The book "Stress Free for Good" by Dr. Fred Luskin and Dr. Kenneth R Pelletier describes
Serenity Prayer:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

This is a simple but profoundly wise prayer.
I like that very much.

Many LifeSkills tips are given to help the reader to reduce stress and hence improve
your health.  I am continually learning and benefitting from my reading.

There is a Chinese saying:  "Live till old,
                                          Learn till old."

How true!

A recent article in the newspaper stated: "posting views on Facebook and other social media sites
delivers a powerful reward to the brain similar to the pleasure from food and sex, a Harvard study
concludes.
The study, led by two neuroscientists and published this week, concluded that "self disclosure"
produces a response in the region of the brain associated with dopamine, a chemical associated
with pleasure or the anticipation of a reward.
Although Facebook was not specifically cited in the study, it focused on the brain response of
people's "opportunities to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others."
"To the extent that humans are motivated to propagate the products of their minds, opportunities
to disclose one's thoughts should be experienced as a powerful form of subjective reward," wrote
Diana Tamir and Jason Mitchell of Harvard's Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab.
I agree with their findings because whatever views, opinions that I have posted in my blogspot, I
felt immense satisfaction.  It's a good feeling.  It does not matter whether people agree or disagree
with my views but I feel immense pleasure with my exposition.  A grateful thanks to the internet
for giving us space to air our views.

I am inspired when I read about one man, a Malaysian, is going around the world on one bicycle.
There was the news of one girl, just 16 years old, Dutch girl Laura Dekker who did a solo
circumnavigation of the world in her sailing boat.
And one reads about one woman, a nonagenarian, who completed the full marathon.  These are
extraordinary feats by ordinary people and I am full of admiration at their achievements.
When I related my frequent participation in 10 km road runs to my relatives who came to visit
us for the Hari Raya, they looked at me in amazement.  And when I told them what I am doing
is nothing compared to what others around the world accomplished, they were amazed.
Yes, life is a journey.  Its a challenge, it's fun and I love every minute of it.

I am sad to read the tragedy that is going on in Syria - a lot of blood and unnecessary killing
of innocent citizens - gosh, it's sad.  There appears to be a lot of turmoil in the Muslim world -
Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Egypt, Libya etc.  Why can't these people learn to live in peace
with one another.  Muslims are supposed to be religious people and yet, what are they doing
to each other!
"There is much tomfoolery going on in the practice of religion", lamented Nehru.  I agree.

Several years ago, when I was in Japan, the girls manning the lifts greeted visitors with smiles,
wishing us good morning before ushering us into the lifts.  I was touched by this show of courtesy.
Obviously, the Japanese people are highly cultured people.
Here in Malaysia, when car drivers jumped queue and drive in an arrogant manner, I am of the
opinion that they are sadly lacking in culture.
In most road runs that I've participated, the start time is not according to schedule, because the
invited VIP, to officiate the start, came late.  Thousands of us runners suffer in silence, and we
were definitely feeling angry, cheated by this lack of courtesy and inconsideration.  Obviously
the VIP is lacking in culture.

I recall an interesting read recently, a short article written by Bridget Menezes:  "Be a person of culture" ....
inter-alia "Culture relates to the practical side of a man's personality - something that provides significance.
It should show itself in the smallest detail of our conduct and personal behaviour .....be reflected in our
speech, the way we behave towards one another".

I consider these to be words of wisdom and I derive much benefit from her weekly series of articles.

Oops!  It's Sunday August 19, not Friday as I wrongly stated in my last post - that's the Hari Raya.  I took my 5 year-old grandson to the mosque at 8.30 a.m. for the Hari Raya prayers.  There were about 200 people in attendance.  The 5 yr old was fascinated by the ambience and the Hari Raya chants!

Naturopaths believe that fasting is a safe, economical and effective form of therapy.  It cleanses the system,
improves the regulation of hormone production and rests the digestive system.  For my part, after a few
days of fasting, I find that my sense of smell is considerably enhanced - i.e. I can smell the cooking of food
from far away and salivates.  Hunger pangs make you feel lethargic and hence a lot of these fasting people
neglect their usual morning exercises.  I think that's bad - as I keep on with my regular jog - but less intense.

Friday August 19 will be Hari Raya - a festive occasion to end the fasting month of Ramadan.
This is a joyous occasion for all Muslims: we'll go for the morning prayers at the mosque, and wish
each other with good wishes and ask for forgiveness for any inadvertent faults that may have been
committed unintentionally.  There'll be cakes and food served aplenty.  Its a real joyous occasion
and I enjoyed it very much - as all my sons and their wives and children will be gathering together
in my house - that's happiness!
The children will be extra happy as they will receive small envelopes with money inside as Hari
Raya gifts - there'll be shouts of joy as they will buy sweets or crackers and play with their friends!

