Circular Value

Sometimes it is so contradicting when a person who claims to be generous and kind is actually engaging in actions which speak the opposite. Look at our surroundings. We have those who say they pay a rather significant importance on educating the younger generations, and yet charging the courses available at such high cost to the point of some fail to take up tertiary education. We have those who want to bring people off from the dying edge and to ensure the health of many souls, and yet charging even higher cost for the medications, even the medical check up requires particular amount of money. We have those who wish to bring better lifestyle to all citizens within the restricted boundaries, and yet they ask for dozens of surcharges onto each requests made. Are the wishes and claims true after all? Indeed, it is ridiculous to have a person making losses out in their professions. Nonetheless, is it really necessary to charge at such a price that many cannot afford, which may then cost the person a great opportunity or perhaps, his life even? Perhaps some may say the price value allows people to distinguish the best from the worst, the higher the better quality and guarantee. Is it really? Or it is as simple as the marketing purposes? Are all the low priced items that bad? The amount we pay in the current days does not guarantee us the best service nor the best learning environment, but merely, the envious expressions in which others put on their faces whenever it is mentioned. It is a circle indeed, without us knowing what could be the main contributor to such a mess. Do all doctors wish to be doctors so that they could save many lives? Do all academic institutions founders found universities and colleges just so they can produce students of higher quality? It all comes down to one word, money. How pathetic. 

Showing Empathy

We are asked and taught to be empathy toward the surrounding people and incidents, regardless whether we’re biologically bonded. In hospitals for example, we have patients checking in and out daily, with their family members going in and out the building during the hospitalization period. Their presence may be due to their love and care over the significant ones who are now lying on the bed, in the room which is filled with the smell of chemicals and medication. Some may be wondering why bother to be present, as the visitors can only stand there and watch the patients undergo suffers and pain, not a big help to ease the pain they are going through, nor to pull them off from the illnesses. Perhaps we are there to provide emotional support and so the patients are able to hang on and continue fighting the terrorists who exist within the bodies. Perhaps we simply show up to prove our care and concern, as there will be the others who would witness our presence, and not commenting on the absence which many may perceive as cold-hearted. Even the hospital staffs themselves are required to show particular facial expressions and voice behaviours which suggest empathy, such as speaking in a lower tone and showing neutral expression. In other words, empathy is no longer to just feel for what the others do, but also to engage in actions to show that we do feel. It may not necessarily to be actions in making the other person to feel better, but actions which reflect our urge of supporting the individual, despite our relationship proximity with him or her.

Assessment

Assessments are carried out every now and then in our daily lives, range from academic to interpersonal. Certainly, it can be either formal or informal, depending on our purpose in doing so. Very often, we check on the amount of change after paying the bill, to see whether the waiter is being honest instead of cheating our money. At times we allow the hairdresser to take over in deciding our new hairstyle, hoping we will take on a whole new image which would please us and the significant people around. Also, we take note of the promises our lover or beloved friends have made from time to time, assessing their trustworthiness for future reference. All and all, assessments come into picture across different situations, among different circles, with us being the examiner, determining our very own marking scheme. Though we may be assessing others at this moment, we are in the same time being assessed by the people around, looking from different perspectives based on the necessity and likability. 

Crime Prevention

“Prevention is better than cure”; a greatly used phrase which aims to increase our awareness on particular topics. During the last prevention project, however, one of the speakers actually set a limit onto this meaningful saying. How so? By sharing information regarding the various types of crime in national language despite the fact that there were international participants who clearly did not understand a single word spoken, the speaker ignored student helper who notified her on the foreigners’ presence and carried on with the slideshows in mother tongue. “It’s okay,” was the reply. How depressing. The purpose of the whole event was only partially achieved at the very end of the day. Sometimes wonder, are we not required to share the knowledge on how to prevent self from being the victims of the crimes, simply because some of them are not the official residents despite the fact that they are living within the same boundaries as we do? Does the cultural difference still apply when it comes to human lives? Is there any law or statement which states that only the people of our own should be warned on the possible life-threatening incidents? Then again, are we not all from the same species after all? It is such an irony that the speaker actually failed to carry out the duty assigned, in terms of both crime prevention and the speaker’s job itself. Perhaps this simply reflects how people tend to be biased across many situations, though many may have claimed to be the opposite. It may be due to the speaker’s inability to speak fluent international language, or maybe not. All and all, it is never possible to fair to everyone around us, ever, because the degree to it does vary. At the end of the day, some might not even have the chance to be briefed on all these life-risking possibilities, where the “prevention is better than cure” fails, due to the limitations set onto it by us the biased creatures.

The Ruler

Every now and then we receive news on our kind being attcked by wild animals, which then provoke certain parts of the existing society and request for “justice” to be done. An eye for an eye, they say. Nonetheless, is death not part of the food chain created  by Mother Nature herself? Do our actions in seek for vengeance not mean us going against the nature law? Or perhaps the fact that we go after the murderer in disguise is indeed part of the food web itself? Justification for our purpose of hunting may be based on territory invasion, stating that if the animals did not cross the borderline in the first place, the killing could have been prevented. But, who has the right to state which land belongs to which species? We claim ourselves to be the smartest species on Earth as compared to all, due to the higher ability and capability in performing tasks. We claim to have owned and ruled this very land, simply because we are able to speak while the animals don’t. The truth is, do we really? Of whose boundary that the animals have crossed without asking for permission? Or perhaps we should say, of whose boundary that we are crossing without permission? Our population may be huge, but it certainly doesn’t mean we own the land, because the fact is, we just don’t. It is simply our perception, that since we have higher capability which allows us outsmart other species, we can label ourselves as the ruler for this very planet.

