A Touch of Tao



‘Winnie the Pooh has a certain Way about him, a way of doing things which has made him the world’s most beloved bear, and Pooh’s Way, as Benjamin Hoff brilliantly demonstrates, seems strangely close to the ancient Chinese principles of Taoism.

While Eeyore frets. . . And Piglet hesitates. . . And Owl pontificates. . .

Pooh just is.

I read this book with a smile on my face. Hoff offers the reader the wisdom of Tao in a straightforward manner, leaving me to ponder after every page, self reflecting on my limits and how I can just be. The beauty of this book incorporates our dear Winnie the Pooh and friends as Hoff himself converses with them, using their characters to depict the challenges one goes through in life, and how we can be more like Pooh. The classic illustrations convey this. The wit made me giggle, and the stories from Ancient China help to further shed light upon the morals and integral values we should try to live by. It’s a deep book, that will leave you feeling good about yourself, no matter how crusty you feel. Channel your inner Pooh and everything will be fine .

No matter how Useful we may be, sometimes it takes us a while to recognise our own value” Benjamin Hoff

Girl power

Malala

Malala, known to everyone as a remarkable young girl, campaigning for girls’ education in Pakistan. Devastatingly she was shot in the head at the tender age of 14 by the Taliban for speaking out. In 2014, she became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her memoir, I am Malala has sold almost two million copies worldwide.

I picked up a free copy of ‘Stylist’ magazine as Malala on the front cover caught my attention. The integrity she holds, and her strong passion to transform the lives of those vulnerable and unfortunate mesmerises me. If anything, I would want to join forces with her and promote change in areas of the world whereby inequality exists till this day. Reading her brief interview, was enough to grasp a snapshot of a bleak reality in many countries. She raises the issue of refugees, and how ‘they are portrayed in such a negative way’  , situated in developing countries : Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan. In her book ‘We Are Displaced’ , Malala provides an account of refugee girls and the harrowing experiences they have gone through. I would like to read this book, as I believe hearing these real life stories will broaden my awareness toward a never ending nightmare, which can only be lifted by strong inspirational people like Malala.

‘People do not understand that leaving your home is never your first choice. It is always your last choice. And sometimes it is the only choice that you have’ Malala


Poem #1 : FRIENDSHIP

Oh the comfort—

       person —

the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a

having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words

but pouring them all right out,

just as they are,

chaff and grain together;

certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them,

keep what is worth keeping,

and them with the breath of kindness blow the rest

away.

DINAH MARIA CRAIR (1826-87)

This poem beautifully portrays the essence of friendship and the ‘inexpressible comfort of feeling safe’. Crair fluidly expresses how words are limitless, poured right out ‘chaff and grain together’. As I read this poem, I envisaged friends being like sieves. They can ‘keep what is worth keeping’. I love how she delicately ends the poem ‘ and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away’ suggesting a healing approach toward the problems we face and the hurt one can experience in their day to day lives. Almost like a parent blows gently on their child’s open wound. Friendship. An unbreakable bond.

Poetry

Poetry. The essence of poetry ignites inspiration and opens doors within my mind to explore a world of vivid imagery. The poetic verses channel emotion, depth of meaning and careful thought, bringing fruition a feeling of comfort and warmth within my soul. I am able to appreciate the beauty of what life brings and recognise the hardships that surround us in reading poetry. Poetry. A soul nourishing form of creative writing. I will share the works of well known poets and give my own reflection.