Day 251: Reflection of Hotel Quarantine

I had a quarantine order from 16 Jul - 26 Jul 2021. Everything happens just too quickly. Today is my last day of Quarantine order given by MOH. To me, it is like staycation at So Sofitel. The hotel services was great. The staffs tried their best to accomodate my diets, my toiletries and my needs.

The desk corner is like my drawing, dining, online, music place. I find it very comforting doing my own things at my own time and space. There are no house rules, just simply me. I can mess up or clean up the place whenever I want to. This is the kind of freedom that I want. To be honest, I am grateful to have this opportunity to stay at such a comfort and luxurious place at such a choatic situation. The external factors do not affect me anymore. I have come to a point to realise that since I have no control what will happen to me. I will take care and support myself instead.

I personally like this coffee corner. They make it like an mini bar where they keeps their cups and sauces, flash there.

Due to the space constrain, I like the compactness. I don't feel the room has anything lack. Probably the staffs also attend to my needs. I enjoyed the most is their plant based diets meals. The chef really prepare the meals well. I have some surpises in terms of taste and what kind of food they prepared and it was interesting. They gave me free flow of water. Previously I heard shangri-la has to ask the patrons to boil their water.

Quarantine isn't a bad thing if you know what are you going to do!

Instead of making myself feel bored, I planned for my staycation ahead. I made myself feel at home. I brought my books, masks, healthy snacks and food, my pen and paper. I spent most of my time watching movies, read Franz Ruppert book "Who am I in the traumatizing society."

This paragraph speaks to me.

Pyschotraumas cause the trama conditions to be permanently stored in the pyche and the body. The unbearable reality has to be located deep within himself and there it continues to exist, even if the outer reality is over.

Traumatised people have to make tremendous effort all the time, to prevent the intrusion of traumatic memories into their conscious perception. It is the only way in which they can resonably cope with their everyday life.

This means that a traumatised psyche finds it difficult to distinguish clearly and reliably
1） inside from outside
2） then and now
3） I from You
4） Reality from Friction

Te distinction between self and other people fails. The unfamiliar is experienced as one's own and what belongs to oneself to experienced as one's own.
For example, I feel like you
You think You are I

You believe / think that you can make decision about me, even though you have no control over yourself!

How true this statement is. We always think we have control over our life and someone else's life but no one has any control. The best relationship is you live your own life and I live my own. We just share our experiences when appropriately.

IOPT Healing Process I did my own healing process on thurs.
My intention is "I health".
Again, it was a very deep process.
My feelings were hurt by my family and friends.
I had to pretend to be someone that I think what people want me to be. Basically I lost myself. Those were the most painful experiences, especially the drawing experiences, after all the hurtful remarks, I was so afraid to draw again. I am so glad that the traumatised parts surface up and I acknowledge them. Thanks my survival parts protect my traumatised parts so well. I can release them now.

I can draw freely now Surprisingly, after this healing process, I am able to visualise what kind of house I want to live. I need space. I draw my dream home out, the way I want it. Another big shif is that I can draw a lot easier. I drew 2 artworks within these few days, I can draw more to connect with my own inner state. I feel very calm, focus and joyful whenever I draw. It is an theraputic experience! 用心去画就对了

Pandora encourages me to design products in future. Such as mugs, dishes, placemats, notepads, scarfs, stationary, tote bags etc. (She is a very humble lady. Later, I found out she is a very successful career woman, she no longer needs to concern about money as she is living in abundance. She told me that having a finanical stability will help me in my retirement. I do agree with her.) I felt so touched and thanked her for planting such wonderful ideas into me.

IOPT Hangout I also attended Rebecca's hangout as her topic covers the trauma of sexuality. She mentioned when we have sex in an unhealthy way, it is a form of disassociation from the presence. The body and the psyche have to split of in order not to feel the pain. What an insight to me. I guess it applies the same as food, TV programmes, my favourite korean dramas, gamblings, drugs etc

This special staycation makes me realise that time is precious and valuable. Money I can always make but once time is wasted, it is gone. My "me time" is precious, where I can connect with myself fully, truly and authentically. People around me, I will cherish as I cherish myself. I love you, Rachel.