火与碳

当两人的爱情刚开始起跑，之间的情感可说是有别于一般的炽热，好比众人口中的“热情如火”一词。然而，此梦幻般的甜蜜平均不过足以维持一百天，过后的发展则事在人为。或许我们会埋怨说对方是如此的不善于表达内心感受，导致我们不时觉得缺乏安全感。也许我们会诉说今日无法与昔日比较，只因身边的他仿佛换成另一个人，过去的体贴与甜言不再回响于耳边。曾经拥有的火热，此时此刻竟不胜于街边的一盏小灯。但是，两人之间的感情难道就这么失去光芒，其中的温度就这么流失吗？既然爱是多元化的情，表达方式自然也有不同的手法待我们去学习与揭晓。好比两人的情感是堆燃烧中的火碳，起初所生的火虽小，可却能随着时间的流失逐渐扩大其燃烧范围，后失去让人耀眼的火焰，形成一堆毫不起眼的灰碳。然而如此，这并不意味着火焰无法重生，因为火种仍健在，不过是需要外来的助力以便再次展现昔日的光彩。看似死气沉沉的灰碳在微风的鼓舞下亦能再度精神焕发而持续的燃烧。人与人之间也能一样。与其我们不停展望对方采取行动好让两人之间的感情重燃火焰，不如静下心来思考事态是否果真如此严重，还是一切终究是内心的贪念所致，不满对方没有作出更为明显、更为特出及意料之外的举止以搏我们欢心。或许是我们主动采取行动的时候了也说不定。两人相处得再火热，到头来也抵不过时间以及习惯成自然的摧熬，成为灰碳；以温馨却不显眼的举止取代了甜言蜜语。火焰虽然耀眼，其寿命却无比短暂；灰碳看似落寞，却散发着强大的能量并持有燃起火焰的能力。碳中有火，火中无碳；是火是碳，始终因人而异。

Towel

Unfamiliar information or situation makes us feel uneasy and insecure at times, in which is rather common. Nevertheless, actions can be taken to deal with such insecurity using resources available in the surrounding. For example, one person forgotten to bring his towel and is in need to take a shower, yet there is no towel available for sale or rent. With only one face towel in hand, he decided to use the face towel instead. Perhaps some may say that the face towel is pretty much useless as it is not sufficient enough to dry the entire body. Is it? Or is it not? Indeed, the surface area might be smaller as compared to a towel. However, it does not mean that it is not capable performing the task given. All it needs is an extra push, or a different way to carry out what is required to be done. Improvise the steps to dry ourselves up using a towel with the area of 300 centimetres; squeeze the towel every now and then before continuing the action of drying ourselves up. It might be inconvenient or troublesome to be repeating the same step over and over again just to achieve one goal. Nonetheless, by doing so we are able to achieve our goals during the most desperate situation. We might have been over-pampered by the latest technology and convenience created, hence forgotten about how it was like back in the older days where we had to walk for miles in order to obtain a bucket of water. Perhaps we simply do not like complicated or repetitive procedures, that we tend to get bored easily. Whichever it may be, decisions as such are unavoidable at times during our entire life span. In the end, it is our determination which would decide how we take charge of our lives; to do, or not to do it, the complicated style during the most needed moments.

Desired Attention

Since childhood, there are dozens of drama series which portray the need for attention in human beings, in which most of the time is through relationship between nonhuman spirits and mankind. The script writers have put it in such a way that even living nonhuman beings possess somewhat similar emotions as compared to humans, which makes them whole and living. With the intention of reflecting us mankind’s characteristics perhaps, it is rather common to see how often the nonhuman spirits would fall for mankind who expresses care or offers help at particular crucial time frame, especially when they least expect attention from those who they perceived as higher ranked or different. This reflects our desire for attention, one way or another, regardless the fact that we may already have sufficient attention or, deprived of some spotlight, which further explain why some people would go head over heels when their crush look them in the eyes and smile. Certainly, there are the various degrees and types of attention exist, where different individuals would be in search of different levels of need. Nonetheless, is the attention given by particular being the one we truly need? Could it somehow be the self-created illusion in which to satisfy or perhaps, giving us hopes that we may still stand a chance? What could be the final result to the attention seeking behaviour we have in us? The answer lays still in our hand. 

Seasonal Repetition

Wonder if it is the season that leads to more surfacing of sensitive issues on the news and through media. It is rather hilarious that some people always assume self to be at a higher status among the society, and not remember the fact that we are all equal and deserve the rights to be treated fairly. Perhaps it is as simple as our nature of marking own territory in ensuring survival, that we somehow manage to claim particular area or item as ours, though it might not belong to anyone in the first place. Perhaps it is our inborn competitiveness that we always want to be ahead of others and thus, trying to be on top of everyone else by conquering more areas or even people’s hearts. Nonetheless, it is such contradicting situation where most of us cannot get along well with each other despite the idea of all as one which has been launched months ago. Nobody likes to live their lives in constant arguments and disharmony, or at least not all of us do. However, with our distinctive ideas of tolerance and bonding, it is rather difficult to have everyone comes down as one and share the same view towards future, as it requires mutual commitment instead of just one. Come to think of it, do the similar frustrating and heartbreaking incidents not take place during the usual days as well? 

Concrete & Abstract

Extra knowledge gained days ago during dinner, being reminded on how dangerous an abstraction can be. Some of us may have been thought to be optimistic, especially when it comes to our future, that we shall never back down from any obstacles encountered, but to carry on with what our hearts desire most. Nevertheless, it is also important whether we have or, are willing to put in efforts in order to make things work, as the wildest dream would still require us to start from a single scratch. We let our imaginations run wild, and be as creative as possible, reaching out of the box as many have said. But frankly speaking, how often do we question the success rate behind all dreams? How frequent do we dream while in the same time looking back into the reality and check on the possibilities? It was definitely a valuable lesson learned; that regardless how much we are to think abstractly, we would nonetheless have to place the thoughts onto something concrete in order to succeed. 

