We may be experiencing extreme cold and lots of snow here but elsewhere a lot of things are heating up. Take this ongoing Ukraine/U.S./Russia dilemma. The U.S. keeps saying Russia is going to invade Ukraine. Russian says it is not. Who is stoking the fire? Meanwhile, there is the U.S. vs China narratives circulating. (The way I see it, it’s more like China-bashing). Canada seems to be also following the slant of the U.S. It reminds me of one of the headlines flashed on the Canadian television channel CP24 today as I am writing my column. The headline said something to the effect that Peng Shuai, the “controversial”(not that she is controversial but that some people are making the alleged event more sensational than it seems to be) Chinese tennis star gave, in CP24’s words, a “controlled” interview to a French news organization. I said to myself “What the….???!”. Talk about intrigue. In that one word (in this case, the use of the word “controlled”) they gave a whole editorial opinion (was that redundant?) of the interview. They should have, at the very least, published or broadcast the interview itself or at least explain themselves. But they just left that hanging. This is the kind of rhetoric that does not help to promote peace and harmony, that’s for sure. Are we also in the business of war?
Watch an interesting documentary (or should I say documentaries) on YouTube (or is it Neflix?) on the U.S. being in the business of war. There are several online. This reminds me also of the business of illness. Take note, I did not say in the business of health. The business of illness is also another multi-billion (maybe trillion) business. Can you imagine all the Covid vaccines that were sold all over the world for the past 2 years?! Not that I am an anti-vaxxer. Let me make it clear –I am triple vaccinated and so are are all my family members and friends. I have no problem with vaccination. Nor with any health protocols mandate. In fact, even if the authorities do not mandate masks, I would most likely still wear a mask for some time when with a multitude of people. My choice. Better safe than sorry, I say.
But I digress. Back to turning down the thermostat of life, which includes the election campaign heat in our home country, the Philippines. Although, we are thousands of miles away from the campaign fray, any place now is only an internet away. And the Philippines is no exception. I really wish I was busy with more things because I can’t seem to keep away from all the election related posts online. For one thing, I have only just relocated here a few years ago so my Philippine connections are still quite strong and current (not electric current. Ha ha ha! Sorry, I could not help that. Inside joke. )
On a more serious note though — I am amazed how politicized the “madling pipol” are now. True there may be a lot of fake news out there, or maybe it would be more proper to label them “not properly contextualized” news out there but I do believe that we are all learning to be more discerning. Take me, for instance. Believe you me, it has only been the last few years that I learned to be more proficient in using the computer and the internet. More out of exigency at first, but now, I am inexhorably hooked! What with all the wonderful documentaries, movies, instructional videos (I have knitted scarves and beanies thanks to them), virtual walking tours, virtual train and ship tours (can’t wait to book as soon as the pandemic is over) and what-nots!
Of course, for a while, I was confused. I would go back and forth from being gullible to the other extreme of being cynical. But I learned quite a lot as I plodded on through the maze of information and narratives out there. After a while, one learns to be more discerning and doing one’s own research and vetting. One becomes selective and, in my case, I do my best to balance it with keeping in touch with myself, especially in meditation when one stops all thoughts from streaming in, or rather to just learn to watch as an observer all the thoughts without making any judgment. It’s not easy but practice makes it easier as time goes on. Moreover, I have found out that this is exactly how one can turn down the heat or to cool it down, so to speak, the turmoil and heat of the events confronting one at the moment.
One more sure-cure for getting too heated – spending a day with your loved one/ones for Valentine’s Day, which I hope everyone did. One of the best ways to relax and cool down is to be with your loved ones and show your appreciation in whatever way you can. Or better still show your non-exclusive (or inclusive) love and appreciation for all beings. May I quote the gatha of the newly “continued” gentle monk and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay), which has a way of calming me. May it calm or cool down the heat building up in the world —
“ Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
Before I go, did anyone watch the performances posted online of the different Chinese New Year celebrations? Do look for the Painting Journey – an exquisitely performed and produced poetic interpretative dance inspired by a world famous Song Dynasty landscape painting. Check out the CCTV version and the Bilibili version. They are videos of the same performance but with different camera work and editing. Eminently outstanding. So beautiful and moving. Hello Dr. Patrick Alcedo, Chairman of the Dance Department at York University. I hope you have seen this. What say you, my illustrious friend?
Am also looking forward to viewing the opening ceremonies of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. I hope it is posted online soon. My friends said that it was streamed live on CCTV but, sadly, I missed it. Chief Director of the opening ceremonies was the multi-awarded and globally famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou (Hero, Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern, House of Flying Daggers, and more) and the pyrotechnic designer and director was also the world-famous Chinese artist Cai Guo Chiang (of Sky Ladder fame. Watch the documentary on this amazing feat online). Both were also the chief designers for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
On that cooling note – “au revoir” and may we look at all beings with eyes of compassion!
Tessie O. Taylor