As many of you know, I have been on a two-month life and work experiment to bust through my writer’s block and to see if I can, in fact, run my business from anywhere—not just in theory, but in mosquito-ridden practice.
Life is slower paced in Thailand, often referred to as the "land of smiles," but so far the plan to focus on productivity and personal reflection has been a big success. If anything, I chide myself for working too much and not sight-seeing more. Which is why I was excited to venture out with Elisa and friends this weekend to Wat Umong, a 700 year old buddhist temple in Chiang Mai.
I was completely captivated by the "Talking Trees," words of wisdom posted by monks in Thai and English on trees scattered throughout the grounds. Today I bring you a small sampling with some great reminders for all of us.
A Virtual Tour of the Wise Woods
Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness.
Today is better than two tomorrows. Happiness is everywhere there is contentment. Time and tide wait for no man.
All things arise, exist and expire. Nothing is permanent. Things come in and go out. The thing that is liked or disliked just appears, exists for a moment, and expires. Detachment is a way to relax.
Choose being kind over being right, and look beyond behavior.
Love is divine, lust is a devil.
Buddha field of broken sculpture
A place where people can bring broken buddha statues to absolve themselves of the bad luck that could follow from discarding a buddha statue, or housing a broken one.
Finally, perhaps the most important reminder of all:
Cut yourself some slack. Remember, 100 years from now, All new people.
I'd love to hear from you in the comments: If you could tack your own wisdom to a tree, what would you say??
***
P.S. Huge congrats to Paul, whose first Life After College post 7 Habits of Highly Miserable 20-Somethings went insta-viral with 1,600 Facebook likes and counting!