Treadmill

It has been one of the few requirements in setting an effective goal that we need to include specific time frame in carrying out the task. Indeed, it helps in reminding us to keep track of our work in achieving the goal, allowing us to manage our time well enough and so to be more efficient. Nevertheless, does that mean we would be able to enjoy the process in the same time? Running on the treadmill, the mind wandered, constantly looking at the timer every now and then, waiting for the cue digits to stop that particular activity. The objective was there, and same goes to the time, where the goal was then achieved. Yet, something else was missing. It was more of racing with time and counting down to the end of the particular goal instead of enjoying the process of running. Is the time a factor to push people function beyond their limits or it acts as a form of boundary itself onto a person’s ability? Perhaps it depends on the individual’s capability of multitasking; achieving goal and enjoys the process in the same time. Perhaps it simply relies on the perspectives chosen in viewing the matters. As the endless belt goes, the pace starts taking over. A force pushes the body to move forward, but does the mind and soul move along as well? God knows. 

Bell Curves

Despite the fact that we are all different from one and another in some way, some of us may still in search of how unique we can be, wondering about our very own functions and impacts onto this universe, where some even go up to the point of trying to outstand the crowd by pushing oneself to the extreme end of the curve. It is true that the grass at the other ends always seem to be greener, but what a bell curve presents of course has its limited perspectives, as it does not necessarily portray every single point of view exists on this very Earth. Is being categorized under the mean scores make us that non-common? Or is it as simple as we’ve missed out other bell curves which are lying right in front of us, and are responsible of displaying our differences? Many times we tend to overlook whatever that is available. Could it be our trained behaviour of focusing on single task or item which has caused us in behaving so? Or perhaps it is the fact that we simply want to be unique in every way that we try to ensure our uniqueness across all bell curves? Personally, what makes us different is the fact that we have different placing in all bell curves that exist, which then creates the various codes, allowing us to be individuals instead of one single common living being. All and all, being in either extreme ends across all matters simply make us dull and unprogressive. Well, it is all about the balance of life after all.

水面

表面上看似平静的湖亦有出现阵阵涟漪的时候，只因其内含有各式生物不停的游动。即使稍有静止的时刻，也不过是短暂的瞬间。 不同的观念造就不同的要求，不同的期望推动不同的灵魂。然而，试问尚有多少能了解其间的差异？时间的转动或会影响水面上的不规律，让其中的世界经历一次又一次的更新，踏上一路接一路的迷蒙。于外人眼中，所见的未必是里头的所有，而是外观上的改变。有人会对湖面的皱纹产生兴趣，企图了解其中的原理，甚至舍身入内一探另类的生命；有人或带有好奇心，却不多言，待涟漪散去方抽离身影；有人则单凭自己的思绪，尝试灌入新生物于该湖水中，企图制止那不规律的纹路。相同的，有人在意湖面涟漪的由来，亦有人对其震荡抱有不满，仿佛万静皆是美，也唯有静止能带出更美好的景色。水面上的波动或会令人懊恼让人忧，然而如此，若要铲除里头的生命链以让该湖面保持永久性的平静，那么，湖不再是湖，而是一滩难以瓢干的死水。

Barter System

When we are in need of something which another person is able to provide, and in the same time we possess what that individual is in search for, trading will then be done for separate redemption. Demands give birth to production and desires lead to actions taken. At times we may be whining on our efforts put into particular doings such as keeping in touch with specific social group, which may cost up to certain amount of credit used. Nevertheless, how often does it cross our minds that the opposite parties might also be paying the price of their own in continuing the conversation, contributing to the act of maintaining the bonds in between? It is hilarious to see how we tend to focus on the negative side of the story being told instead of the positive, and how we like to present ourselves in the most favourable light by stating how much we have been mistreated. Perhaps there may be the perceived unjust throughout the negotiation in exchanging the goods, where we always wonder why we should engage into the first move and not the other party. Perhaps there are the times where we secretly cheer for our profits, thanks to the newbies we've met half way through the journey that we are able to obtain what we long for, assuming them not know our tricks behind the deal when they actually do. Perhaps there might be many other incidents and emotions involved in this particular system, many stories untold or not know where and who to share with, waiting for the moment to unfold whatever we wish to unfold. All and all, regardless the items traded are desirable or not, when we have a look at the processes in between, we might just find ourselves something new, and different. 

19062009

人生得一知己足矣，斯世，当同怀视之。

The definition of good and best friends varies from one individual to another, depending on the person's core value of belief. Across the developing stages, incidents taken place, hence the change of perception and definition for many truths one heart holds. Once thought it will be more than impossible to obtain long lasting friendship and, a friend to share the many burdens and expressions with, until the day two distinctive souls come to a meeting point. Throughout the one year journey of life, we've taken on the roller coaster rides, where there are the ups and downs, where the time spent together creates the wonderful memories we treasure most; the first handmade gift, the company during the rainy days, the smile from the bottom of the heart, the crazy ideas on new experiences and the list goes on. 365 days are not the reasons to close bonding, but the quality moments shared between one and another; 8760 hours do not directly link to the quality moments spent, but the committment of two separate individuals; 525600 minutes do not guarantee the committment to closer bonds, but the attitude and trust lie within, thus the 31536000 seconds of wonderful friendship.

曾几何时，有人告诉我蓝颜知己并不存在。

如今，我却证实了他的观念是错误的。

I am glad we have met, and found each other across this very crowd.

Magnifying Media

Sometimes wonder what the original objective of having media was; to help bringing the focus onto disasters and sorrow perhaps? Or to widen up the general knowledge one possesses. Whatever the reason was, the impact of media is definitely noticeable, especially in the current society. It is so great that many tend to assume whatever the media is publishing in the news seem to be the only significant incidents in which are taking place, not remembering the fact that they may simply be the one small corner of the entire ice berg. Let's assume that one of the few objectives of having media is to spread the awareness on somehow or extremely rare cases such as psycho on street takes out several lives. Does that mean all psycho on Earth kill? No. It's funny to see how the media deviates its original path from reporting the truth to instilling the wrong impression towards particular groups into public. Perhaps it is their mistake of not publishing the actual percentage of certain incidents such as plane clash. Perhaps we as audiences are responsible to search and know well that whatever is on the news does not represent the entire human race. Perhaps we simply have to acknowlege media's strength in hypnotizing and or influencing our cognition. How ironic to see the least happened incidents overtake the rest which are frequently taking place, where everyone focuses mainly on the uncommon cases instead of those majorly in need of attention and actions.

