Reflections by Prof Foo Keong Tatt
Being mindful is to be aware of the present moment, and not regret the past, and worry about the future.
However, this does not mean that we forget about the past, and not plan for the future! The past helps us to know who we are, to find meaning in life.
Family relationships
I was born in Penang, Malaysia. A 18th generation Hakka from the Yongding (永定) in Fujian province. The county is well known for the roundhouses, similar to our modern-day Condominium.
About a 100 years ago, my great grandfather emigrated from Yongding during the Taiping rebellion and a period of famine, to seek his fortune in the South Seas (Nangyang). He travelled by boat and eventually ended up in Penang.
I am blessed with a large and harmonious family of nine children. In the seventies, the family kept in contact with each other via a monthly newsletter. We now keep in touch via the Internet. Relationships among families, friends and colleagues are most important for maintaining good health and peace of mind.
Be balanced in living
To achieve good health, we need to be balanced.
But balance is not easy, as depicted in the Yin and Yang symbol. The fulcrum is not always in the middle. Whatever we do there is always the yang and the yin, like the two sides of a coin.
We also need to accept that no one is perfect, and that no event is without risks and benefits. The situation is not still, but changing all the time. This is similar to the daily weather forecast, predicting 30% chance of rain. If there is rain, the weatherman is correct. If there is no rain he is also correct, as the weather is changing all the time!
That is the same with life. Do not blame the weatherman for a wrong prediction. Accept and adapt yourself by bringing the umbrella along with you, rain or shine!
Sometimes, less is more, as more may bring more problems.
This we sometimes see in our clinical practice. When too much chemotherapy is administered for cancer patients, it impairs their immune system. On the other hand, time waits for no man. You need to trust an experienced clinician, to help you make a choice.
Nature heals
Nature is the best healer; the clinician role is only to assist nature in its healing process. The surgeon can stitch the wound together, but it is the body that heals the wound.
Time waits for no man
I practise Tai Chi to improve my health through the release of good hormones. Apart from fine arts, I also play the flute and Cassio-tone. It helps me to relax.
It is also important to remember our core purpose in life. Whatever your profession, know your meaning in Life.
So, enjoy Nature and go with the flow. Rain or shine, happiness will be thine!
(Featured image: Enjoy Nature: The bird song and the fragrance of flowers.)
Published by Professor Foo Keong Tatt
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Prof Foo Keong Tatt is an Emeritus Consultant and Advisor at the Department of Urology, Singapore General Hospital. He is a Clinical Professor at the National University of Singapore and Adjunct Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School.