Staying contact with myself makes me healthier, wiser and making better decisions for myself. The people, events and things happen to me have also become positive and supportive.

I am truly grateful for these new experiences. Finding back myself is amazing and it is truly a blessing!

Day 250: KDrama - Vincenzo

Starring by Song Joong-ki, the series’ protagonist is Vincenzo, a Korean boy who was adopted by an Italian mafia boss and subsequently introduced to the mafia world. Following the death of his adoptive father, Vincenzo decides to return to South Korea after many years, and take a new job. Unsurprisingly, Vincenzo represents an interesting blend of Korean and Italian cultures. When Vincenzo displays habits like cursing in Italian when he is frustrated, and holding Italian cuisine close to his heart, it feels rather natural in a pleasing way.

Vincenzo is a K-drama with crime, dark comedy, and slight romance that aired on Netflix. It stars Song Joong-ki (Vincenzo Cassano), Jeon Yeo-bin (Hong Cha-young), Ok Tae-cyeon (Jang Jun-woo), Kwak Dong-yeon (Jang Han-seo - Jun Woo's younger brother) and Kim Yeo-jin (Choi Myung-hee - Jun Woo's Legal Lawyer). The drama instantly became a hit due to its storyline and the amazing acting performances from the actors!

Vincenzo Cassano, a mafia consigliere, has dark charisma and is very competent. After he leaves Italy, he flies to South Korea to tear down the Geumga Plaza since he wants to reclaim the hidden gold down there after the owner of the building, passes away. The plan doesn’t go well since a real estate company under Babel Group illegally snatches ownership of Geumga Plaza.

Vincenzo has to become involved with the residents of Geumga Plaza and the attorney Hong Cha-young. Initially, the residents are suspicious about him but shortly accept him after Vincenzo fights for their rights along with Hong Cha-young. After Cha-young father’s death, she manages his father’s law firm named Jipuragi and cooperates with Vincenzo against Babel Group.

I pretty like the residents as they are warm hearted, caring and sometimes crack some jokes with each other. Although Vincenzo seems very dark and thrilling, the existence of the Geumga Plaza residents made it have a great sense of humor! They portray such hilarious scenes that somehow calm down the tension between the conflicts! This scene was the residents were having fights with Babel Group fighters when they wanted to tear down the building.

I took quite awhile to finish this drama, almost one month, as the entire drama is just too gruesome for me. The part that I really dislike was in the last episode, Vincenzo portrays the heartbreaking and brutal scene that you guys couldn’t have imagined! The death of Choi Myung-hee and Jang Jun-woo marked the end game of Vincenzo, although it was painful for Jang Han-seo after all of the sacrifices that he has done. Vincenzo and Hong Cha-young won and even got the hidden gold safely.

Day 249: KDrama - Hotel Del Luna

Hotel Del Luna, a mystical hotel that caters to spirits and prepares them for their journey to the afterlife. Things shake-up when its owner, Jang Man Wol (IU), recruits elite hotelier Goo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo) to be her new general manager. After she unlocks his ability to see ghosts, Chan Sung's resistance towards taking on the role is futile. A new world opens up for him at Hotel Del Luna when he finally takes Man Wol up on her offer.

Reflection
I thought that the writing was pretty solid throughout the drama. It is refreshing to watch a drama that ventures into foreign territory and breaks free of the traditional kdrama tropes and cliches to explore the less commonly visited genres of horror (though I wouldn't really consider this drama to be scary at all) and fantasy + romance. The plot is layered and has some depth, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge.

