Book Review: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Book Review for Meditation - 

Marcus Aurelius

Well, I just finished again another great book and I've decided to make a short review of it as why one must read and appreciate its contents. Its a short one with around 166 pages.

The meditation of Marcus goes back to the centuries where the existence of beings are narrated according to the desire of nature.

We are created in this world because we have our roles to potray. We are all actors in real life. 

He shared insights of the people on his time. The characteristics he observed with the leaders of high position as they deal with the circumstances of life and their people.

He shared that we have the power to free ourself on the opinion of others. 

"You can rid yourself of many useless things among those that disturb you, for they lie entirely on your imagination~~and you will then gain ample space for yourself (for those that are important)."

That different things delights different people.

Another worth thing to note was the part where he tackled the irony of certain behavior and the importance of reading which is a neglected responsibility of many. Wherein reading is the source of wisdom that cures ignorance.

"You have not leisure or ability to read. But you have leisure to check arrogance".

Although, certain words are deep and jargon~ its necessary to be able to capture the essense of his thoughts during his era. The contemplation of certain events which must be according to the bounderies of nature. Stating that the sun doesn't take the work of the moon and vice versa. 

That each one of us are made for one another. That superior are made to compesate the inferiors. We must nurture each one or bear the agony of their ignorance which can be cease when we took the time to teach them.

"Men exist for the sake of one another. Teach them then or bear with them".

Lastly, he reminded everyone that life on earth is a short stay. If there are opportunities that you see bear the fruits of wisdom, do it. Do not be hindered by temporary pain and inconvenience. Make the best of your time and ability. 

We must remember that everyone will go through death and ignoring it wouldn't exempt us as it is already a fact of life.

"A brief existence is common to all things, and yet you avoid and pursue all things as if they would be internal."

....that man's life is only a moment.

This is a classic book that I would recommend. Going backwards to the centuries, you'll understand that this behaviors observed by Marcus are contiously being upheld up to this present. 

SIGNS OF WORK CRISIS

I GOT BORED AT WORK. Not physicaly but mentally drained. Like I came to my maximum tolerance. I took all the great things to stay but the more I though of it makes me want to get out and find my right calling.

Are you staying because of a stipulated contract? Like your tied both your hands to stay at the same place. And its up to you how you work on your insanity to stay put. OMG. This is the hardest thing. You can observe my exasperated words becausr I wont question it if it fulfill my requirements. There's something lacking. And my life isn't infinite, I must be careful on where I put my time because that time is my life. I wont live forever to decide that I'll stay here bec the contract say so or bec it pays a high salary. FUCK THAT. 

Some of us here are sober that they think their immortal. We're all equal when it comes to death. We're all gonna go through that phase. They spend on what appears to be happy but shallow. They allow their being to be carried away by culture instead of their own.

I'm letting you know that the most important thing isn't the short happiness that you'll get on superficial thing but the wisdom of nature or life.

Take a leap. Get to that thing that you loved most. Its hard. It will be. Let your presence make an enlightenment to someone else. 

Those who laugh harder aren't really sad inside. Here's why:

I randomly see post saying that the saddest people are those that usually laugh harder or make the most effort to make someone happy.

Well, this isn't true as much as you want it to be true. They laugh harder and have external disposition of happiness because inside them reverberates its abundance. Its hard to give laugh when in inside it deficits. You cannot give what you dont have. So next time if you notice someone eject a happy state its because they have a lot of it internally. And their happy to share it with another person whose lacking. That's simple at is it. 

2am thoughts

I can't sleep.

After a month of vacation, tomorrow came the day of my departure.

Its deep in the night but still fully awake. I was planning on taking my sleep during the whole flight and let my eyes gaze one last more on the home I'm about to vacate. 

What's ahead of me? Can't answer this yet but I'm always making myself ready when that opportunity struck me. 

Being an ofw, I am somehow infected on their delight that working abroad has been a great leverage in life. Its like to them its an achievement of some sort. I dont know, I dont feel the same way as they do. Being away got me the chance to see the whole of what I have here (In Philippines). 

Its true that the income tax here are exaggerated and I know the significance of doing this by the goverment but I still get upset with the surrounding I see. The intensity of spending behavior where shocking. Most of them purchase for the sake of external praise and pride. 

Their means of information has been depended on whats being shown on tv. They know all the things twist going on the television. You can poke and make a long conversation with ramdom people by raising showbiz fuss which they responded with great knowledge. 

Theyre fashion are well updated but deep down with their very being there are emptyness with them that is lacking. Theyre so immense on rumors and other's backyard. 

Theyre into love life's and all the sort as if its the only concern that life could offer. Their updated with no classes alerts nor suspension of whatever issues not by the concern of natural forces but more on the benefit of ceasing them out of their work duties or classes. 

They are easily being carried away by the propagandas on the tv. They seem possessed by unlimited time to what must be done at hand as if death wouldnt happen to them at all.

