my thoughts on the environment, travel and life reflections

DON’T GO OVER YOUR LIMITS

February 7th, 2025

Humans are not weak. However, they can become very vulnerable under certain conditions. That’s when they need a break.

My strength once deceived me. I thought I had to keep going no matter how difficult the obstacles were in front of me. I believed in God. He would not let me work alone in facing these difficulties. If I gave up, it would mean I failed His test.

I then realized that thought was not entirely true. Although God is Almighty, He allows humans to retreat, change the path they are taking, or stop altogether and not continue. There is no need to force yourself to keep going if your soul is tired.

Friends, do you have this thought? People decided to commit suicide because they did not allow themselves to take a break. In the end, they sacrificed their souls.

We must be gentler with ourselves. Please take a break from a tiring job or relationship or a place that makes you sick. After that, you will find your strength.
INVENTION AND THE BULL BRAIN

February 6th, 2025

One of the AI products installed on my smartphone is Meta AI. I can ask many topics and get answers in an instant. Very cool.

However, a researcher (who was recently appointed as the deputy minister of education in Indonesia) said that AI can harm the human mind. AI can give wrong answers but cannot be detected immediately. Only those who do analysis and research know which part of the answer is false and not based on scientific logic.

I am quite worried that our dependence on AI products is very high. Humans are too lazy to use their brains and hearts to filter what is best for them.

Do I exaggerate?
THE REWARD OF HARD WORK AND PATIENCE

February 5th, 2025

After completing a big job or solving a problem the day before, the next day will be an ideal day for me. I am free to enjoy the day for myself without overthinking.

My mind is so relaxed, and I can enjoy the beauty of the flowers in the garden, take a morning walk, or chat with my friends. Next, perhaps, I will continue to lunch, and there, with my friends, my loyal colleagues, or my husband, we can discuss what we can do next to increase our team’s achievements.

At night, I can sleep soundly, and little by little, I imagine an exciting plan to work on.

I realize that an ideal day does not just come or be given by the generosity of others. It will come as a reward for the hard work and seeds of patience that have been sown and nurtured some time ago.
LIFE AS AN OPEN CLASSROOM

February 4th, 2025

Life teaches many things, but only to those willing to learn.

I realized its broad meaning as I grew older. Life is like an open class. Everyone is welcome, without a specific topic and without strict requirements. One can enter the class at will, and others can ignore it.

The results can vary widely from person to person, shaped by the unique motivations each carries. It all comes down to the genuine desire to learn and embrace those lessons. Your intentions are the key that unlocks the door to transformation!

As time passes, I realize the need to learn more about life. Although I am already in my 50s, I have not applied many things for the peace of myself and blessings to others.

The journey of life has only changed me a little. It came slowly. Perhaps because of my so ordinary life. The people around me, the movies I watch, and the books and scriptures I read all greatly influence me to change my habits and outlook on life.

Frankly, I still often compare myself to other people’s perspectives when I decide to adopt one perspective for myself.

For example, I see someone angry on the road because his car overtook another. I tell myself not to do it. This is detrimental to my mental health. Others will also look down on me as a temperamental person.

When I see someone calm, religious, and doing good, I ask about their routine. This motivates me to follow their path, adjusting it to my views.

Ultimately, it is not the suffering of life or the significant events in my life that teach me valuable lessons but rather the experiences of others that persuade me to change.

Learning from other people’s lives changes my perspective faster. I don’t think it’s wrong. Also, it doesn’t mean I am a copy-paste. I take wisdom from other people’s mistakes and goodness.

Who has the same pattern as me, friends?
WHY IS ONE AFRAID OF DEATH?

February 3rd, 2025

People may have different answers to these questions. Many reasons why you might not be, and some people are afraid.

Mine is the one who is afraid of the coming death. The thing that I am scared of most is the sickness of dying. In Islamic belief, though from the outside, one’s dying did not look sick, but in real he suffered. The lightest sickness of dying is like a goat was skinned alive.

Life after death also scared me. I am not sure whether this was the trauma I brought from childhood when my teachers told me scary things about the punishment for sinful people. Or, I am indeed a weak human.

I blamed the exaggerated lessons the teacher gave us in the past. That no one can pass the punishment in the grave. Even good people have to pay for the mistakes he made during his life, though only a tiny fault.

It seems that the good things humans do in the world can not cover their sins, although they try to do their best and ask for forgiveness every day.

After I grew old, I tried to neutralize the feeling of death scary. I believe in the mercy of God. He must understand when I did wrong. Perhaps not all was my mistake. Several external factors influenced me, and may He forgive me for that.

Years of my childhood under extreme teaching about life after death can not be neutralized by a short time of wise teachings. Yet, I am grateful that on one occasion, one of the famous ulama said this.

