Lessons from Kilimanjaro Hike

1. Be Grateful

It is rare opportunity to go on such a trip with great friends. We flew from US, Europe & Asia to meet in Africa. I am keenly aware of the Impermanence of Life. This might be the last time.

I chose to be grateful. 

Grateful to have the ability & opportunity to travel the world. 

Grateful to have wonderful friends. 

Grateful that everyone is safe. 

Grateful to be alive.

2. Enjoy the Journey

The journey to the summit is a few days, but the time spent at the summit is less than 1 hour.

Past experience has proven to me that I might not reach the summit (ie. the goal).

It would be foolish not to enjoy the journey.

On the 5th day of the trek, I was on the roof of Africa, looking its great plain. 

It was surreal. It was beautiful. 

I told myself "even if I do not make it to the summit, this view has made all the time/money/effort worthwhile."

Day 5 - Looking over the plain of Africa

3. Do your best and be at peace

There are certain things in life that are within my control (ie. my fitness level)

But there are certain things beyond me (ie. Susceptibility to Acute Mountain Sickness).

Ivan was suffering badly from AMS on day 4 and was contemplating of evacuation plan.

Fortunately, he recovered and managed to summit Kilimanjaro in good shape.

I knew that Ivan had trained well and put in a lot of effort for this trip.

Even if he did not make it to the summit, his regret would be reduced by the fact that he was pulled down by factors not within his control. 

4. Empathy

Practice empathy, as you do not know what are the challenges that person is facing.

Everyone has their own challenges to overcome. 

Everyone is fighting their own battles.

When Jon was struggling with AMS and was moving very slowly, I remembered my marathon experience with Jon a few years ago. I was down with flu the week prior to the marathon, I was on medication that morning, I hit my physical limit (ie. despite going to washroom, I could hardly control my bladder in the last 5km, urine would leak out whenever I tried to run). My finishing time was a disappointment. After the race, Jon remarked that I did not push myself hard enough physically. I was upset with that remarks.

This time when Jon was struggling, I told myself to empathize. To remember the time I felt weak and helpless.

5. Support each other

Interdependence of Life. 

We are all dependent on each other and need to support each other.

I don't think I could do this trek alone.

I need the support of my friends and the porters.

Overcoming challenges together is definitely more satisfying than doing it alone.

On the last stretch to the summit, I was in good shape physically (no AMS) and I am confident of reaching the summit, but some of my friends were struggling. As I knew my friends were well taken care by the guides and I was excited to reach the summit, I decided to went ahead alone.

On the hindsight, I would slow down and wait for them, and give support in any small ways.

This would complete the trip.

Review of 2012

Year 2012 is a pivotal year in my life. There were moments of fear, disappointment, gratitude, happiness, sadness, frustration, contentment and peace. I am glad that I ended year 2012 on a high note.

I was grateful that someone gave me a helping hand when I was in need. I was worried when my father was hospitalized. I was elated when I landed my ideal job (something that I had been working hard for past 6 years). I was sad when 2 friends passed away suddenly (especially leaving this world on a sad note). I was touched when I managed to raise more than S$5000 within 2 days for a school in remote India. I was happy to see the joy on the faces of children from disadvantaged background. 

Things will always change. From good to bad, vice-versa. That is the impermanence of life. It is foolish to think that life will always be good. I am coping with changes in life better, as I have accepted that this is the reality of life. Whenever I cannot accept this fact, I would suffer.

Life will always present us with many challenges. Instead of wishing for smooth sailing year (which is almost impossible). I wish everybody will learn some life wisdom to deal with all the uncertainties, good and bad in life.

Be Humble

There are so much things to learn from other people. There are so much things that we do not know. Humility allows us to learn more things and keep an open mind. We always need other people's help as we are all interdependent.

Be Compassionate

Before you pass a judgement on another person, put yourself into his/her shoe. Be mindful that everybody is the same - everyone just wants to be happy. If we see that everyone is just like  us, we would be more forgiving and more compassionate. Showing compassion is the only way to renew life. 

Remember to be compassionate/love to ourselves too. We, too, make mistakes, learn from it, forgive ourselves and remember not to do it again. Move on and remember that other people also make the same mistakes as us.

Do your Best

There is so much stress to meet other and our own expectations. We could never accomplish all our goals. Certain things in life are just beyond our control. We must always do our best, and be at peace with the results. If things do not work out, at least, we find solace that we have done our best. There is nothing to be ashamed when we have given our best.

Be Grateful

Remember that all things that we enjoy now is given by so many other people. A reminder of the Impermanence of Life is always helpful. I am aware that my health is not permanent, my family & friends are not permanent, my wealth is not permanent, my career is not permanent and most importantly, my life is permanent. So many bad things could happen in a minute, anything could be taken away from you anytime anywhere. Be grateful and contented.

Let Go

We came to this world with nothing. Yet, over the years, we learn so much things (thanks to the kindness of our parents and many other people) and accumulate so much possessions. The problem is not with the accumulation, but the attachment to things/identity/relationship etc... There is always time to say goodbye. Everything in life ends - your favourite things, pets, friends, family, relationship, career, health... It is inevitable. Learning to let go is a good way to set ourselves free. 

Personally, I always practice these qualities and it improves my life. I find peace and happiness more easily. I am more grateful. I am more willing to share and give. These qualities are especially useful in times of difficulties and uncertainties. I am still learning and hoping to improve myself.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." 

-- Theodor Seuss Geisel

May you find happiness and peace in your life.

First Quarter of 2012 & Appreciation of Dharma

Even though there is a lack of online entries on the first quarter of 2012, this quarter turned out to be full of different experiences. May be it is one of the most exciting quarter I ever been through. So many things had happened - South America Trip, Taiwan Trip, Change of Job, Vipassana Meditation Course, Father's Hospitalization and many other things. There were moments of pleasures, happiness, unhappiness, joy, sadness, disappointment, fear, peace, anger etc...

There are so many lessons to be learned and to be shared. The things that are really Important in Life is never clearer. And there is something that is always very consistent - Dharma (The Buddha's Teaching). All the things (positive and negative emotions/reactions) are clearly taught in the Dharma. 

Every time I read more about the Dharma, it brings more clarity to Life.

Written by Thich Nhat Hanh on Love without Limit:

"In the womb, your mother took care of you. She ate and drank for you. She breathed air for you, in and out... you were physically attached to your mother through the umbilical cord. Your mother channeled to you through that umbilical cord food and drink, oxygen, everything, including her love... You were there, you had not been born, and yet you were the object of love....

As an adult, you may fight very hard to convince yourself that you and your mother are two different people. But it is not really so. You are a continuation of both your parents. When I meditate, I can still see the cord connecting me to my mother. When I look deeply, I see there are umbilical cords linking me to phenomena as well. The sun rises every morning. And thanks to the sun, we have heat and light. Without these things, we can't survive...

If you continue meditating like this, you can see that you are linked to everything else that exists - on other living beings, but also on plants, minerals, air, water and earth... 

This is the Truth of Interdependence. 

No one can be one's self alone.

We have to be inter-be to be."