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A short prayer

October 6, 2012 By: Mehroocomment

This Tuesday being a bank holiday we decided to have a day out with our friends. Our destination was Tap Mun Island in New Territories. After a car and a bus ride, we had to take a ferry from Wong Shek pier to reach the island. Being a big group of 17 we decided to take the speed boat instead which was much faster than the regular ferry. It was a warm sunny day and after having spent over an hour just getting to the pier, we were all looking forward to get to the island. There were no life jackets handed out not even to the kids but then no one expected them anyway. The kids were too excited to sit still and when the speed boat finally took off at a fantastic speed, the wind blowing in our faces, jets of water spraying past and everyone clutching on to their hats, my mind couldn’t help going back to the terrible ferry tradegy that took place just the night before.

Monday night, October 01, a HK Electric private boat- Lamma IV with over 100 passengers aboard, adults and children, was sailing across to the Lamma island, its passengers in a jubiliant mood to see the fireworks display for China National Day, having no idea what lay ahead in store for them. Around the same time, a public ferry – Sea Smooth sailing in the same waters, during its daily normal operation from Central to Lamma departed from Central and then somewhere in the dark, choppy waters collided straight on with the fateful boat Lamma IV.

It all happened so fast, apparently before the crew or anybody could react, water started gushing in and in minutes Lamma IV started to sink with its bow pointing towards the sky as if to say good bye.
I wonder what kind of thoughts occupy our mind in this near-death situation? While all our body’s natural reflexes would struggle hard to save our own lives, it is our loved ones who we try to reach out to and want to protect during a time of crisis. Is it panic, helplessness or then is it the inner strength that most of us do not even know we possess….what do we feel? Would we stop at saving our loved ones or would we think about saving complete stranger’s life? In a situation like this does caste, religion, language play any importance? I have read some survivor stories. I read about a mother who was struggled to come to the surface but then who jumped right back into the water to bring life jackets from the sinking boat for her two daughters. On her way back up an elderly lady begged for one life jacket, which the mother after a minute’s agony selflessly gave it and headed back under the water to get another jacket. What about crew members? While I am sure they would have to go through rigorous training sessions on emergency procedures, when it actually comes to biting the bullet, are they courageous enough to not think of their own lives, their own families, and endanger themselves for strangers? Apparently the crew in this case were totally shaken and did not have much time to react before the boat started sinking. Thankfully the passengers on Sea Smooth – the public ferry were not harmed but there was enough panic to ask the captain of the ferry to take them back to the shore. The rescue operation was commendable with emergency personnel reaching the spot in 10 minutes and then along with some of the rescued passengers doing a frantic search for anyone they could save. What about the ferry captain? Is he to blame? No matter how many fingers are raised against him, whether it was dark, he was overworked, whether he is liable for punishment or whether the world forgives him or not, one thing’s for sure that this man, who is supposedly a veteran, is never going to forgive himself for this incident. It was just another day at work for him but a memory that might haunt him forever.
38 deaths which I just learnt has turned 39 after a little girl gave in to her injuries at a hospital which takes the toll to 8 children so far and the search still continues. The news is full of the story giving regular updates at http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1054119/dozens-seek-help-counsellors-after-ferry-tragedy-hong-kong

On our way back from the island, we again resorted to a speed boat. The ride was quite shaky and unbalanced this time and by now my mind was over working with possibilities. I had already spotted the life jackets kept stowed under the ceiling, was holding onto both the boys real tight, my eyes focussed on the approaching pier willing it to come faster. Having reached back home safe and sound, I realised how we take life for granted, how we keep planning for the future but how unpredictable life could be. I said a short prayer for all those people who had lost their lives and also for those who lost a dear one in this terrible tragedy and I thank God for giving us one more happy, normal day to live.

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  1. Mehernaaz says

    October 9, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Mehroo what was Tap Mun island like? Different from Lama / Lantau or similar to the other islands dotting HK?

    Reply
  2. Mehroo says

    October 9, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I think it is much smaller than Lamma or Lantau but then I did not cover the whole island so not very sure. It is like a regular Chinese village to start with and then a short, easy trail goes up to the hill top from where you can get a spectacular view. There is also a pebbled beach but since the tide was high we couldn't see or access it, but I don't think swimming is allowed as it is an unmanned beach. There are further points that you could hike up to to get different views of the island. But not much is developed in terms of restaurants or cafes, so best to get your own picnic hamper.