喜新念旧

坐在车中静听着收音机播放的歌曲，思绪不禁被拉入电视剧里头的某些画面。由古至今，人类不断创新，以随着想象力更新所谓的生活水平。日新月异，适者生存；不及时代变迁则不及众人所盼，不及世人所望则不及内心所需。不及则不适，不适则不实；此观念近能于万人中所揭，一切不外是隐形压力所施。然而如此，喜新厌旧一词并未能大众化，只因仍有少数展开寻旧之旅，以固定喜好为标，收集陈年旧物。人与人之间的交流也不过如此。不同的经历造就不同心灵所需及要求，致使社交圈子的变动。年龄的增长，改变了朋友的定义，视野的扩增改变了做人处事的道理。当一人由人生一站移迁至下一站，所能携带在身的除了回忆尚是回忆。即使懊恨，我们不企图改变过去，而是利用现有的醒悟尝试改写未来，只因再丑恶的往事仍有最美丽的画面，再憧憬的未来尚有令人懊恼的未知数。喜新皆为平凡，厌与念则为一线之差。

Take A Break

At times we care so much about what the others might think of us that we tend not to be the usual self. From time to time, we are in seek of a place, a person or an object in which we can remove the hundreds masks, and greedily gasp for the long lost fresh air, and peace. Sometimes we can be so dependent to the point we ignore constructive advice from inner self and from others, where we may regret of behaving so when looking into the reflection from the past. How often do we want to be stronger and carry out the tasks assigned by life and fate with no questions asked? How frequent does it come across the mind that we are not as tough as we wish or expected to be? Listening to the rhythm produced by the rain drops hitting onto all surfaces, the mind retreats to a different world, where all thoughts entangled together as one and the body stops receiving orders from the brain, All movements in the universe stop, left only the 'moving chest'. It is somewhat good when we have allocated time for pauses as such, a break from busy schedules and constant input from obstacles and difficulties, with the price of being demotivated to get up once more. What are the reasons behind the so called hard work when we are actually looking for personal time slot to sit down and free ourselves from many other issues outside the very door? How do we even be stronger seeing that we do not allow our mind and body to take a break from many hassles? Why do we expect independence when we are obviously in need of support? Perhaps that simply shows how greedy and naive we can be at times, or perhaps, it proves how ambitious we are. Be stronger and more independent, it is about time.

Valid Experiences

While we are trekking inside a jungle for the very first time, we would usually watch our feet as we cut through the forest in hope of reaching final destination; hence less attention is paid onto the surrounding beauty. To and fro the journey, there aren’t many changes in terms of the way we explore the woods, other than the slight increase in speed, with little running and jumping through the paths and across river stones. Nevertheless, we still pay more attention to the possible obstacles within the jungle as we cut it across, and not putting more effort into recognizing the surrounding in case we get lost, or to admire the nature and enjoy the fresh air it provides. Perhaps we subconsciously know that all we have to do is to follow the trail people before us have left us, and that we are not required to put in extra effort in finding our ways in and out. Perhaps we are more cautious on safety measure in terms of possible injuries and not the probability of getting lost within the forest. Perhaps we simply want to complete the task in hand instead of enjoy it to the fullest. Come to think of it, do we not tend to focus on the difficulty of an ongoing task instead of the process in achieving it as well? Do we not wish to accomplish the work we are assigned to as soon as possible instead of wondering about the possible benefits behind? Then, are the experiences we’ve had valid at all? To a certain degree probably, it depends, really. 

解决 . 逃避

当脑里存有无数的不确定，思绪也自然而然变得混淆、迷惑。一旦心中藏有过多的不解与迟疑，面部神情亦随而之改变，显得较为忧郁，或平静。也许人们自身并不喜欢持续的被裹于神秘感里，或者是我们终究抵挡不住那份强烈的求知欲，进而尝试寻找所谓真相以一解内心疑问，取得短暂安宁。然而如此，其过程中所牵涉的又是否如想象般容易面对？无数的问题停留在嘴边，久久未能言语，困于后退与前进两者之间，犹豫不定。过量的探讨或会影响抉择后的感受，却总是成为众人所采用的方式以解除一切忧虑，望能取得所谓的品质保证，虽说其机率是何等的渺茫。惯用的解决技巧看在他人眼里或皆属逃离事实之计，仍得掌握的尚有千万里之远，仿佛遥不可及。日后将会发生的又会是如何？有待揭晓。

Hypnotizability

It is one stereotype that many assume all psychologists read minds, and the syllabus covers mainly on how to psycho people, attacking their thoughts. Personally have one unique view on matter as such, people generally have the talent in hypnotization, but require guidance in maximising the effect onto the surrounding individuals. What is the general definition of "hypnotization" anyway? Perhaps the process of directing a person to the subconscious in retrieving particular information which is not stored in the conscious mind? Or perhaps a trick to take an individual off the conscious mind and hence listen to whatever instructions given by the so called master? How about the daily incidents where people set boundaries on their capability, therefore limiting their very own achievement? Take a look back then, how often do we tell ourselves or others on what is achievable and what is not? Are those not hypnotization in different forms? Putting in social theories in explaining the effects stated above: when a stimulus is constantly shown, the belief on particular subject is then strengthened. In short, the priming effect. The increase of availability somehow shape or even change our perception on certain view. Therefore, hypnotization is a skill in which implemented through the developmental process and shaped by the social cognition, and it is certainly not available only among the psychologists. Now, how interesting this is to sleep on.

