Asian Drivers

Believe it or not, there is a massive stereotype on Asian drivers.  At risk of offending some people, here is a link to describe such said stereotype that was not written or endorsed by me ;) - see link.  After the last 3 weeks in China, I have realized that Asians aren’t bad drivers, they are idealistic drivers. 

In North America, driving is a full visual experience – checking blind spots, looking in your rear-view mirror, knowing your surroundings, etc.  In China however, driving is a “forward” visual experience, only looking at your next move to ensure you reach your eventually desired destination.  This is similar to the 1980’s video game Frogger – instead of pedestrians trying to dodge cars while walking across the street, cars are trying to dodge other cars and motorbikes while they push through the pollution.

I don’t see this type of driving as a bad thing.  There is no road rage, drivers don’t get mad at one another, it is actually a very peaceful experience (sans pollution).  North Americans, as I will probably mention many times, do not like to live in the present – they get caught up in the past and the future trying to chase or dwell upon the uncontrollable and unchangeable – the base to the majority of the stress and depression in our society. 

The Chinese however seem to live in the “now” and the present – their driving is a prime example of this “ideology”.  Instead of worrying what is behind (rear view mirror) or in front (the destination), the Chinese focus on what is directly happening to them at that given moment - one Frogger step at a time. 

Louisa and I, like most of us, are trying harder to live in the now – this World Tour is definitely helping and we hope we can bring our “Asian Driving” back home.

So the next time you get into your car and run into this ideology (figuratively of course), don’t get angry or upset, embrace it and try to use it in your everyday life.  Live in the now. 

For those you who want to reminisce about the 80's - here is a link to an online version of Frogger - http://www.frogger.net/

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Karma... the Golden Rule!

Karma is a simple word with a simple basic meaning - action - however, many of us use karma in a more negative context. "He got hit by a wild buck while riding his bike?... he must have had bad karma" - (see video for reference).


The other day, while I was walking, a man fell in front of me and cut his head wide open. I assisted by helping him up, however, that was the extent of good samaritan deed. I didn't ensure he was going to get help. I directed him to the local Starbucks and ironically I continued on route to my yoga class looking for my next "happiness" fix.  

"Tomorrow's events depend very much on today's actions, this year's events on last year's, while this century's events are linked with those of the previous centuries.  The actions of previous generations affect the lives of the generations that follow" - Dalai Lama

Louisa, even though she probably doesn't know this, is the most karmic person I know and will ever know.  She has the unknowing ability to act with her heart - unconditional love and compassion.  If a man cut himself in front of Louisa she would have piggybacked him to the hospital (if required and if he was a midget)... without hesitation.  


She doesn't care about or help others to "increase" her karma, she doesn't act morally and unselfishly because society expects her to, she just follows her heart and acts in the way she would want others to act towards her.  This to me is the essence of karma - treat others as one would like others to treat oneself - the Golden Rule.  


I now believe that karma is directly linked to happiness.  If you follow your heart, treat people the way you want to be treated and live in the present, happiness will be obtained.  Anyone that knows Louisa can attest that she is always happy, always positive and always cares.  The World needs more people like Louisa ... 


I am very grateful for having Louisa in my life and grateful for her showing me what life should be about... your heart's desire!

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