Crystal clarity

Doubt, and go on doubting until you come to a point that you cannot doubt anymore. And you cannot doubt anymore only when you come to know something on your own. Then there is no question of doubt, there is no way to doubt. 

Living Dangerously, Osho 

Whilst I always tend to favour fiction in my readings, I have started venturing into the non-fictional genre more in past years. Philosophy is one of these newish areas of interest, although reads like these take wayyy longer than the light fluffy stuff. I can't speedread these as I often had to pause and reflect on what's being said.

Still slowly making my way through this book, but this paragraph struck me. It made me realise that oftentimes I do practice that, even when it's not a conscientious act. 

I tend to make decisions and conclusions based on instinct, almost always independently. Reflecting on this text revealed to me that while it may have seemed even to myself that I relied solely on my gut, I do deliberate internally until I reach a state of clarity when I've eliminated all doubts, to my satisfaction. However, it can be tough to explain exactly what gives me the certainty to others, particularly when it comes to issues related to emotions rather than facts. This realisation does provide a reassuring boost to my decision making skills, heh. 

Osho is known to emphasize personal responsibility and freedom after all, and this definitely serves as a stark focus on self-assessment. I'm comforted to affirm that I do have a good hold of that, even if it's less intention and more instinct. 

not getting run over

Quote of the day:

Either you run the day, or the day runs you.

Jim Rohn

Yup, and I choose not to become roadkill. :p

(Audiobook) The Like Switch: How to win people over

Another audio book I enjoyed, The Like Switch was written by Dr. Jack Schafer, a former FBI Special Agent who specialised in behaviour analysis and recruitment of spies. This was essentially a handbook summarising his proven strategies on how to "instantly read people and influence how they perceive you, so you can easily turn on the like switch".

I wouldn't necessarily say this was a life changing reading experience, but it was certainly rivetting to listen to the narration of his various anecdotes illustrating the tips and tricks to subtly influence people to form positive perceptions about you. If you were a fan of tv series like "Lie to Me", "Criminal Minds" or even "House", which often delve into the human psyche and unravel how certain scenarios unfold, I think you will enjoy this book.

Funnily enough, the biggest "ah ha" moment for me in this reading was in a chapter examining how different personalities relate to others, and when it broke down why introverts can tend to prefer online interaction over face to face communications - or more specifically, with those over-exuberant hypersocial extroverts, hurhurhur.

Internet is introvert friendly - introverts disclose more information on social networks than they do in face to face encounters. This is because the internet format allows introverts sufficient time to meaningful responses. Introverts also experience difficulty initiating conversations, especially with strangers. Social networks eliminates this added social pressure, and also allows introverts to express themselves without constantly being interrupted by extroverts. 

Introverts are more willing to say what they really believe, not having to worry about direct exposure to negative feedback that can occur in face to face communication.

The Like Switch, Jack Schafer and Marvin Karlins

Truth be told, I am not particularly fussed about making more people like me. Have come to terms rather early on in life that you can do everything you can to be righteous and nice, but you will never be able to please everyone. There will always be certain people who cast their own perceptions and choose to see you as the character they have already decided you are. Nonetheless, it was still an intriguing read and it does help me understand other personalities a little better.

Quote of the day

“A strong woman looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.” 

Gina Carey

Love, love, love.

That sass. YES. I aspire to have more of that.

Although I must say, I have had days when this quote would have made me laugh out loud, imagine myself winking so much that people may think I have developed a tick in my eye.

:p

Still, a good quote to keep in the memory bank, for recalling on days when the morale just needs that extra shove.

Never give up

Quote of the Day:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right.” 

― Henry Ford

Nobody can tell you that you can't do something, yourself included. :)

Stolen words

"The body benefits from movement,

and the mind benefits from stillness."

Sakyong Mispham

And this is why I love reading quotes (or just reading) in general - words like this that make me go "ah, of course!", crystallising thoughts that I didn't even know were floating in the brain.

Love.

This one in particular made me realise why I find exercise so addictive and invigorating - the more hectic life and work gets, the more I instinctively yearn for a good active session. Conversely, at times, all I crave is complete quiet and stillness to clear that head space, where the thoughts have the freedom to float about, sort themselves out and settle into the realisation of what the heart knew already to be the right place to be.

Amazing, and also a good reminder to balance the schedule so I have time for both. 

Thought of the day

Life is ours to be spent,

not saved.

D.H. Lawrence

Wise words indeed. I love my little notebook from Kikki.K that has quotes like these every few pages, some presented in a flourish on a nice full page in fancy lettering, and others more discreetly presented at the bottom of the page, like a quiet whisper.

The only problem I have with this, is not that I need to remind myself to make the most of life. It's just that I confuse myself with way too many choices on how I can possibly utilise it, that I end up squandering time, lost in the choices. (Refer to earlier post on my indecision). *facepalm*

How, like that?