TLDR: Brian Chang shares his experience about how maintaining mindfulness and awareness helped him avoid getting into “unlucky” situations. He also reflects on a particular “incident.”
On a sunny afternoon, as I was walking towards my local supermarket to stock up on groceries for the week, I noticed a sudden, strong, smelly odor as I was going down the escalator.
This was not usual.
I didn’t know where it came from. As soon as I reached the bottom of the escalator, I saw a fresh, huge “gold” at the end of the escalator, coming from an old man standing in front of me!
I didn’t over-react like I normally do. Instead, I maintained my awareness and carefully walked past the mess and the stains left by his footprints on my way to the supermarket.
I heaved a sigh of relief and continued with my grocery shopping.
The day just gets ‘worse’
After buying what I needed, I went back to the dormitory. Upon arrival, I realised that my card to enter the dormitory wasn’t on me!
Usually, in similar circumstances, I would start to panic. Various negative scenarios would begin to play out in my mind. But it was different this time.
I directed my mind to think of solutions to get my card back. I recollected the places I had walked past and the actions I had taken while returning to the dormitory from the supermarket. I remembered that I had taken my phone out while buying chicken at the deli and that was probably when the card had accidentally fallen out of my pocket.
I quickly walked back to the supermarket, scanning the floor for my card as I went. Thank goodness when I arrived at the deli, my card was still untouched on the floor. I picked it up and joyfully walked back to the dormitory.
A tale of two mindsets
When I got back, I compared the difference in my mental state and behaviour in this situation to my usual conduct. The following is a summary of the comparison:
Usual
This time
Would daydream while walking
Walked with mindfulness
Living in my own world, unaware of what’s happening around me
Being aware of my surroundings
The experience was abnormal. I had been practising mindfulness meditation for months, but I never expected to witness the fruition of my efforts in such a profound and unexpected moment.
I saw that having added a little bit more mindfulness made my ability to handle incidents with more peace of mind. I was not adding value judgments to situations but rather seeing things with a more balanced approach.
This prevented ‘unfortunate’ moments from becoming ‘unfortunate’ hours, days, months or even years!
Reflecting on the day
As I reflected on the incident that happened that day, I realised that with sati (mindfulness), sampajañña (awareness), and some saddhā (faith) in myself, I can achieve my desired results without any stress—or at least maintain a positive relationship with it.
Recently, I took a short course at my university regarding effective methods and tips for preparing for exams. One of the topics was about dealing with stress. A TED video on stress was shared.
From the video, I learnt that simply believing that stress is not harmful can reduce the risk of dying, as stress actually helps the body prepare for more challenging tasks. For more information about dealing with stress, you may watch Kelly McGonigal’s TED talk: How to make stress your friend.
So, I can use sampajañña to recognise when I am stressed and notice the negative thoughts associated with it. Then, I can apply sati and a positive perception of stress to change my relationship with it and stop the negative proliferation of thoughts, helping me overcome difficulties without feeling like I’m “dying.” The best of both worlds!
The incident with the old man pooping uncontrollably in public also made me reflect on the nature of impermanence. I may be young now, but one day, I too will be like the old man. Unable to control my bowels or my body.
This reminded me of King Koravya, a king during the Buddha’s time, who quizzed Buddha’s disciple, Rattapala, on why he was ordained when young. The famous dialogue showed that even the rich and powerful aren’t spared from ageing.
“And what do you think, great king: Are you even now as strong in arm and strong in thigh, as fit, and as seasoned in warfare?”
“Not at all, Master Ratthapala. I’m now a feeble old man, aged, advanced in years, having come to the last stage of life, 80 years old. Sometimes, thinking, ‘I will place my foot here,’ I place it somewhere else.”
“It was in reference to this, great king, that the Blessed One who knows and sees, worthy and rightly self-awakened, said: ‘The world is swept away. It does not endure.’ Having known and seen and heard this, I went forth from the home life into homelessness.”
Impermanence in student life
I recently felt the impact of impermanence in my own life.
During the semester, I was planning my to-do lists with my roommate so that we wouldn’t get bored during the winter break. Just as I was fantasising about our good times after the final exams, one day, he suddenly told me that he had decided to go back to Vietnam during the break. He couldn’t handle the gloomy days of winter anymore.
In my mind, I had expected that we would do meaningful things together. However, plans do not always keep up with changes. Some things are beyond our control.
A good learning experience on impermanence. The learning experience doesn’t always have to involve death—it can also be about the little things in our daily lives.
Wise Steps:
Try to maintain mindfulness and awareness in daily life.
Recognise your negative thoughts and learn how to develop a positive relationship with them through mindfulness.
Use the thought of impermanence as a trigger to practise awareness and mindfulness in daily life.