The main character Man Weol's story captivates you right from the get-go, as the show uses flashbacks very well to reveal small snippets of her past at a time, causing you to be curious about her past, and eager to find out more. The generous use of humour also helps to balance out some of the heavier, more emotional scenes, while also allowing the drama to be easy and fun to watch throughout its lengthy episodes. Personally, it was fitting to the themes of this drama and very beautiful to watch, as well as very emotional. The drama explores the themes/ideas of 'letting go', 'resentment', 'unselfish love' and 'forgiveness', which are all very meaningful, thought-provoking ideas, not just in the context of this drama, but these themes also have a place in our lives as well.

The story line was new and refreshing, and it was filled with moments that were relatable, hilarious and heart breaking. After watching the final episode, in my opinion, one of the many masterpieces of Korean television. The actors all had great chemistry together, especially the main leads. I really liked the way each relationship was explained and portrayed. I like the trio staffs: Bartender, Receptionist and Lady Assistant, who have unique stories on their own. I also like Mago that has 12 unique characters, but only shown 6 for this drama. Because of this, the last episode had me bawling my eyes out as we said goodbye to each of the staff members. Also, the ending to me was brilliant. The way that they all were connected in their next lives made me so happy as I felt like they all got the happy endings that they deserved, especially Man Wol and Chan Sung.

It was a tradition practice that the staff will take one group photo when they leave the hotel. It is a pretty heartwarming idea.

Hotel del Luna, although a fantastical drama, is actually a foray into the reality of life.

It teaches us many things:
1) Flowers from the moon tree, life is beautiful yet fleeting - and so, we must make the most out of it.

2) Humans are endowed with the ability to make choices and are consequently tasked to bear responsibility for the choices they made.

3) Life is not always easy or fair - as such, we must learn to play the hand we're dealt with much courage and grace.

4) If the past is a source of suffering or ill-feelings, we must learn to let go and make peace with it and with ourselves when it doesn't enhance or value add our lives.

5) Our way of thinking and feeling can have a powerful outcome or influence.

6) Revenge is sweet for it provides an outlet for pent-up aggression and wounded feelings. It is create pain and sufferings and does not diminish with time, thus inflicting endless pain on the person who exacted vengeance.

7) Forgiveness has a rending and liberating power; that love has a transformation power which can shape our character.

8) Goo Chan-seung has perfectly shown us - that true love is put others before self or it makes you forget yourself and seek the welfare of your beloved.

"It is natural to feel sad and disappointed when you let go of someone you love. Just like a flower dreams of blooming again while withering away, you will live, meet and love again." Mago, Hotel Del Luna

At the end of episode 16, Kim Soo-hyun as new owner of the Guest House of the Moon, renaming it Hotel Blue Moon. Hopefully there will be second season of Hotel Del Luna.

Day 248: Money Dates

I spent an hour to sort out my finances.
Yes, I ran away from facing my financial report again.
It wasn't easy to face my own finance.
But it will be harder in future if I continue to manage my funds in old ways.

Having money problem is a good problem to solve.
It just means that I have to change my ways to get in more projects.
I find ways through my wisdom to resolve this.
Working through my finances is the way to finance abundance.

Interestingly, I heard 2 elderly discussing about their own finances, basically they have no issues with their money. They had passive incomes and they are able to do charity work. These are the directions I want to go. Having more than enough is abundance. After hearing their conversation, I feel that I have more confident in taking care of my money. It is an abundance quest.

Day 247: Voice Coaching - 2nd Lesson

In second lesson, I learn
To project my voice in front, not above.

Relaxation Technique to relax voice muscle and body, when I feel more relax, my voice sounds more alive.

Visualisation Technique, as if it is already happening.

Practise the vowels
Ya Yeh Yee Yo You

Ha Hay Hee Ho Hu

We also go through the "Mary had a little lamb" script with more vocal expression.
It is my first time I realised that storytelling can be so expressive.

Day 246: Hope

［希望］
人要有希望，才有力量。

信心是一点一滴累积而成的。 #ZenArt #Mindfulness

Today also have a meeting with the teachers on how to conduct dharma lessons through online. It was a fruitful meeting. Always good to prepare in advance so that the time is effectively used.