Self-Advertising

Very often we brag about our experiences, exaggerating them in fear of not having someone to acknowledge us. Well, maybe it does not apply to all, but there are indeed those who would engage in activities as such in order to boost their fame among the social circle. At times we promote ourselves as we interact with others, through the words spoken and ideas shared, not necessarily in exchange for money but the little satisfaction on our perceived recognition from the peers or even family members. As we speak, we are giving people a rough idea on how our personality is like and from there we know whether both parties are able to click on as time goes by. As we share our knowledge or experiences, be it revolves around us or the circle involved, we advertise our perspectives in search for those who agree to our proposals and join in the forces. We have those who are willing to insult their friends just so to create the comparison that they are of higher quality and we have people who try to amaze the friends through ridiculous story plots so others would find them spectacular. Nevertheless, the intention of advertising own self may result in irreversible side effects such as the loss of faith and trust, if and only if, we fail to do it the right way. Then again, the definition of appropriate advertisement varies across individuals. 

Responsibility

Unwanted incident happens, though it can always be avoided when precautions are taken. Nevertheless, it requires both parties to work mutually only then accidents can be prevented, instead of just one. Taking car accident as an example, one person may be a safe driver and always look out for possible danger on the road, but, accident still occurs when another individual who is drunk and fails to stop eventually hit the car of that particular person. Putting who-is-at-fault issue aside, no one wanted to be involved in any car wrecks from the very beginning, but with only one side taking the precaution to avoid undesired incidents taking place is not sufficient enough to actually prevent accidents from happening. It is our responsible to make sure things are on track, to push ourselves further for the better and to accept the outcomes of the decisions made. However, people interpret the term ‘responsibility’ differently; dealing with the circumstances of previous choices made, blaming oneself for the occurrence of unwanted incidents, improving for the better in ensuring one’s success et cetera. Certainly, some may see all the actions mentioned above as a whole, as it fits onto the common senses we develop overtime on how to be responsible for the options taken, but for sure there is the one particular act which we prefer or tend to be engaged in. One important question lies within our responsibility and that is; what is the main reason we choose to be responsible over our actions? Do we do it for the sake of accepting the fact that it has already happened? Does our responsibility mean we acknowledge our fault and get upset? Or do we improvise and figure a better ways of solving problems in case something similar takes place again in the near future? Getting stuck in the past does not bring us forward, neither does spending whole day wondering about future helps improving ourselves, but only when we realise the present and come up with a proposal to how things should be done that we can and able to change our lives, hence marching towards brighter future. 

Perceived Space

Have you ever felt the time passes way slower when you’re driving on medium road as compared to highway, though it’s about the same hours spent? Have you ever felt suffocating in a limited space which only allows little movements, as though you’re trapped and will never be freed? There are different kinds of space exist around us, both literally and verbally defined. It is somewhat funny to see how often we perceive the sufficient physiological space as insufficient psychological space available. Perhaps we simply ask for more when we have our basic needs satisfied, perhaps we are born to aim for more secured environment or perhaps we feel threatened at the intrusion of others which we least expected or even, the most desired ones. At times we feel lonely at people’s absence, as though there’s too much space for ourselves alone and hence, the urge to have someone filling in the blank. Nevertheless, we tend to find it stressful when the particular person does not perfectly fit in the slot as we perceived him as over-controlling and that we need fresh air coming in between, to help smoothen and freshen up everything, including the difficult times once had, forgotten about previous moments when we in need of other living beings’ presence. We reserve space for the special someone or perhaps the special group of people, but we complain on their intrusion in the same time due to the lesser personal space available; such conflicting desires, such irony.

Equation

It has been quite some time now. The intrinsic motivation of writing more seems to be slowly disappearing, as there were lesser time for inspiration kicks in due to lesser personal time for day dreaming. Complicated mathematic equations no longer show up as often now ever since the psychology course takes over pre-u, until the one fine day when S:R→C sticks out from the paper. Over the time as we grow, overcoming challenges and different perceived obstacles, we develop our own schema in handling situations and even, the expectations. Perhaps an easier term can be applied in here; equation. We have different formulas for different roles which we play as, our own ways of handling difficulties and making decision. It is a very common saying, “We are all different individuals, who might share the similar thoughts but will never be exactly the same, both physically and psychologically.” The ideas we have in mind, the perception we gain through information heard and the little thoughts intervening in between are formulated in a way, but also vulnerable toward influences at the same time. One person’s solution may not be as effective when applied to another individual and certainly, we cannot simply force someone to accept and follow whatever we think is the best, though many still do without them knowing, including the person who typed this entry. Personally, it is our choice whether to apply other people’s formula into selves in which we may not be satisfied with or, to come up with our very own equation over time, for various settings and purposes. When we find alien formula unfits, just leave it aside and figure a better one because it is simply an example and guidance, but never the must-do in our lives. It is our choice indeed.

特长篇：蔚．蓝

        雷电持续地恐吓着大地，利用闪闪白光照射在它那惊慌失措的脸庞，仿佛务必要它交出匿藏于身后的她。雨滴毫不留情的打在她身上，望她抵挡不住痛楚以向它俩投降，同一时间尝试淹没大地好让它失去袒护该名女童的能力。然而如此，她却不停的向前迈进，视那雷电交加的雨夜而不见，好比这一切、一切不过是人生中的小小波折，并不足以造成任何威胁。如此的黑夜往往叫人放弃所有的坚持与执着，然而凭着心中的强念，她一步接一步的跨越自己的步伐，寻找着同类的住处好能结束这么的一个旅程。

