The Manifold

There’s something enchanting about the hours leading up to a new year. The air feels heavy with anticipation, as if the entire world is collectively holding its breath, waiting for a grand reset. Fireworks are prepared, resolutions are written, and hopes are pinned on the idea of starting fresh. But as I sit quietly with my thoughts, I realize that life doesn’t operate on the tick of a clock. Midnight doesn’t magically wipe the slate clean—it simply carries us forward, one moment flowing seamlessly into the next. Perhaps the new year isn’t about leaving the past behind but about embracing the journey we’re already on with renewed clarity and presence. Time as a Cycle Spiritually, I’ve been reflecting on how time isn’t a straight line but a cycle. Much like the phases of the moon, the rise and fall of tides, or the changing seasons, life doesn’t truly begin or end—it transforms. Each phase carries its own rhythm, its own lessons, and its own beauty. The new year, then, isn’t the start o...

Late December last year, I first read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a philosophical and spiritual novel that has touched millions worldwide. Now, as another December comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on its profound lessons and how they continue to resonate with me a year later. The story revolves around a young Andalusian shepherd, Santiago who travels to the pyramids of Egypt to find a treasure he has recurrently dreamed about. On his journey, he has to overcome multiple obstacles—through which he learns valuable life lessons. It is more than just a tale of adventure; it is a profound reflection on life, purpose, and the universal pursuit of meaning. As I turned its pages, I couldn’t help but see my own journey mirrored in Santiago’s. One of the book’s most striking lessons is the idea of following one’s Personal Legend. Santiago’s unwavering commitment to his dream reminded me of the challenges I face in pursuing my purpose. At times, doubts and fears have clouded my ...

As I sit with my thoughts, I feel a quiet pull to reflect on how far I’ve come. The journey has been one of peeling back layers I didn’t even know existed, uncovering truths buried beneath the surface, and embracing what lies underneath. It hasn’t always been a straight path—there have been detours, pauses, and moments of doubt—but looking back, I can see how each step, no matter how small or challenging, has contributed to the larger picture. This moment of reflection feels like a necessary pause, a space to gather wisdom before moving forward—a moment to honor the delicate interplay of growth and stillness. Life as a Continuum of Wholeness and Layers One of the most profound realizations I’ve had is that life is not fragmented; it is a continuum—a seamless flow of interconnected experiences. Each moment, no matter how mundane, holds significance. For example, my daily practice of observing the subtle details—like the way light filters through leaves, the earthy scent of a rain-soaked...

When most people think about a "diet," they often associate it with losing weight. But for me, diet is not about shedding pounds—it’s about nourishing my body in a way that supports both physical health and spiritual harmony. In fact, I’ve never struggled with being overweight, nor do I aim to lose weight through dietary changes. My weight has consistently stayed around 48 to 50 kg, and I focus on maintaining a healthy balance without losing too much or gaining excessively. For me, the goal has always been about ensuring my body thrives by retaining nutrients, even when eating smaller portions. The changes I’ve made stem from a desire to address an inner discomfort—a subtle disconnect between my body and spirit—encouraging me to realign through intentional and mindful choices. Diet as a Journey of Alignment I didn’t adopt a new way of eating to "fix" myself but rather to listen to my body’s signals. Initially, my dietary changes came from a place of curiosity—curios...

During the rainy season, I often prepare a cup of herbal tea that has become both a comfort and a remedy. The ingredients are humble yet profound: a couple of slices of fresh ginger to warm the body and invigorate the senses, a stick of  kayu manis (cinnamon stick) to reduce inflammation and promote steady circulation, a handful of cloves to soothe my toothache and freshen the breath, and a small handful of dried bunga kekwa (chrysanthemum) to calm the mind and reduce internal heat. I don’t add sugar, though; the tea’s raw flavors are enough to tell a story of balance—warming yet calming, grounding yet uplifting. This tea nourishes me on many levels. It strengthens my body against the chill and dampness of the season, restores my energy, and brings a sense of clarity to my spirit. The warmth of each sip offers a moment of comfort amidst the cold, while the flavors work their magic on both body and mind. Preparing and drinking it is more than just a routine; it feels like an act...