Day 245: KDrama - Tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox

The mythical nine-tailed fox, or gumiho, Lee Yeon had to settle in the city many centuries ago. Able to transform into human form, he eradicates supernatural beings that threaten the mortal world. His real aim is to find the reincarnation of his lost first love. He lives in the city where he is assisted by his loyal subject, veterinarian, and fellow Gumiho, Goo Shin-Joo.

The talented television producer, Nam Ji Ah, works in a show that features urban myths. In the past, her parents were involved in a mysterious car accident and disappeared, and she suspects that Lee Yeon might be connected with this accident.

The half-brother to Lee Yeon is the captivating Lee Rang. Despite being half-human himself, he harbors a deep-seated contempt for all people. For fun, he will unleash his seductive prowess by promising to grant them their wishes, only to trick them into paying a hefty price for their earthly desires.

The protagonist, Serpent, who were supposed to take over Lee Yeon's body so that he could rule the world. Unfortunately, he is quite "powerless" in front of Lee Yeon. Even though he tried to kill a lot of people and make lots of people fall sick. Reflection I enjoyed watching this fantasy drama with a compelling love story backdrop about star-crossed lovers with intertwined fates was enough to entice me but the ending I just felt it was a bit nonsensical. Why the younger brother has to die? Is it because he is 2nd lead? When Lee Rang comes back he was 10 years old but when Lee Yeon comes back he was at adult age. It doesn't make sense and at the very last part, Lee Yeon turns back to Fox, which even more strange.

I thought it could be better if the drama can show the nine-tailed lol :D Throughout the drama, they just mentioned that he has nine tailed but never see his true form. To me, Lee Yeon is a just a human with special power. Not really seeing the "Fox" capabilities.

Generally, I like the part where they shoot in an ancient korean times, 600 years ago. The scenery was beautiful. I also like the part where Ji Ah tried to find back her parents and relive her life in a different outcome. It is like to let us know that we can change our destiny by changing our thoughts, feelings and actions.

Day 244: Busy with Asean Report

I was busy with NUS Business School, Corporate Sustainbility Asean Report.
Luckily, I was able to complete this 50 pages of layouts.
I personally love this globe on the green forest. It symbolise we are able to make this earth sustainable.
Unfortunately, the client doesn't like to globe and asked me remove it.
Well, we can't please the clients all the time. Just give them what they want.
I can always keep this cover for my own portfolio.

Day 243: Voice Coaching - 1st session

First time engaged a voice coach，Christiane to teach me how to use my vocal variety.
I get to know my lowest and highest tone of my voice.
I also realised my pitch belongs to a higher pitch.
It is easier to make myself feel more excited whenever I am.
Voice can help to emphasis a certain expression, mood and feelings.
By understanding my own voice, I can express and articulate myself better.

My goals are 1. To appear more confidently when I speak.
2. To improve on my pronunciation.
3. To have more control over my voice crack.
4. To speak with more tonality, that would have better diverse intonation.
5. To learn the range of my vocal variety that I already have.

As it is my first class, I can't remember how to make my tone from low to high after I came back from my class.
I will practise this reading first.

Mary Had A Little Lamb
Mary had a little lamb,
whose fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to go.

It followed her to school one day
which was against the rules.
It made the children laugh and play,
to see a lamb at school.

And so the teacher turned it out,
but still it lingered near,
And waited patiently about,
till Mary did appear.

“Why does the lamb love Mary so?”
the eager children cry.
“Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know.”
the teacher did reply

Baa Baa Black Sheep
Baa, baa black sheep
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir
Three bags full.

One for my master
And one for my dame
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.

Humpty Dumpty
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men,
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Hush, Little Baby
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don’t sing,
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turn brass,
Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat don’t pull,
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won’t bark.
Papa’s gonna to buy you and horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,
Well you’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town.