There is something deeply healing about what I term as a 'retreat'.
I look forward to 9-hour sleeps, 2 sets of 2-hour pilates sessions, quiet conversation, long walks amidst nature and light meals.
I've had so many polite arguments with humans about yoga and its demonic connotations that I've given up. Of course I tried out yoga here. But I am very clear about reaping the scientific benefits. I don't care about the meditation. I focus on the breathing and try to rationalize yoga precepts to the secular functions of pilates.
There is something awe-inspiring about taking pilates out of the studio and into the mountains. Without the machines, there is still matwork. Stretching out in the middle of the land and the sky lends a balance to the slow beauty of each movement.
My stretches are longer and deeper. I feel as though I can push myself further. The sounds of nature, the silence and that sort of calm, is something I can't even begin to describe. It is the sort of calm that drives away white hair and dark eye circles. I am in touch with myself and God here.
Contrary to what some narrow-minded humans have commented, I believe being in a Buddhist land during Easter does not make me a sinner. (No more than I already am anyway.) This is why between friends, the moment religion is discussed, we are no longer friends. I do not like being told not to read or watch Harry Potter. I do not take kindly to suggestions that Javanese massages will induce demonic matter into my soul and body. I certainly do not appreciate humans telling me they wouldn't visit certain countries because the people are unGodly.
I definitely do not care for the tone of superiority. If you are so morally righteous, why do I not see you bend down to pick up a toilet brush to scrub the cubicles? You certainly don't even have the patience to sit down with old folks to help them with their mail? You carry God on your sleeve, but not in your heart.
It is laughable to see how they speak without thinking and I pity them for their bigoted ways. I believe in purgatory, not just hell and heaven. That will be my cross to bear. I don't see it as anyone else's business.
10 comments:
No Harry Potter?! So much intolerance. So much fear.
I'm reminded again the difference between having a religion and having faith.
Somebody once told me if I didn't convert to Christianity I would end up in Hell. I said, "So be it. Leave me alone."
sometimes, it's the meanies or the widest travelled who will be the most unforgiving lot. they seem to forget that there are other religions out there for others.
kikare: join the club. i remember the time my colleague asked if i have been saved. i knew what she was trying to say and i didn't like it.
seth: sometimes. many.
the bigoted intolerant religious zealots are the ones with problems, not us.
Javanese massage will induce demonic matter? That's the most ridiculous one I've heard.
All the proclamations of religiosity can't hide the lack of compassion and empathy in their hearts.
sinlady: yes.
wildgoose: best right. i can give u more deluded examples. it's like, they sit on armchair, surf net and pronounce doomsday theories. they haven't been kicked out to see what's real hunger, real work and real lives.
This post reminds me of my current dilemma.
My church is against Harry Potter but I still read them. I'm also a yoga enthusiast and church is against it as well. Sigh. . .
My fiance doesn't approve of it and the other day, my soon to be mum-in-law asked me to stop it as well. It doesn't help that I'm moving in to stay with the in-laws.
Anyway I told the fiance that I may consider giving up yoga if he pays for pilates classes. The thing is, I'm not sure if I would like pilates since my exposure to it is limited. The few classes I tried at the gym were crap and I believe that I may have more fun doing it at a proper studio.
I would really miss yoga though. :(
alicia: i feel for you woman. i like to think that one can be against harry potter after one reads/watches the movie, rather than blanket disapproval. but, i guess not everyone thinks of it that way. i'm not into the spiritual side of yoga. i don't mind the stretches, and i can see why churches view certain stretches as paying homage to another god. the thing is, pilates and ballet and gymnastics have similar postures- couched in a different way without precepts. so it's a tough call for you.
somehow, yoga has taken stronger root in sgp over pilates. so there're better yoga studios out there than pilates. pilates can be as rewarding as yoga, even more painful sometimes. i'm no fan of gym pilates sessions. i can teach it better than the gym instructors do. imho, the only studio that does good pilates in sgp is this one: http://www.ivanadaniell.com/
there are good freelance instructors around. but they don't have machines. so either u grab them for private matwork classes...or if u happen to work at corporations who hire them for private sessions for employees.
Well said girl!
belinda: :)
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