        短期浸泡在雨中犹如长年岁月，她拉紧披在身上的布料，坚定的眼神锁在那处于眼角的村庄。数间草屋散布在那山谷之间，微微烛光相比于这暴风雨的夜晚显得特别柔弱，却不失强刃的光芒，使得该村子展现着无限的温暖，向在外的游子发出请帖，好在如此咄咄逼人的气候稍作停留。一道温和的声音在她脑中回荡，告知她已抵达目的地。命运轮盘开始旋转，她将会在那村庄里等待那一天的到来。

        那山谷之间的部落乃是与世隔绝的翼雅族，深信着大自然背后存有一股莫名的力量且操纵着一切。除此之外，该族人全是年约二十的女性，更是不曾衰老或遭受病魔的侵袭。在这么一个令人哆嗦的暴风雨夜，所有族人皆聚集在伊达领导住处，想一探那气候的源头以及其讯息。在众人不住的分享个人意见时，一名女子缓缓站起，场面顿时平静下来，目光全落在她清秀的眉目，等待她发言。一头乌黑波浪似的卷发中带有银色光泽，从远处看去却像似在空中飞翔的鸟儿，眉间更是点上翼样的红点，她，就是翼雅族群的领导者--伊达。掌握了视、嗅、听、觉、解五门最高心灵境界的伊达向族人宣布它已经来到，并且是时候准备就绪。言毕，众人直视她那银白色的心灵之窗，仿佛誓下永不后退的承诺，拼死捍卫它以确保日后的安宁。

        同一时刻，惨遭雷雨围攻的女孩终于突破所有障碍出现在伊达处所，面上毫无表情，唯独先前的雨滴从她脸颊滑下，伊达用眼神指示身边两位女子向前接应，于该女孩上头划了几圈方让她们将她带往事先预备好的落脚处。待那三人消失在视线范围后，只听伊达缓缓说道：“以后我们将得一起硬闯无数关卡了，蔚。请妳务必要保持坚强以面对一切，并早日发掘妳来到这里的目的。为了所有生态，妳一定要尽快完成妳的使命。”众族人合上双眼，与伊达领导一同接受心灵上的洗礼。她发丝中的银色光泽顿时发出光芒，后慢慢扩散至整个村庄方再次消失于黑夜里。一切就要开始了。

        数日已逝，翼雅人仍在积极地训练。她们被分配成五大派系，各以自身主选的心灵境界为首要衡量标准。视者负责射击，她们凭着尖锐的眼力以及心眼的纯足以在最短的时间内击中百里外的目标，一击夺命。嗅者则善于从空气分子中取得不同讯息，例如大自然不寻常的转变以及敌人的动静。另一派系与嗅者皆属防卫刑部队，既是利用双耳听讨任何风声的听者，警觉于四周的变动。另外，此两大派系更是勤练刀剑以加强她们的防卫工作，而不时在村庄范围设下防敌阵线亦是她们的责任之一。觉者们善于战斗策略以及领悟世上万物间的真理，负责确保计划顺利进行以及将损伤率降至最低点。在众多派系中，唯独解者占最少数，主要工作是从周围的变化当中预测未来及将发生的主要事件。然而，能全然掌握五大派系的翼雅人更是少之又少，其中惟有伊达一人成功达到此境界。

        在众多乌黑长发中，蔚的深蓝色短发显得特别出众，陪伴在她身旁的则是伊达领导，两人一同望着略带紫红的天空，各带心事般久不言语。犹如孩童一样，蔚看着高自己一个身栽的领导问道：“为何天空不再是蓝天？”无法告诉她背后所有真相的伊达静静的注视着蔚，柔和中带点哀叹地回说日后一切自会清楚了然。在蔚居住于翼雅村的这些日子里，她不时与五大派系学习各强项与技巧，甚至和伊达一同锻炼武艺。即使伊达心中比任何人都清楚蔚真正需要的不是武功，却仍要她学会翼雅的所有，好让她日后多少能抵抗外来的袭击。时间之流沙逐渐的被卷入那无底洞，一去不回头，在世界另一端的他们也同样的开始采取行动，企图从她们手中夺得元素之首的它。

        自千年以来，处处与翼雅族对抗的添吼组织想尽办法取得她们守护的灵素以掌控那莫名无敌的大自然能量。所谓灵素既是世界所有元素交叉而产生的素体，其能力足以平衡万物间的不一以保持所有生态的安宁。然而，灵素于每世纪便会逝去，剩下酷似人体的躯壳以及丁点的意识好让该人体能自动返回翼雅村庄直至灵素再次诞生。直到灵素再生，那所剩的躯壳则被称为“蔚”。在一切未成定局前，失去首领的元素将会分成两大帮派，一是协助灵素的诞生，一是被添吼组织提出的条件所诱惑与翼雅为敌。当然，元素们只能在蔚未达到翼雅村前出动以阻扰她前进，之后则不得干涉任何进展，除非它已重生。万物之间不再和谐，阴阳区分有别，元素间的意见不一最后改变原先世界的面貌，天空不再是晴天，万物皆不得安宁，直至它的再现以平定一切。

        黑野看着取代蓝天的紫红，按耐不住心中的激情与兴奋打从心底发笑。“终于等到这一天的到来了，她真的有父亲说得那么强劲吗？当我掌控了它又会怎样呢？”手轻轻一拨他那紫红色的短发，转身面对他从世界各地寻得的特出兵队，个个身材魁梧且拥有强大劲力，更是凶残不已，誓必将敌人灭绝方罢休。一个手势，全队伍准备听令，以整齐的步伐进入战斗机内往南飞去。

