free item, unless you are farting while cycling, hohoho...  and no fuel required (don't have to headache over the increment of the fuel price!!!) Therefore, you are taking part in saving the earth and go-green activity. How cool is that!!!

It is designed to everyone at all ages. There is bicycle for toddler (those that can be pushed around from behind), kids (those with four-wheels), preteen (smaller size), teenager (those with more stylish design such as: bigger or thicker wheels), adult (mountain-biker, folded-bike, etc.), housewife (with a sit in front and behind for carrying their children to school, market, or other places), even for old age people (sometimes the one with electric mode type that makes them easier to ride). 

Usually I take one-hour time each to ride and that only counts 4% of your day. And if let's say I do it at least twice weekly, it counts only 1.2% of your week. No excuse that you don't have time to do that, do you? ;)

Oh! You can't ride the bicycle? Start learning! It's never too late to learn, even if you are an adult. "If you're worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on" - Lance Armstrong. And keep that quote in mind while learning! 

Well, that's about it! To close this post, I send you another beautiful quote about cycling:

Pic source: boredpanda.com

Which one that you choose? It's all up to you! Choice is in your hands! Good luck!!! :)

OCBC Cycling 2014

OCBC 2014

It's my fifth attempt joining the OCBC Cycling with my fellow colleagues and besties this year :)

OCBC 2010 to 2014

I'm very happy and grateful that most of us managed to finish our journey safely. Read here about what other people experienced and that's why I felt very grateful that we were all safely returned from our ride despite some complained about the delay.

We started late today as there was a serious accident at the first turn, during the second wave of the Challenge (40 km ride), which required the organizer to deploy an ambulance on the route. It caused the 30-minutes delay on the Community Ride (27 km) participants. We supposed to start at 7 am.

And due to this delay, many cyclists couldn't continue riding as the road had to be opened (missed the cut-off timing). Fyi, they closed the main road that usually opened for vehicles for this event. However, there was a cut-off timing. See the picture below for your info.

Note on cut-off time

At one point, few of my colleagues had to discontinue their cycling. They had no choice but to send their bicycles on top of the truck. They boarded on the bus provided. They waited somewhere until the truck reached. Then, they waited for quite some time until their bicycles unloaded and collected it back. After that, they continued riding until the finish line.

Mr Sunny said hello when we were about to start :)

I started my ride at 7.35 am, just nice the sun had just risen into the sky. It was round and beautiful in orange. Good that the sky was clear and no haze around.

Waiting for our turn to start

This time there were more participants too. See the photo above. We were all patiently waiting while the Starting line was still far in front of us.

The journey this time was 3 km longer than the previous one. There were few slopes up and down during the journey, which made my both legs pain enough hahaha... :D There were numbers of accidents seen along the way that I had to keep reminding myself and praying that all of us to be safe until reaching the destination.

After 1 hour and 35 minutes, I finally reached the finish line. Thank Buddha that nothing bad happened to all of us, except for the delay. I was enjoying the ride during the whole journey. It was the only time where I could feel free riding alone on such a wide road and highway, especially when the bike was riding down the slope. I shouted sometimes to release the tension hahaha...

There were many people wearing funny clothes spotted during this event. Enjoy the pictures below and hope all of you had a wonderful weekend too!!! :)

Fun times at F1 Pit - OCBC Cycling 2014

Counting down to OCBC Cycle Singapore 2014 :)

OCBC Cycle 2014 (Source: marina-bay.sg)

22 more days to the 27 km Community Ride Challenge - an annual cycling event organized by OCBC Bank. A bunch of colleagues and dear friends are going to participate for this event. Pin the date please, it will be on Sunday, 30th March 2014.

My buddy almost forgot that she booked a short holiday on that day. Luckily she managed to change her travel date to another date.

Another buddy was worrying about the haze that came on and off these past few weeks. She had a respiratory problem and haze would surely affect her breathing. I told her to think positive and hope that everything would be fine.

As for me, I continued my cycling practices from time to time when the weather permitted. These days the sky turned dark later than usual. At 7 pm the sky was still quite bright. If I didn't smell any burning thing, I would faster prepare my bike and go out to the park. Weekdays or weekend, as long as the weather was good, I would go out and cycle. At the same time it helped me burning out some fat after having big meals hehehe...

It was quite windy at night. Sometimes I had to put in so much effort to cycle when the wind blew towards my direction. I had to face the flying insects in front of me too. Sometimes it hit my eye and I had to force my eye to produce tears so the insect could go out from my irritable eye. I tried to solve this problem by looking for glasses, a transparent one, not the usual sunglasses that would look dark when you were wearing it.

Glasses to protect my eyes while cycling :)

I finally found it out at Daiso few days ago. Uhuyyy! Problem was solved! This evening I went trying it and it worked very well!  :) Other than protected my eyes from insects, it also protected my eyes from strong wind and dust. It was wide enough to cover my both eyes. I think I will wear it during the OCBC cycling :)

Nowadays I was wearing my sport shoes too while cycling. Before that, I always wore my flip flop as it felt much nicer and cooler. Until one day I hurted my big toe while trying to stop the bike using my both feet instead of pressing the brakes. I was looking at the colorful flying kites high up in the sky. The sky was dark but it was illuminated by the blinking lights from the kites. I was mesmerized by it and didn't control my bike well. It slipped to lower ground, stony and grassy. I was panic and shocked trying to stop my bike. Hahaha... And it happened again when I tried to look at the wound while cycling. Luckily the wound recovered fast as I tried to keep it dry and clean by changing the gauze twice a day. So after that, my hubby asked me to wear my shoes and not my flip flop.

People would only learn from mistakes no?  Haha... Safety came first. And I felt better and safer now with all the gear :)

Beautiful sunset captured from the park :)