No need to fear death. Consider how you felt when you were tired and finally allowed to sleep—you must be happy. That is akin to death. You should not be worried or afraid. Because from that moment on, you are liberated from the burdens of this world.

This is a small light in the darkness of my perspective on death.
OMELET, YES!

February 2nd, 2025

Cooking requires a positive mood. Don’t cook if your mood is bad. It won’t taste good. It’s better to go out and look for fast food.

This week, I have been quite busy, coming home tired and just wanting to relax. So, I skip cooking.

Luckily, there are many choices of fast food, both local and international. I just need to walk several hundred meters to the nearest food stall. Then choose what I want to eat, such as Pecel Lele, Nasi Padang, and Martabak Mesir.

When I am not traveling for work, I cook. I am building a new habit of bringing lunch to the office. Cooking healthy food is necessary. The menu that I make most often is….. Guess what?

Omelet. Various kinds of omelets.

Simple, delicious, and rich in protein.
AM I BEING CURSED?

February 1st, 2025

I often feel tempted to share my plans that bring me happiness with my friends and family. I do this to share my joy and satisfy myself. I thought it was acceptable until I realized that by doing so, my plans were slipping further away from being achieved. Now, I am reconsidering my approach.

Am I cursed because I revealed it too early, or is an invisible force preventing me from realizing it? The goal seems to be to frustrate me and make me give up. This doubt often fills my mind.

It’s believed in Indonesian culture that you should not share your personal plans in advance.

Because not everyone is happy with you. Telling it can be interpreted as arrogance.

By conveying personal plans too early, you become easily changed if many criticize and do not support you. You will also feel pressured if the plan experiences obstacles from your side.

I’ve started to realize that revealing personal plans is not wise. It’s better to keep them as surprises. Others will find out once they are accomplished.

What about your culture or perspective on this matter? Do you need other people’s opinions before realizing a personal plan?

I’m glad to hear that, guys.
THE SCARY ROLLER COASTER

January 31st, 2025

Many things can be scary, but human thought and consideration help us navigate those feelings. Better to focus on things that make you comfortable and to avoid engaging in frightening or dangerous activities.

I remember an experience from decades ago when my husband and I rode a roller coaster for the first time. While waiting in line at the entrance, we didn’t realize how high the roller coaster was above the ground. Once we boarded the ride and it took off, my husband and I screamed in fear.

It was a very thrilling experience. Once, I jokingly asked my husband whether he still wanted to ride a roller coaster again?

Even if I were paid one hundred million rupiah, I would not want to.
He answered firmly.

I don’t want to either.
CONFLICTS AT OFFICE

January 30th, 2025

There are many things I complain about every day, but the level varies. The most severe level of complaint is when the problem involves feelings. It is difficult to treat and resolve.

Now, I am learning how to put all the displeasure in this life not on my feelings but only on my brain so that I can find a solution.

There is a big difference between the two.

If I put the problem on my feelings, I am filled with doubt, sadness, and confusion. The solution is difficult to find because the subjectivity is very high.

But if I put it in my brain, usually, various solutions will appear to solve it. And I can be more assertive.

What problems do I complain about the most?

The work-related issues involving my staff, colleagues, and boss. Since I spend eight hours a day, five days a week with them, many problems arise. Conflicts are frequently up, and I have to deal with them.

I believe this:

Everyone has their own problems. Never feel that you are alone and there is no way out of your problems.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE AND ITS BEAUTY IS UNSPEAKABLE

January 29th, 2025

Not all beauty can be captured by the camera. Do you think this is odd??

That is what I experience whenever I visit Muaro Jambi Temple.

In the heart of a Muslim settlement in Muaro Jambi, there stands a Buddhist temple that is both quiet and graceful. This temple complex covers an area of 4,000 hectares and was once believed to be the largest Buddhist school in Asia. It is likely that students traveled via the river route to reach the temple located on the banks of the Batanghari River.

I have come here several times, and there are progressive changes every time I see it again. The Indonesian government continues to work to rebuild the temple, digging up ruins from the ground and reconstructing under the direction of archaeologists.

This temple is magnificent. However, every time I take its picture, my heart feels despair.

Why?

My camera always fails to capture the temple’s beauty, which is hundreds of times more stunning than what appears in the photo.

The temple complex consists of numerous large and medium-sized temples and many smaller ones. There are 11 main temples, but it is estimated that approximately 82 temple ruins are buried beneath mounds that form small hills.

Yesterday, despite the rain, I visited three temples: Gumpung, Tinggi, and Gedong.

Visitors may need to walk up to 500 meters or more from one temple to another, making it suitable for quiet walks. The area is shaded by large trees and green lawns.

It is still frequently used by Buddhists all over the world who come to participate in significant ceremonies, such as Waisak. This event always attracts many tourists and features a vibrant festival atmosphere.