 

They dont want to hear unsolicited truthful comments from their relatives or parents with regards to their deeds. They take it personally and shut them immediately. They never want the feeling of being corrected. They take all the bad remarks as direct insult to them-- to their being. But failed to use it as a tool to improve them. They are too insensitive of the facts being raised to them. Thus, they resort to committing more mistakes by avoiding what has been served to them. 

Life has its own way of unraveling twist of what ought to see. Let's make use of whatever circumstances throws us. If we are being battered by insults, unwanted comments, disgraced or any type of inconvience. Lets recycle that to get the positive side out of it. 

Remember: spoiled left overs are the best compost for the plants. 

Global HR: A Filipino Experience

Hi Rubi... based on the dates that you are available, we shall have you on September 19 to speak on "Global HR: A Filipino Experience." Please text me things that you would need for your lecture.  Salamat.

The below draft is how I prepared for the talk. 

Global HR: A Filipino Experience

Good day to everyone whose here. My name is Ruby. I am a previous student of our legendary Dr. Patag. 

Of course, Its always a heart warming to be back in PLM and look back to where I came from.

For me to start, the reason I'm here is of course to provide insight to all of you. I am here to discuss and share my experience which has the essense to inspire and provide you the application of all the theory that we got inside this four cornered classroom. 

I am here to discuss Global HR: A Filipino Experience. I am an HR practisioner abroad, residing in Dubai. I've been doing Human resources for 2 and a Half years up until now. I'm gonna make my talk short. I'm happy to answer any questions after my discussion. 

1. HR in the classroom vs. HR hiring in real world

Well, there's a difference. Inside the room we discuss more of theories and terms, since most of us here have had experience how to be interviewed or had gone through the whole HR procedure hence it will be easier for us to understand this.

How many of you had been interviewed here? How many have their previous work experiences?

Interviews here and abroad are quiet similar. But in abroad I could say it is much faster. Why did I say that. From my experience, after the initial interview and youve made a great impression, they will not waste time to reschedule you for the next one but will directly forward you to their managing director or the decision maker on who must be hired. Theyre more interested on how you answer the question and your strong skillset. Its how thick your intelligence on the field youre about to enter. Whilst, I recommend that you make your assignment to get on their profile a day before the interview.

2. Human Resources with different nationalities

I am actually quiet amaze that most of the HR I have met abroad are Filipino's or atleast one is Filipino inside a department. What they like about us is our way of hospitality and the professionalism in terms of work. They know that Filipino's flexible and accomodating. Being creative and resourceful are also attached on our name. With those attributes, its an indemand market for us to venture in. 

3. HR in Philippines vs HR abroad

There's a big difference. You are half superhero by virtue of work. Responsibility are broad and its an end to end process which you must sustain. You would understand the need of doing things alone and get it completed. Here in PH, we have a system of things and personnels are being sub divided to handle specific job responsibilities but in abroad you must be flexible to handle all. Your strength are maximize at all levels but as you get used to it. It will come easy and you'll learn a lot how to juggle important manners.

4. Why do HR Filipino go abroad?

This is a general question. We know that we export Human beings and skilled worker to sustain our families. Well, its the same thing for HR. Theyre after the big opportunity and the salary they will have working in a foreign land. We earn four times the salary being offered here locally. Thats what they exhange for their lives just to saved enought for their families. They see abroad as a big sea of opportunity for them. We have this desire and eagerness to take all the hardship for the sake of our loved ones which is amazing and unexplanable. There's actually an HR community abroad. It is being partnered with our govt DOLE. Aside from the HR community, we have lots of kababayan group which is a central information of updates for the current hiring requirement for Filipinos. 

5. What have I learned as an HR abroad?

Uhm, as an HR, I always potray a strong armor of patience and courage in me. There's always a conflict on everything we do and we cannot remove the hardside of our work. Its always the attitude you show to people, I look at everything as an opportunity. Sometimes, you must start and asked things for yourself. Being shy has never been experience the same benefits of those who go out and claim what they should have. Global market has a lot of competition, hence you must equip yourself and from time to time ask yourself what are the things you can offer that other cannot fill in?  Those are important. Another factor is how you work with your colleagues, you must blend with them. There's of course different in views but at the end of the day you'll stick to your checklist of what to accomplish. You must guard yourself at all time, sometimes we tend to enjoy and forgot to focus. We need to evaluate ourself and strive to get the high roads. Fear is in evitable to every journey. We really need to overcome it to get to the other side of the rainbows.

Its always our first time to do certain decisions but its amazing that theres self help books to guide us. All I can say is enjoy the journey. Human Resources is a fun room of excitements. Nurture yourself everyday.

Thank you for making it till this very end. 

Para sa Iglesia ni Cristo:

Mula kay Catherine Chua:

Ako po ay myembro ng Iglesia Ni Cristo at ako ay may pinaglalaban. Labis pong nasasaktan ang aking dadamin sa sari-saring komento na ipinupukol ngayon sa Iglesia, at ang iba sa mga di namin kapananampalataya ay nawawalan na ng respeto sa aming relihiyon.