TLDR: The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, requiring mindfulness to make wise decisions and build trust through honesty. Embracing impermanence leads to resilience and innovation, while karma influences positive actions and networking fosters authentic connections. Conflict becomes an opportunity for growth, and taking time for oneself is essential for a successful entrepreneurial experience guided by Dhamma principles
Buckle up: The Thrilling Entrepreneur Ride
Starting my own business has been an exhilarating and fulfilling adventure. It’s like riding a rollercoaster of emotions, from exhilaration to anxiety and everything in between. It’s allowed me to pursue my passions, be my own boss, and potentially achieve financial independence.
But of course, it has not been easy. It requires meticulous planning, sheer hard work, and the willingness to take risks.
When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I made a firm decision to let Dhamma guide my path, and I’d love to share the principles I have embraced along the way.
Mindfulness in the Chaos: Taming Business Cats
First up, cultivating mindfulness. I won’t lie, this one has been a real challenge for me. I mean, seriously, try observing your thoughts and emotions while dealing with the everyday chaos of running a business.
It’s like herding cats.
However, I’ve learned the importance of taking the time to reflect, observe my thoughts and emotions, and carefully consider the potential impact of my decisions on others. Rather than succumbing to impulsive actions, I strive to make choices that align with wisdom and compassion.
I remember a situation where I had a meeting with a difficult client. Before the meeting, I took a brief three-minute meditation session and set my intention to listen without preconceptions based on past interactions.
The meeting was challenging as the client started complaining about the level of service and why they should pay a penalty. I noticed that I felt attacked and could feel tension in my jaw.
Although I had a strong urge to counter-attack, I reminded myself of my intention to clear the situation and maintain a good relationship.
I took a moment to reflect on the client’s perspective and imagined myself in their shoes. I deliberated on my thoughts and responses, considering what the client would want to hear. This helped me calm down and manage my emotions.
I acknowledged and apologised for our mistake while explaining that there were also errors from their staff, without blaming anyone. We proposed a communication process to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
To my surprise, the client responded positively. They appreciated my honesty in acknowledging the mistake and offering a solution, which was what they were seeking.
Interestingly, they didn’t even bring up the issue of paying the penalty. I had prepared myself to potentially lose the client, but instead, the relationship became stronger. This incident demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness. By avoiding impulsive reactions, the outcome exceeded my expectations.
Practising mindfulness has allowed me to develop a deeper awareness of my thoughts, emotions, and actions.
It empowers me to respond to challenges with clarity and composure and has saved me from some major “Oops, what was I thinking?” moments.
Mindfulness is like having my very own superhero power, allowing me to respond to challenges with composure, or at least with a little less panic. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that progress comes from taking one step at a time.
The Power of Honesty: Building Trust Like Solid Gold
When it comes to honesty and ethics, Buddhism has instilled in me the belief that truthfulness fosters trust, credibility, and long-term success.
The temptation to tell a little white lie can be strong, especially when you’re trying to seal that deal.
However, I firmly believe that honesty should always be the foundation of my business practices and a positive reputation is worth its weight in gold.
Even in difficult situations, I strive to find skilful ways to communicate the truth. I remind myself to consider the long-term consequences and the impact on both myself and others. Honesty builds trust with customers, employees, and partners, strengthening relationships and laying the groundwork for a sustainable business.
Embracing the Unexpected: Comedy of Errors in Business
Embracing impermanence has been a crucial lesson in my entrepreneurial journey. Now, that’s a lesson that hit me like a ton of bricks. When I first started my business, I had this grand vision in mind.
I knew exactly who my target market was, which consisted of high-net-worth individuals (HNW), fund management (FM), and private equity (PE) investors.
I meticulously planned everything, including our business strategies, marketing materials, and a list of networks we could leverage.
We even held meetings with people in our network who confirmed the high demand in this market and promised to refer potential clients to us.
We were optimistic and envisioned signing up significant clients in a short span of time. But, as is often the case in life, things didn’t unfold exactly as I had planned.
It was like a comedy of errors, and I felt like I was starring in my sitcom.
Initially, I blamed myself for not being persistent enough and pushed forward against the odds. But then, I had a moment of enlightenment, or maybe just a really good cup of coffee.
I realised that embracing impermanence is the key to surviving and thriving in the ever-changing business world. I learned to adapt to changing circumstances, seize unexpected opportunities, and let go of attachments to specific outcomes.
Presently, I am working with a considerable number of startup clients who require extensive support due to their unfamiliarity with Singapore regulations. Their growth is rapid and ever-changing, and I am able to contribute value to their businesses through my advisory and compliance services.
It brings me great satisfaction to witness their businesses flourishing. Simultaneously, I also gain new knowledge and insights from these clients, which adds to my own learning experience.
Embracing impermanence has also fostered resilience, flexibility, and an openness to innovation when necessary. While I still work towards my initial goals, I’ve learned to open myself up to other possibilities. Who knows, those detours might just lead me to my original goal, or even something better. It’s like rewriting the script of my entrepreneurial sitcom.