    Reply

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Such an honor to collaborate with the Hive and be Such an honor to collaborate with the Hive and be a part of this engaging panel, sharing the stage with brilliant minds and accomplished women entrepreneurs at the 'Celebrate HER Stories' event last Thursday. 

Thank you to The Hive team for this collaboration and invitation to share our stories with authenticity. 

Thank you HER Fund 婦女動力基金 for daring to create a change and empowering women. 

Thank you to my Mums@PLAY community members for showing your support! 

And lastly a big thank you to the audience for your active listening, those nods and smiles, as you related with our ups and downs of running a business and balancing our lives as women, mums and professionals. 

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When you take the same route every day You tend to When you take the same route every day
You tend to lose sight of the details,
The flower that just bloomed
The leaf that just fell
You're oblivious to the present
Your mind is overworked
With baggage from the past
And future that is yet to occur. 

Today I said STOP
I woke up at 5:45 this morning. My head filled wit I woke up at 5:45 this morning. My head filled with Sabs.

Saboteurs or Sabs as we ”lovingly” call them in our family are the negative voices in our head that tend to overwhelm or sabotage us. They are the relentless inner critics that often overpower and undermine us. Typically, I assert control over my mind, not letting them overpower me, centering myself on my senses….but not today.

Read the full blog here https://mehrooturel.com/2024/04/21/saboteur-discovery/

#saboteurs #positiveintelligence #pqcoach #certifiedcoach #icfcoacheshk #icfpcc #emotionsmatter
Boredom brings brilliance, ....taps into the reces Boredom brings brilliance,
....taps into the recesses of our sub-conscious mind to bring about #creativity and #curiosity. But I also think that boredom could also lead us to dark dungeons of the past or apprehensions about the future, and if these thoughts are not controlled, they can lead to overwhelm and stress. 

Taking control of our thoughts becomes so important specially in the 45-sec attention span that we have.

Self-command, that is taking control of our own mind, in this fast-paced, tech driven world becomes not only important, but a necessity. 

Here are some examples of how you can practice command over your mind while still at work

- Take a walk to get your coffee (focus solely on your feet and the steps you are taking)

- Zone out of your computer by closing your eyes and taking two deep breaths, really focusing on the inhale-exhale pattern 

- Stare out of the window or stare into your laptop - really focusing on one thing and one thing only. 

- Close your eyes for ten seconds when you are having your lunch, and really taste your food or hear the ambient sounds around you. 

Just focus on your senses every few hours and see how differently you tend to handle your day and the challenges that are thrown in front of you. 

Have a great week ahead!
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In the chaos and constant stimulation of our world In the chaos and constant stimulation of our world, the mind often finds itself caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts, worries, and distractions. It seems as if it never rests, always churning with an incessant stream of internal dialogue. But amidst this perpetual motion, there lies a profound and transformative power—𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱

Imagine a vast, serene lake reflecting the beauty of its surroundings. Its surface is undisturbed, allowing the depths below to reveal their hidden treasures. In much the same way, the mind possesses an inherent stillness that, when cultivated, can lead to immense 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆.

Yet, achieving this stillness is no easy task. It requires practice, patience, and a gentle surrender to the present moment. We must 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗼 of our attachments, expectations, and the constant need to control. Only then can we begin to peel away the layers of mental noise and enter into a state of profound tranquility.

In this stillness, we discover that 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝘀. We are not limited to the boundaries of our transient emotions or fleeting desires. Instead, we tap into the potential of pure awareness—an expansive, timeless space where the mind can rest and rejuvenate.

I often say that 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿, flowing, moving, splashing, having fun, but once in a while, the river needs to slow down and pause at an interim lake or pool to replenish its energy and nourish its waters. The pausing is not an end to its journey but a necessary part of its flow.

Learn to attain this stillness once every few hours. It will not take up your time, rather it will be the best investment of your time, as you get back to your work with renewed energy, vigour and creativity. 

Get in touch if you need help https://calendly.com/mehroo

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Wishing you a relaxing Sunday .... Enjoy your coff Wishing you a relaxing Sunday .... Enjoy your coffee, read the news, smile, laugh, take a nap.... just do what makes you feel good in the moment 🍹 😀 🌞 🌻 

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