During this fasting month of Ramadan, I continue indulging in my walk/jog around the jogging
path at the lake side.  I noticed a considerable reduction in the number of people doing their
morning exercises - about 90% less.  This cessation of physical activity (because of fasting)
is indeed sad - as I believe indulgence in physical exercise should be a regular affair, it can be
less intensive.
Muslim athletes in the London Olympics 2012 faced the dilemma of "fasting" as this will affect
their performance.  One religious cleric (ulama) made the pronouncement that Muslims athletes
can postpone their fast (and pay back later when the marathon is over).  Ah, well!

I have just read an interesting book "A World Without Islam" by Graham E. Fuller on the tragedy of 9/11.
Inter-alia he stated: ...... "the attack was indeed shocking, outrageous, and a tragedy for the innocent
civilians that died.  But it should not have been a surprise.  Given US policies in the Middle East and
the rising Muslim anger over such a long period of time over so many issues, it was inevitable that sooner
or later some Muslims would strike back.  The US courts further such attacks as long as it maintains
the same policies of global dominance and political and military intervention. As terrible as the events
were, hopefully they may serve as a wake-up call to Washington to the seriousness of the situation
and the need for reconsideration.
Most Muslims painfully acknowledge that their own societies are riddled with deep problems.
My own view is that to right a wrong one should not commit another wrong. Might is not always Right.
This is a common, almost universal, human predicament.

A feature article in the vernacular newspaper related  the story of a housewife who felt sad that her
husband does not pray and fast during this month of Ramadan. She bitterly lamented the fact
that as the husband is the leader of the house, he should show a good example to the children.
"When I chided him, he scolded me and there was a big quarrel!"
I felt very sad on reading this article.  To make a public revelation of your husband's lack of piety
is itself a very reprehensible thing to do - even though pseudonyms are used.
(Reprehend not the imperfection of others - George Washington).

"We have been married for more than 20 years and we have 3 children aged 13, 15, 18 and my
husband provides well for us in all aspects.  He is loving, caring and the children are doing well
in their studies",  revealed the wife.

Again, this revelation amazed me.  Why is she making a big do on his short-coming.  His religious
obligation is between him and his God and shouldn't be a big issue.  In my opinion, she is an ingrate,
lacking in wisdom and maturity.  I am sad.

"Don't politicise Islam" says Najib (Malaysian Prime Minister).  Right, I agree.

Political ulama (expert in Islam) claims that Islam and politics cannot be separated.

"Wrong!" says Muhammad Said al-Ashmawy, former Chief Justice of the High Court
of Egypt.  This Egyptian jurist was also legal consultant in the UN on Syariah Law.

Al-Ashmawy says his research in the "basic" texts (Quran and Sunnah) and of early Islamic
history clearly states that politics cannot be fused with religion.

The form Islam has subsequently taken - as "religion and state" foir him is a deviation from
and a perversion of that true conception.  The political ulama's statements will be seen as
expressions of absolute truth and their political goals shrouded with religious sanctity.
When  this happens, he says, political issues cannot be commented upon, criticised, or
even discussed.

"If you open your mouth, you will be accused of questioning God", he says.
Because of his controversial views on political Islam, the Egyptian jurist has been
on the hit-list of militants in his country.

PM Najib rightly cautions Malaysians on the deleterious effects of political Islam.
I believe all Malaysians should have a deep-think on this controversial issue -
for our future is at stake.

The above was my emel to the local press.  It didn't get printed: Ah, well!

The glory, the agony: all very  spectacular at the London Olympics 2012. Its inspiring to watch
the athletes from all over the world doing their best to achieve a win in their particular event.

A stimulating reading on the internet: "5 feats previously thought as humanly impossible."

Austrian free-diver: Herbert Nitsch broke the world record for the deepest dive on a single breath.
Michael Phelps: world records in swimming.
Usain Bolt: fastest man on earth.
Alain "Spiderman" Robert climbing the tallest buildings around the world.
Felix Baumgartner: executed a 3 minute 48 sec free-fall jump that reached speeds of up
to 868 kmh.

When one reads these spectacular feats one is filled with admiration for their achievements.
One thing is certain:  these superhuman feats could only be achieved through hard work,
perseverance and an indomitable spirit.

On my own part, I have great admiration to one guy, 80 years old, who took part
in the Penang Bridge International Marathon.  He completed the 10 km event in which
I also took part.  I was just 73, and I tell myself, I would love to be able to do the same
when I am 80.  Yes, something to look forward to and work hard for.

Most of the news now is on the London Olympics 2012.  To watch world class athletes
going for excellence in their particular event is indeed inspiring.  Their intensity, their focus
and their determination to win is simply marvelous.  I have great admiration for the way
they go about their sport: it's beauty in motion!  One particular female athlete, participating
in the game of table-tennis is without one hand - only a short stump near the elbow.  And
yet she can play the game marvelously - how wonderful, really inspiring.