Kamma: What Goes Around, Comes Around
Now, let’s dive into the concept of kamma. Understanding the concept of Kamma has profoundly influenced my actions and intentions. I’ve come to recognize that every choice and action I make carries consequences, shaping the future outcomes of my business.
By acting with integrity, kindness, respect, and consideration for the well-being of all stakeholders, I sow seeds of positive kamma.
Of course, there are times when bad kamma comes knocking on my door. But, I take it as a life lesson, analyse the situation, and learn from it. It’s like bad kamma ripening, and it keeps me on my toes and motivates me to make ethical decisions.
Networking Magic: Planting Seeds of Genuine Connections
Networking has proven to be a transformative aspect of my entrepreneurial journey. Instead of viewing it as a mere transactional endeavour, I approach networking as an opportunity to forge authentic connections.
By offering support, connecting authentically, and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships, I’m planting seeds of goodwill. Those seeds gradually grow into a network of like-minded individuals.
Together, we share common values, support one another, and contribute to collective growth and success.
I still remember when I was contacted by a friend whom I have known for a number of years of a potential client that would like to start a business in Singapore. Over the years, she will sometimes ask me for some tax advice.
Since her profession has no link to my industry at all, this was quite an unexpected referral but she remembered me and the services that my company provides. Subsequently, this client also refers other clients to me.
It is also through this that I met various mentors in my entrepreneurial journey, where I sought guidance and support from those who had walked similar paths and who generously shared their insights and experiences.
I recognised that seeking advice from experienced individuals would plant seeds of wisdom and guide me towards making informed decisions. Their wisdom shaped my perspective and helped me navigate the challenges with greater clarity and understanding.
Conflict: A Chance to Grow and Understand
Ah, conflict, my old frenemy. It is an inevitable part of business, and I’ve learned to view it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.
When conflicts arise, instead of pulling out my boxing gloves, I take a deep breath and approach it with mindfulness and compassion. I listen, empathise, and seek win-win solutions.
This helps to foster an environment of open communication and mutual respect. Resolving conflicts based on Dhamma principles transforms challenges into opportunities for collaboration, learning, and strengthening relationships.
There was a conflict with my business partner where we had differing opinions and our priorities began to diverge, leading to disagreements and tension within our once-harmonious partnership.
Instead of resorting to dishonesty or manipulation, I engaged in open and honest communication.
I listened and sought to understand the perspectives and concerns of my business partner and also shared my thoughts, concerns, and intentions without embellishment or deception. We acknowledged our differences and worked out a solution that worked for both of us.
“Me” Time: Sanity Check in the Entrepreneurial Vortex
And lastly, let’s not forget about “me” time. Taking time for myself has become an essential aspect of maintaining balance and well-being in my entrepreneurial journey.
It’s easy to get caught up in the vortex of workaholism. But I’ve learned the hard way that burnout is not a good look on anyone.
So, I will make sure to carve out time for myself, whether it’s reading a book, listening to Dhamma, meditating, taking a walk, engaging in hobbies, volunteering, or doing the chicken dance in my living room.
It’s my recharge time, my sanity check. In turn, it enhances my productivity and allows me to bring my best self to my work. Trust me, your business will thank you for it.
Dhamma-Driven Success: Walking the Path of Happiness
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realise that integrating Dhamma principles into my business has been transformative.
They’ve provided me with a strong moral compass, guiding me towards wise decisions and compassionate actions.
As I continue along my entrepreneurial path, I hold onto the profound words of the Buddha:
“Mind is the forerunner of all states.
Mind is chief; mind-made are they” – Dhammapda verse
So I choose to think positively, and embrace challenges with a smile and a sprinkle of humour.
After all, as the zen master, Late Thich Nhat Hanh wisely said, “There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.” and I’m grateful to be walking it as an entrepreneur.
Wise Steps:
Practice mindfulness by catching the small moments e.g. when you feel anger/fear/anxiety arise, just need to be aware and acknowledge it. I will tell myself “I am angry/feeling fear/anxious and I acknowledge this feeling.” This is how I started my mindfulness journey by just catching these small moments.
Be kind and patient with yourself. Progress does not come linearly and celebrate the small moments e.g. when I am aware that I am angry or indulge in gossip or I can let go of fear/anger, I will mentally “high five” myself.
Have me time which allows you to recharge and reflect.
TLDR: Being stuck in lockdowns isn’t the best way to start university, but here’s what I have learnt! Studying overseas allowed me to have an open mind and embrace challenges as they came.
“Congratulations! The world is your oyster.”
Like many undergraduates studying abroad, studying overseas was a significant milestone for me. I had many aspirations for personal growth, academic success and ultimately, a successful career.
