Linda Truong's Blog

Gaze upon anything with eyes of love and watch it transform into a beautiful miracle.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Social Networking.

I was born and raised in New York. It has been a journey of constant transformations and surprising adventures. I consider myself a cosmopolitan city slicker and know people from around the world. However, there was always a sad feeling that lingered from feeling disconnected. I’ve ventured to Los Angeles thinking a new environ would help but the sense of alienation grew stronger.

I returned to California for vacation after 7 years and my eyes were opened like a newborn greeting the world.

My first stay was in Fairfax in Marin County. A feeling of peace swept over me.

I’ve been anxious and bedridden with insomnia since my adolescent days. No doubt these symptoms were due to hardships growing up and the neurotic fast paced lifestyle the city demands. There are people searching for their stillness through yoga only to rush to their iphone seconds later to find stimulation. Ego can be a drug so subtle and elusive.

What made the difference this time around? Was it because I desperately needed an escape from the daily routine? Was it because I’m older and have a different perspective on life?

Yes, but Fairfax is a special town. I ventured to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pismo Beach, and other towns. I couldn’t wait to leave.

I woke up about 6:30am to get coffee down the hill. Waking up early to see the sun kissed sky was exciting. There was a live guitarist, the barista was sincerely friendly and happy to see a familiar face after a couple of visits. The coffee was organic, and the cup was compostible. That really made me happy. I always walked down Prince Street and Broadway in New York and was disheartened whenever I saw trashbins overflowing with plastic coffee cups, yogurt spoons, and unused shopping bags.

So Fairfax gave me the hope I needed and longed to see. I learned what a sense of community felt like and witnessed a town making an effort towards a better earth. This as a whole was radiated and felt through my heart. I am grateful, thank you.

As long as life continues, suffering is a part of the journey.

Death is inevitable.

Some have forgotten this and go about their daily routine, unaware of this phenomenon. Each moment passes by, unnoticed, wasted, forgotten, unlived.

What does it mean when it comes to living the moment? Fully taking in the environment, feeling every experience with full attention, and not thinking of being anywhere else. Living meditation is a discipline in itself.

Until “time” “stops”, “catches on”, regrets set in. Was there ever any time?

I’ve been through dark nights of the soul to experiencing joyous heaven on earth. Life is a paradox of these inseparable two, which makes the mystery so profound and exquisite.

From blooming wildflowers to elephants playing in the river, this is love in its curious, playful expression.

When animals are killed for trophy and people kill each other to acquire material things, this is a defilement of life and ultimately comes back to poison the soul, conscience, or whatever name one may call it.

We must make the effort to remind ourselves that life is not about getting by, passing time, or surviving. Life is a journey that must be lived. Every breath inhaled deeply, food tasted and enjoyed, time well spent with loved ones, time spent doing what needs love.

It begins with the individual, always seeking to improve oneself in mind, body, spirit. Attitude has a lot to do with this. One must willfully learn to extend compassion to all living things that are also trying to survive.

The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world. — B. C. Forbes

I promise myself to never be powerless.

I will disregard those who wish to see me fail.

I will conserve my energy and spend it where I feel light is needed.

I will persevere until it is time to take off into the next galaxy.

Love is my mission, my answer, my way.

We are whole as we are, ever growing, ever expanding. In times of heartache and loneliness, read. You will see you were never alone.

Dearest,

The years are flying by with every possible emotion keeping us floating in the air.

I know now what is meant by the language of the heart, it has a mind of its own. Then again what does the mind do but drive us crazy? The feeling was always there, like a seedling which has now sprouted into a young blossom kissed by sunlight.

To me this is a timely miracle of life, one that required maturation through patience. This was an unexpected unfolding enigma. There are no coincidences, only synchronicity. We are creators of our own destiny, though higher powers play an integral part. Through our differences a masterpiece is painted using only the most brilliant colors in existence.

Just know that I love you.

The greatest education is the experience of life itself. How much you learn is up to you. Your willingness to open and accept your present reality will determine your growth. Once you realize the vastness of your world, the desire to consume will lessen. Suddenly temporary satisfaction from food and material wealth will subside, like an ocean during a storm to a calm sea.

Some nights when I contemplate my troubles and going through grief, I look up at the night sky. I live in the city, so I can only see a few scattered stars. But it is enough to remind me of the great beyond, a greater purpose at play. I thank the night, the light, and life for its reminders.