I stumbled upon the Japanese fragrance incense brand Nippon Kodo through James Scholz’s video. It happened at the right time because I had been looking for organic and natural alternatives to scented candles.
The Nippon Kodo Group was established in August 1965, but they have been in the business since 1575 — that was 279 years before Louis Vuitton (1894). I have always had a personal preference for century-old brands. There is no reason not to give Nippon Kodo a try.
I purchased the “Lotus” scent of the “Morning Star” collection.
A long time ago, I purchased this lotus ceramic ornament for my office. It is actually an incense holder. Finally, I am able to use it for its original purpose – a full-circle moment. (Note: the “cloud” plate below the lotus is not part of the incense holder.)
Over the past month, there have been many “giving back” and “full-circle” moments in my life. Things I once acquired out of “want” have suddenly become useful or even “needed” by someone close to me. For examples, gadgets and bags. It feels as if life is helping me strip away attachments, knowing that I am on this journey. The only things I seem to be accumulating now are books — but only the useful ones.
I’ve just realised it’s been a month since my last update. Yes, I’m trying not to be constantly busy — this is also part of my “homework.” I have since turned down projects, trying to be more focused in my effort on building a mindful (and hopefully stress-free) working style. Alas, I’ve been frequenting hospital and and sadly I’m not at my most productive when I’m not at my own desk for long hour. Burning midnight oil is no longer working for me since I turned 40 (40 this year, yay!) so I need to change the way I work AND the kind of work I do.
I’ve learned and I am now practising a teaching from Master Sheng Yen: 工作要赶，不要急。
Here’s an excerpt from his article:
想要积极而不紧张，或是没有压力的唯一办法，就是得失心少一些。少一些得失心的意思并不是不进取，而是“只问耕耘，不问收获”。把耕耘当作自己的责任，尽责任去播种、施肥、浇水，该做的工作不断去做；以乐观的态度期许未来，相信一定会有好收成，其他的就顺其自然了，不需要太忧虑、太难过。即使收成不好，也要告诉自己：“大环境不是我所能掌控的，我只要努力就好了。”欣赏自己努力的这一份精神，而不要把心思放在对结果的斤斤计较。
工作要赶，因为一个人的时间就那么多，如果想多做一点事，就一定要赶，可是一定不要急。能够赶而不急，虽然睡眠时间少一些、累一点，因为不急就能够心平气和，不会心浮气躁，身体并不会受到太大的影响。否则一急、一紧张，就会心浮气躁，血压跟着升高，对身体反而是一种消耗。
Thank you, Master.