Though I had many worries about what the future may bring, I knew that it was something I have longed for. I couldn’t contain my excitement as the days approached – the start of my journey in England!
Groups of students were at the airport with their friends and family, but I was alone pushing the airport trolley. It was a familiar yet strange feeling to be at the airport. This time was unlike all previous trips: I felt uneasy and lonely.
This was just the beginning of my journey. It was later filled with moments of unexpectedness. An identity I thought was solid was shown to be transparent.
Here’s what I have learnt during my year abroad:
1. Being at peace with my emotions
Lugging heavy luggage up and downhill, then up a few flights of stairs marked my arrival at college. A physical workout I never expected at a world-class institution.
Then, came my greatest shock: 2 boxes of food that were for half a month of quarantine. Hot meals that I expected to be delivered to my room were merely my wishful thinking.
Instant food and more junk food greeted me as I rummaged through the boxes, only to find out that I was given the same food ration daily.
The reality was vastly different from what I had expected. I was disappointed because I had high expectations of university life. One disappointment after another coupled with homesickness just made things worse.
Being in an unpleasant situation, I learned to slowly acknowledge and accept my emotions. Recognising that emotions were fleeting and impermanent calmed me down. Labelling my emotions made their fleeting nature more obvious.
I was more mindful when unpleasant emotions arose and l grew to be more gentle towards myself. Unhappy times would eventually pass, and so would happy ones.
I started to live in the present and realised I had limited control over the future. We, humans, desire pleasant feelings and want to cling to them, while quickly escaping from unpleasant ones.
Suffering is experienced when things do not go according to our wishes. We feel uneasy and become reactive towards the unfamiliar.
My comfort food was a warm bowl of noodles and not potato chips in the cold weather. I learned to be grateful for the food which provided me with energy instead of viewing it as an unpleasant meal.
“All conditioned phenomena are impermanent; When one sees this with Insight-wisdom, one becomes weary of dukkha (dissatisfaction). This is the path to purity.” Dhammapada Verse 277
2. Learning to slow down
In Singapore, I was used to the fast-paced life where everything has to be done quickly and efficiently. We are always in a rush to complete yet another task.
In England, I began immersing myself in my surroundings and noticed the little things. I took time to enjoy the brilliant colours of the autumn foliage, sheep grazing the field, birds chirping at dawn and dusk and the paw prints of bunnies when winter arrived.
I made so many discoveries when I slowed down to observe.
The little things which I once paid no attention to were the ones I looked forward to each day.
By relaxing my pace of life, I started to appreciate the people, culture and environment. I was slower in jumping to conclusions and was more willing to understand and learn. I was responding and not reacting to different situations
I felt happier and more relaxed by focusing on what I had, rather than worrying about the future.
3. Staying calm in the face of challenges
One of my favourite places to take a walk
Stuck in the middle of a pandemic, I had to do my laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, etc., amidst many assignments and exams. These were previously handled by my parents in Singapore.
Moreover, schoolwork greatly increased in depth and breadth compared to polytechnic. There were much more readings, preparations for seminars, and numerous modules to handle.
Besides, I was studying a subject that was foreign and needed more time to understand the content. The accumulation of the tasks and workload consumed me.
I was experiencing high stress, yet I need to increase my productivity to complete my tasks. Thankfully, I managed to set aside time to find some solutions to get me through these difficult moments. Having exposure to the Dhamma through groups like BFY and NPBS gave me the tools to get through these moments.
– Meditation
Before a study session, I would calm down by doing a short meditation. This was beneficial in decluttering thoughts and giving clarity to focus on tasks.
Day-tight compartments prioritise focusing on the task we have at hand, without being trapped in the past or future.
I would plan out my agenda for the day and break it down into small manageable tasks. Having a plan assures me that I would be able to complete my agendas on time.
During each study session, I would focus on my planned tasks. However, if important stray thoughts arose, I would jot them down and attend to them later.
4. Being appreciative
Being away from my family and friends made me realise their importance and how much I have taken them for granted.
All the little things that I have taken for granted all these years, such as a bowl of home-cooked food or even a short face to face meet-up with my friends and family were the ones I yearned for.
These made me more appreciative of the unconditional care and support that I once took as given. Now that I am back at home, the experience abroad reminds me to spend more quality time with my family and do more for them.
Even though I am currently back in Singapore, studying abroad was one of the most memorable times – wonderful memories and the ones that made me grow.
It made me realise the impermanent nature of things. I was once full of hope for where my educational journey in England would bring me, but ultimately things change, and so do my purposes. This is truly anicca.
Wise Steps:
When an unpleasant situation arises, observe & label the emotions you are feeling and note your reaction to them. What can we do differently the next time it arises?
The next time you’re on your daily commute, take time to observe your surroundings and the greenery that surrounds you.
Identify methods that calm yourself down in the face of adversities (meditation/ taking walks/ day-tight compartments)
