Lindenhof 2017

[Commemorative Essay on the 2nd Anniversary of MODS in Geylang. It was in the quiet park overlooking the city of Zurich where "modalities" found its resting place in the dog-house of my soul.]

Lindenhof, 12 October 2017 What can you learn about a person from their shadow? It gives a vague idea of their physical appearance, but nothing more. Shadows change constantly but they don't tell the whole story of a person.

We all have different backgrounds, regardless of our race, religion, or nationality. These backgrounds cast a shadow over our lives, leaving impressions. But understanding the soul remains elusive, like the shadows that follow us.

Your shadow changes throughout the day, growing and shrinking with the sun's movement. Your shadow is a result of you, but it isn't the fundamental part of you. It only reflects an image of you, which may or may not be accurate.

Who are you beyond your reputation and achievements? This question can be puzzling. Travel and education can help us understand ourselves, but they don't reveal everything.

Our creativity and work are important, but they are not the core of us. A painting or a piece of art doesn't fully reveal the truth about its creator. The same goes for people; our appearances don't fully describe who we are.

Our impressions of others are often outdated and may not represent the truth. Judgments should be withheld until we have all the information. When we act based on these incomplete shadows, it can lead to conflict and fear.

Our misconceptions can isolate us. We are often afraid of the unknown, represented by these shadows. We need to recognize that shadows are not the whole truth.

What we know about a person is much more than their shadow. Our biases and prejudices can be misleading and prevent us from understanding others.

Psychology has spent thousands of years trying to understand the human mind. However, the truth about a person cannot be determined by their actions alone.

A person's reputation can affect their opportunities. Our perceptions of others may not always align with the reality.

Imagine a wrecked boat washed ashore. Can you tell its journey from its current state? It's the same with people; we are shaped by our experiences but there's more to us than what is visible.

Just like the boat, our souls are resilient, built to withstand life's storms. And so is the journey of your soul.