        在翼雅村里，蔚注视着湖中央尝试聆听其间的窃窃私语。不知不觉她已逗留了一星期，在这段期间更是不时听到不同的声音，仿佛要告知她某些重要事件。此外，不少奇异事故亦发生于她身上，例如，不小心碰到火焰的蔚竟然不留任何伤疤，更没能感觉其热能。轻轻在水面上一划，小小的漩涡便会成形，持上数分钟之久。最让人摸不着头脑的是，即使她将这些如此怪异之事告知伊达或任何翼雅族人，她们非但没表露丝毫惊讶，反而相当的庆幸与开心。摇一摇头，蔚尝试摆脱脑中的种种疑问，继续专注于聆听，想诠释环境所带来的讯息，只因她打从昨日至今总是有股不安的念头，仿佛在不久后的日子将会发生惨痛事件。殊不知，数架载满斗气高昂且满手血腥战士的飞行物正逐步接近翼雅山谷，准备展开血流成河的战斗。黑野望着窗外的青山，暗誓要完成数代传达下来的使命以获得那能力无穷的元素之首--灵素，毕竟这一切经已用上无数的岁月，是时候终止一切及掌控强大的权势了。

        黑夜降临，嗅者与听者一如往常地在山谷四周插下棒之物体以作防敌效用。此棒体将会频频发出刺耳声波，使怀有恶意人士不得动弹，在不对外界造成任何伤害的情况下防止无关人士发现或来到翼雅村庄。然而如此，黑夜对此防范之举早有对抗方法。当添吼组织依照着黑野父亲留下的地图来到翼雅村万里外的山谷，他们启动战斗机上的自我保护程式，利用一层肉眼看不见的膜阻止视、嗅、听者们察觉到他们的入侵。来到翼雅村上方，数位添吼战士用更为强大的声波发射机破坏她们原先所设的防敌阵线。一声巨响，棒体已被破碎。翼雅族人发现事态变化之时，一切都太迟了。添吼战士由空而降，来到了她们的面前。觉者发出号令以告知所有翼雅勇士准备作战，毫不迟疑的，她们取出早已佩戴在身边的武器，迎向身材更为魁梧的添吼战士们。坚定的眼神对上信心十足的奸笑，各方使尽浑身气力，挥下开战的第一刀。

        站岗与四处的听者们取出数支箭靶朝空中射去，有如化成雨中的水滴从天而降洒在敌人身上，拿下了部分添吼战士的性命。红色液体从他们的伤口溅出，喷在翼雅族人的脸上，象征着她们短暂性的胜利。拖着沉重的剑，带着轻盈的步伐，她们继续向前冲刺，聆听着觉者们的战斗策略，一刀接一刀的切开添吼成员的肉体，将他们击倒在地。数名翼雅勇士亦在此战场中遭受敌人围攻不支倒地，后赔上了性命，化成一缕云烟，消失于这世上，留下不得继续守护它的遗憾。黑野从战斗机上看着双方的人力损失，在人群中寻找着她与它的踪影，既是父亲口中头发含有有如飞鸟银色光泽的伊达以及身为元素之首的女孩。

        此时此刻，伊达正安排着蔚的避难通道，吩咐一名听者随身守护好让她不在成为灵素前被添吼所得，毁了世界安宁。待蔚消失于秘密通道后，伊达带着长剑走出了她的处所。借助经已倒地的敌人躯体，伊达轻轻一跃，朝黑野所处的战斗机上冲去，而他也满容欢笑的握着手中的大刀跳机应战。阴阳相碰，正邪交锋，两名首领的刀刃在空中划出了火花，于黑夜里擦出短暂的光明。

        蔚尾随着该名听者来到了翼雅村的另一端，尚未逃离山谷范围，一名壮汉出现在她们眼前，身穿紧衣展现其魁梧的身形，光秃秃的头部亦反射着天上的明月。听者作势准备攻击，却不及大汉快速，冷不防的已被他高举空中。在她未能呼喊要求蔚自行逃命时，该名大汉举起一只脚，将她用力地往下一敲，令人闻之痛心的骨折声于山谷中回响，痛喊声久久未能散去，后寂静。目睹这一切的蔚顿时傻眼不得动弹，看着为了保护她而丧命的听者随风飘去，一股强烈的自责心涌上心头，呼醒了沉睡于肉体的莫名能量。乌黑明亮的双眼转变成令人不寒而栗的冰蓝，而其深蓝色的短发在月光下更是显得亮丽及冷酷。如今耳边的数把声音更是清晰了，个个元素正告诉她使用其力量的方式。灵素--蓝经已诞生。

        望着眼前的壮汉，蓝的五指朝上，一道火焰顿时在她手心中成形。由下往上的狠狠割去，火柱即时出现在她眼前，将该名大汉锁在其中燃烧。一团黑影在火柱里头作垂死挣扎，看在蓝的眼里却远不足逝去的听者生前所经历般惨痛。往身后一转，剑击与箭击声不断传入耳里，刀剑的撞击更是让翼雅村在黑暗中发出道道光芒。冰蓝的双眼不禁流露出伤痛，加强了蓝一心想要停止所有纠纷及维持安宁的意念。一阵强风刮起，慢慢的把蓝带离地面，朝那光芒的来源飘去。

        正在奋斗的翼雅族感应到蓝的转变，心中深感高兴，更是激情的与添吼成员对抗。伊达眼中的笑意看在黑野眼里尽是挑起了他愤怒的神经，只因取得灵素的机会更为渺小了，加上伊达果真有父亲所说的强劲，甚至比想象中厉害。伊达察觉到黑野开始质疑自己的能力并趁他注意力稍微被分散时将他打下地面。狠狠的一击叫他吐出几口鲜红的血液，胸口仿佛决裂般的疼痛让他久久不得动弹。他利用大刀的扶持虚弱的站起，企图继续与伊达及其族人厮杀，然而他之前所带来的兵力如今只剩数十名，相比于翼雅族则是以一对十。