Una, hindi po lahat ng kapatid ay nais magpunta sa vigil na nagaganap sa EDSA sapagkat sila ay hinikayat lamang na magpunta dahil sa kautusan daw ito ng namamahala. Bago ka pumasok ng kapilya sa pagsamba kahapon at ngayon ay haharangan kayo ng SCAN o Kalihiman at palalagdain sa isang kasulatan an dumalo sa assembly, o kaya ay maglilibot libot ang mga may tungkulin, ministro o pastor para papuntahin ang mga kapatid sa assembly. Ang hindi sumunod ay sasabihan na lumalaban sa pamamahala.

Pangalawa, about sa issue ng SEPARASYON NG ESTADO AT NG SIMBAHAN. Hinihiling ng mga kapatid na huwag pang himasukan ang ating relihiyon ng gobyerno. Pero ang totoo naman ay tayo ang nanghihimasok sa gobyerno. Trabaho ng DOJ na magsaliksik o mag-imbestiga sa mga taong nagkasala o lumabag sa batas. Sa usaping ito malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw na hindi naman ang buong Iglesia ang nais paimbestigahan kundi ang iilan lamang na myembro ng sanggunian sapagkat sila ay kinasuhan sa kadahilanan na lumabag sila sa karapatang pantao.

Pangatlo, sa mga kapatid na nagagalit sa mga taga sanlibutan na nagkokomento sa atin. Sa kadahilan na naperwisyo sila ng matinding traffic na inaabot nila sa EDSA na nadadamay na ang kanilang kabuhayan. Opo, normal na may traffic lang sa EDSA pero hindi normal na aabutin ka ng dalawang oras o higit pa para malagpasan lang ang Shaw Blvd. marami sa ating mga kababayan ang pagod na sa trabaho at nais ng makapiling ang kanilang pamilya pero katakot takot na abala ang kanilang natanggap dahil sa rally na ating ginawa.

Pang-apat, wala naman talagang koordinasyon ang naganap na rally sapagkat malakas lang tayo sa gobyerno kaya nabibigyan tayo ng permit kahit na naunang magpunta ang mga kapatid sa kalsada bago ang permit.

Pang-lima, kayo ang sumisira sa aral natin. Hindi po ba bawal sa atin ang magrally? Bakit ngayon ginagawa natin ito? Nagdadala pa kayo ng mga effigy eh dba bawal din po iyon.

Nawa'y maunawaan nyo ang nais kung ipaabot. Ginagamit nalang tayo ng sanggunian para sa pansarili nilang kapakanan.

Maraming salamat po,

Para sa kapatid na Iglesia ni Cristo

Para sa bukas na pahayag sa lahat ng Filipino mapa anong relihiyon ka man, sinubukan kong itagalog ang lahat para madaling pagunawa ng sulat na ito:

Gusto kong ipaliwanag sa lahat ang pakikibaka ng mga Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). Iniintindi ko po ang inyong rason na nais ipabatid sa gobyerno. Iniintindi ko rin ang gobyerno at ang ating saligang batas. 

Nag-ugat ito sa pagsampa ng kaso ng inyong kaanib na ngayon ay tinuturing na ex-member at dumulog sa ating gobyerno na Department of Justice (DOJ). Sila ho ay nagsampa sa kadahilanang ang kanilang karapatang pantao at seguridad ay nasa peligro. (Illegal detention at abduction) 

Isinampa ng mga naapi ang legal na reklamo sa ilang ministro ng INC na siyang nagutos na gawin ito. 

Dahil may reklamo at inapi base sa saligang batas ng Pilipinas, ginagawa ng DOJ ang trabaho nitong siyasating ang katotohan. 

Dahil sa pagsisiyasat, ang ating mga kapatid ay nag prayer vigil o para sa iba ay tinatawag na rally. Sila ay may karapatang magpabatid ng kanilang ipinaglalaban, dahil sila ay binigyan ng permit ng local na pamahalaan upang gawin ito. May takdang bisa ang permit nito at umaasa akong igagalang ng INC ito.

Ang parteng hindi ko maintindihan ay ang panawagan bumaba sa pwede si Sec. Leila Delima dahil kanyang sinisiyat ang katotohan o reklamo na idinulog sa kanya. Hindi maaring ibigay na rason ang ibang pangyayari gaya ng saf44 na dapat daw ay pag ukulang ng gobyerno at ipagwalang bahagi ang issue na ito dahil isa itong pakikialam. Ang reklamo ayon sa INC ay pakikialam. 

Tayo pong lahat ay nasa Pilipinas, ang tawag po sa atin ay Pilipino regardless of our religion, tayo po ay nakapaloob sa iisang saligangbatas.

Isang rebelyon ang panawagan separasyon mula sa simbahan at gobyerno. Hindi maaring ang salitang 'Separation of Church to State' ang ating lamang gustong kuning bahagi mula sa batas at sabihin ito dapat. Ito at isang mahabang paragraph na mayroon clauses upang masmaintindihan ang mga bagay na naayon dito at ang limitasyon nito.

Gusto ko pong malaman ang sangguni ninyo? Nababasa ko na sinasabi na hindi nyo kami naiinitindihan, ano ho ba ang gusto ninyong intindihin namin?