自在

行事不慌不思报
成败潇然不受铐
随缘布施种善因
只求善果撒遍地
清茶淡饭养脾胃
静坐阅书不疲惫
一周晨运有三日
静动饮欲中庸乐
没怨天地不怨人
宽带别人饶我身
偶尔逢得三五人
喝茶论道品人生
挣得名利又何必
洒脱自在养仙气
— 21/11/19

Commentary: I recently found out that one of my colleagues will be retiring at the end of this year, which then got me to think – what do I really want if I am to retire? After a few days of contem-plation, my answer will be “at ease” (自在). As I consider this fur-ther, I do realize that I do not have to be retired to be at ease. I can be at ease now, with a change in mindset and several habits. What is at ease to me then? This poem is just to list down a few points –

• Whatever I do, do so without rush or anxiety or in expecta-tion of returns; which is a fundamental stoic point of view.
• Success and failures are natural aspects of life, and should never be bondages on ourselves.
• Be generous and contribute time, energy, wealth, experi-ences, and knowledge; so that the world may be a better place.
• Eat lightly and plainly to be gentle to the gut.
• Meditate or sit calmly, and read a book to nourish the mind.
• Exercise a couple of times a week and maintain moderation in all activities and desires.
• Do not blame anyone; forgive others is to forgive myself.
• Whenever possible, meet up with friends or someone junior for tea, coffee, and have a good chat.
• Do not do things just to covert benefits or status.