Feedforward...

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." — Colossians 1:21

Hmm I've never blogged about meetings.. but today, I learnt something useful during one.... Something that i ought to use especially for 2007, a significant year.

The idea is simple.

We can change the future. We can't change the past. So in a way, feedforward helps people envision and focus on a positive future, not a failed past. How wonderful..

So, how do we give feedforward (as opposed to giving feedback)????
Just follow the four rules:

Rule #1) Let go of the past (Hmm.. easier said than done, huh?)
Rule #2) Listen to suggestions without judgement
Rule #3) Learn as much as you can
Rule #4) Help as much as you can

To view the clip by Marshall Goldsmith on the idea of feedforward.. click here

PS: Btw, this Marshall guy really looks like Doc (Christopher Lloyd) in Back to the Future.. (how apt)


CORINNE BAILEY RAE "Put Your Records On"

Three little birds, sat on my window

And they told me I don't need to worry

Summer came like cinnamon so sweet

Little girls double-dutch on the concrete

Maybe sometimes, we've got it wrong,but it's alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don't you hesitate.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans
I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down
You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow

Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside (just relax, just relax)
Don't you let those other boys fool you
Got to love that afro hair do.

Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it's alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change
Don't you think it's strange?

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans
I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.'
Twas more than I could take, pity for pity's sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realise, that you don't even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favourite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams
Just go ahead, let your hair down.

Oh, you're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow

Have hope... Life just gets better..... :p

Naturally Nepal...

Naturally Nepal is their tourism slogan...


Indeed, the feeling of being close to nature gave me a sense of calm and peace that I wish I could prolong that experience. The insignificance I felt in front of the mountains, the valleys, the rivers, the rapids, the sun and the cold elements (coldest was 2 deg C)... reminded me of my frailties but some of them also gave me hope and strength to push on..

The initial plan of trekking to Poon Hill for four turned out to be a solo trek due to unforeseen circumstances... My 3 travel mates went back to Pokhara after the first day of trek....but I just had to go through it...I felt bad not accompanying them back and they were worried for my safety.. But what the heck.. it was a journey I set out to experience. And so, I ignored the risk of going on a trek in the wilderness alone with two strangers.. my guide and my porter.. and made my loved ones at home worry. But never did I regret this trek.. In fact, I was in a way, glad I did it alone..


While I thought the highlight was the sunrise at Poon Hill.. the actual experiences I enjoyed most were the interactions with the Nepalis during the trek. Each day, without any Singaporean/tourist, I had the chance to really mingle with the villagers.. I had to learn basic Nepali language.. They really taught me about Nepal and the struggles of its people. Despite it all, the warmth and humility of the villagers really touched me. They really made me consider retiring there.. but I know it's just a fleeting thought..


This journey also taught me the value of education. Seeing my porter, Sayaman, an 18 yr old school drop-out (due to poverty), being so earnest in learning Maths and English, really warmed my heart.. a teacher's heart. On some nights, with no electricity but just candles, we'll do maths. He found it hard but was so keen on trying.. In the mornings, we'll do a bit of reading and conversational English. At the end of the trek, I was glad that he'll be going back to school to continue with his education. All he needed was about 10 000 rupees.. about only S$230.. which he'll take forever to earn.. But despite his state, his willingness to learn is the kind of spirit and passion that I've not seen for quite some time. I really hope to see it again in the padawans back here...

My days in Nepal without any handphone, internet, television, electricity... taught me about a world that's beyong my comfort zone and yet it is not one of the poorest countries in the world..it taught me that simplicity is perhaps the best.... it taught me a lot of myself as well, my limitations, my passion and hopes... The trek was a much anticipated one which I ended up embarking on my own... I saw a sunrise which led me to tears... I met people who made me not want to leave the villages.... I fell in love with Nepal.. but I know I must come home.. I must embrace what is to come..

And so, I'll hold the moments close to my heart... and leave with memories which I'll cherish forever....



Dhanya wad Nepal.... See you in 10 yrs time....