A simple and active life in the countryside can give so much meaning

Living in Eckental in the outskirts of Nuremberg, Bavaria has definitely its immeasurable benefits- fresh country air, tons of spaces to explore on my bike both in the neighbouring villages and the forests. The route I love best is cycling through thick pine forests, cherry tree orchards, corn fields, hops on climbing frames, working farms emitting the smell of cows and chickens, and seldom encountering another human being.   I then stop at our outdoor gym in the forest for some physical exercises. Final break is right on the edge of the fishpond, where I lay my mat for meditation. More often than not, I could hear gallops of horses with their riders or dog walkers in their morning routines. At times when I meet somebody we pause for a brief chat talking about subjects like edible forest vegetation or meeting parents of children who went to the same school as mine, so we update each other. We then carry on with our respective directions.  Isn’t that just glorious?

Many a times, I get very amusing reaction from people upon seeming me with my Asian appearance on a bike and speaking proper Deutsch! I bet they must wonder- How often does that happen in the countryside?

Some few years ago, not aware that I was suffering from distressing bouts of depression caused by malfunctioning thyroid glands, I found solace spending hours in the forest, doused in sunshine. Well, yes, from springtime to autumn.  It was only after I got tested that it was established why I felt the way I did.  If I didn’t have my ‘forest kingdom’ to uplift my spirits, I wouldn’t know where I would be today.

This simple and active life spent in solitude still continues to give me so much meaning in this world of ours filled with uncertainty, tribulations and trials.

 I do wish I can share this with people with the view that they, too, will find joy and bliss in simple living.

Make Happiness Yours

Many of us welcome the new year with well-intentioned resolutions only to find that after 3 weeks we revert back to the old self. Right? A study was made that brought about this so-called Blue Monday which is the 3rd Monday in January where people feel so letdown with their failure to stick to their resolutions for change . Of course, it has been debunked.
Well, for me it was not a case of a failed resolution. It is more than that. In fact it is life-changing and it's looong overdue. So now having gotten over the bump, I am ready to re-start. And with that, I am embarking on this mission. That is to be an instrument for enhancement, change, modification or just in simplifying people's lives.
I will be sharing tips of all kinds here. These tips are the result of an accumulated life experiences in various places, stages, roles and in general just as a person.
I hope I can achieve what I am aiming for here.
so let's start. First tip is on happiness.
According to the Dalai Lama, each of us is entitled to be happy. So how do we attain it? Happiness is a mind-set. To be happy, you need to be aware of how you view happiness is. Could it be peace of mind, warmth in your heart, acquisition of material objects, people around you, being in power, being out in nature; there are many, many sources of happiness but only you alone can decide. It is however very essential that your concept of happiness is based on your very own value and not trying to fit in with somebody else's.
So that's something to think about for you today.
Have a happy and fulfilling week. Smile, it feels good to do so..