        忽然，湖中的水往上喷射，在空中形成漩涡，而蓝就站在上方，冷酷的蓝眼直视黑野，叫他不禁哆嗦。大地开始崩裂，将死去的添吼成员尸首吞噬，后再次合拼，留下翼雅勇士以及仍活命的黑野与手下。“灵素之名乃意味着自身有灵且不受任何第三者操控，就凭你对权势的贪又怎能将我占为己有？”蓝言毕，手指向前方，该漩涡朝黑野等人迈进将他们卷入。部分添吼成员尝试逃生，不料寒风来袭，将漩涡连同里头的生物凝结成冰。伊达与其他翼雅族人表露出安慰，庆幸一切终已结束。只见蓝轻轻站在冰冻的漩涡上，该冰体立即破裂，粉碎于地面，后遭沙石所掩盖，消失于视线范围。

        蓝踏着脚下的风来到伊达眼前，感谢她与族人多日来的守护。后挥一挥手，之前因斗争而遭受破坏的草木重新长出幼苗。“万物间的再生是何等的美好，总会在最绝望的时候给予希望与重生。虽说未必与先前的生命相似，但是却不时创出更美丽的前景，这方是世上最强大的力量。然而如此，世上愚蠢的人们却不知其重要性，只懂得争取短暂性的光辉，没能看见已停留在身边的美好。”蓝慢慢地说道，然后闭上眼睛化身成多只萤火虫随风散去。被萤火碰触的湖面、树木及土地顿时发出光芒，后出现十来个球体，里头各装有年约十五的黑发女孩。泡沫破开，女孩们同时睁开双眼，尾随着伊达与翼雅勇士们回到处所。隔天，蓝天再现，大地亦唱着生命之歌，仿佛在庆祝安宁的到来，而翼雅村里，女孩们正学习着战斗，为百年后的斗争而作好准备。

No Boundary

At times we are asked to believe in many things that sometimes we ourselves not even sure whether we should be, until the day we are being approached and touched, hence strengthening the faith and carry on. Nevertheless, it strictly depends on the issue involved, including the sensitive ones. One of the very few topics which has been pretty disturbing and confusing is that it seems to be a must to take side most of the time, though it appears to be and is a choice to be made whether we choose to fully commit in either side, never the both somehow. Neutral is never an option. Well, at least this is the message that seems to be passing around in the recent days. There are the times when everything has its pros and cons, and we are the ones who are responsible in picking the best out of the choices available. Nevertheless, what if we have the chance to extract the pros from the options presented in sight and compile them altogether as one, in us? What if we get to benefit ourselves and then the people around us simply by learning and applying the teaching we received from the two distinct worlds? We may be greedy for having to enjoy from the best of both worlds, we might be irresponsible for not able to commit entirely in one and only one colony and we probably be labeled as ‘no boundary’ simply due to the fact that we are being neutral, trying to learn more by not taking sides and being biased; still, as long as it means no harm to anybody or anything and it is not against our very own principles, it is certainly acceptable. We know nature or nurture alone does not play the entire role in shaping our behaviours and personalities, so how sure are we that 100% serving in one particular side is any better? Pure breed may be pedigree but extreme behaviour is not necessarily an advantage. Similarly, no-boundary does not give us any reason to go against the concept simply because we’re not part of it. It is how much we learn from making a decision that counts, as it is not the belief that matters at times, but the teaching within.

Commercialised Children

Looking at the two 9 year old girls competing with each other in the screen, where both trying their very best not in performing their skills but to act like an adult, showing the so called high self confidence by insulting one and another’s performance, claiming themselves to be of the higher level, we couldn’t help it but to shake our heads. Seriously, the children these days often come in packages, from the adult-like physical appearance minus off body figure, to the abilities in various fields such as singing, dancing and even mimicking. It is as though meeting the criteria above has become the only way to ensure children’s brighter future; otherwise, they do not survive or stand out among the crowd. Come to think of it, how often do we not attracted to the children who start showing incredible dance moves on stage and winking non-stop as though all opposite sex will for sure fall for them? How often do we actually look at a child and be amazed by him or her for being ordinary and living a normal childhood life, instead of attending different classes for academic and performing arts at the age of 5? Somehow it seems to be great to have children behaving like adults, both appearance and ability wise, with less thoughts given to them behaving like children can be great too. Is this a form of condition to prove how advanced we human beings are, by having the children acting like adults and adults continue behaving like one too? Is commercialising the only way to be outstanding and bring happiness to children, or it is the fastest way of getting us the adults big bucks and fame instead? We may be saying how well we know our children, we might be trying to convince them on the benefits they are getting in the future simply by following our sayings and we probably be telling many others we are simply doing it for the well being of the children. Nevertheless, their thoughts should be taken into account as it is their lives we’re making decision for, not just any of wooden puppet we created out of woodblock.

Right & Wrong

What do we really expect to hear as we share our little issues and thoughts with the people around us? What do we want to hear the most as we express ourselves; the supporting statements or perspectives against ours? How often do we actually listen to what the others have to say and weigh the significance of their opinions? At times we can be so blind and deaf that we do not see how things are linked altogether, does not matter whether the one decision we made eventually leads to something awful or the opposite. Some of us dislike judgement as we find it unfair, even if we were the ones who seek for advice from others in the first place and eventually label those ideas as judgements when we find them unfit to our own theories. Some of us don’t know what to expect and what to do even if we’ve collected dozens of suggestions regarding the issues we’ve put up as we fail to differentiate the right from wrong and the wrong from right. Some of us simply want to share the problems which have been very disturbing instead of looking for solutions to completely get rid of them; a way to temporarily clear our mind. There are the times when we refuse to admit our wrong or even the more negative part of us, as we try to please the others and amaze them perhaps, just so to have them find us cool and great; hence, the attention. There are the times when we simply find it wrong to comment on others that they are wrong and always have been, as it seems to be the wrong manner if we do not acknowledge people’s own thoughts to their own problems and to have them agree to ours instead. It is as simple as us finding our decisions right at all times, when we are highly self-centred especially, that we find it hard to accept the right comments regarding our behaviours and beliefs which may and can be wrong at times. Not that it’s something unusual but common enough to find such phenomenon taking place around us, including ourselves.