Snowy Pathway

Finally some time and space to really write, It's been quite hectic here in Tacoma; Seattle. Spending time with the part of my family i rarely experience, brings back many childhood memories. Not all of them good, mind you.

Being in the mountains, (Crystal Mountain to be precise) having a couple of hours just to roam and spend some quiet time, looking at the wondrous landscape, with my face cold and sprinkled with the heavy fall of snow, my body warm with the numerous layers of thickness and the light slowly dimming, i climbed. The air thinning, my unfit body pushing my blood pressure and working my lungs to an uncomfortable level i neared the top...

The view spectacular, my breath taken away. A quiet serenity took over and I thought of Pathway. What it represents and what the journey entails. It's like climbing a snow covered mountain face. The journey daunting, the demands limitless and the effort paralyzing. But when conquered, i think of the path we beat and soften for the next, i think of the invaluable lessons learned from the climb, the cherish breath we all so often neglect for it is life we forget to appreciate and honor. It is not a waste.

I am humbled by my fellow journeyman, Kelv and Chang Liang. For your will is my resolve and your dedication is my inspiration. A solid future and a propelling desire to serve, cause no dissidence but a new sparkle in my eye. Even though i am away, i still carry the mission in my heart and the practices my daily routine.

A question opened up to me the other day.
Maybe you can help me...

Does an Activist need money? I mean a sizable amount to make a significant difference in which ever cause one fights for? I know it is a resource, but i am bent to think it has been the main focus on many who, choose this path. Take for example the many activist of today who pursue business and philantrophy as the solution for today's ills.

But here in the States, (i dare say the birthplace of modern activism) the opportunity to live simply and within a limited means provides a safety net for activism to thrive, especially here in the rural areas. Environmental activism is a powerful force, and i understand why. The region here is luscious and the people love the outdoors. From skiing to hiking, whole economies grow just by a simple law of supply and demand. This coupled with enlightened love for the nature is a powerful measure of what is possible. I have come across many successful campaigns, many green organic farmlands and Socially Responsible businesses. I am amazed and inspired to take back what i am learning, and inculcate the habits, choices and initiatives these people have so passionately caused.

I do not see why, we in South East Asia cannot do the same. I understand the obvious and apparent excuse; poverty and cost of living besmirches our ability to express our love for our land and brethren. The sick drive just to simply survive creates greed and a jaded world view. How we help each other at home, is almost non-existent. Do you even know your neighbours names and jobs? We live in an environment where "what you earn is what you keep". Where ideals are replaced by efficiency. Traditional media plays a vital role in encapsulating us, causing mindless, entertainment junkies looking for quick reality show fixes, adults who are encased in the economic dribble and the material fetishes - lead us nowhere.

So how can we, just 3 individuals rise up and demand change........................?

I don't really know.
But i think that's the beauty of it.

With love, here in Seattle.
Wiki Wiki Lua Lua.

PS: keep writing guys, you never know who reads this....
Kelv - for fucks sake, write you lazy bastard.......
Cl - Post Pictures of your work in Vietnam...