So called “horizon widened”

Rewinding back to July, 2012, I was thinking whether it is a good decision to come to Hawaii. Fast forward now, I am thinking whether it is a good decision to go back to Hong Kong. I could still remember the last time I stayed an equal 4.5 months in Ottawa, but I never had such a strong sentiment to the domain and strong unwillingness to go back home. Well, anyway, at that time, I didn’t expect anything in Ottawa, so it is hard for me to evaluate my stay there.

But the situation in Hawaii is so much different. Before coming to Hawaii, I was in a serious struggle of not finding a job for myself. I have realized the truth that coming to APLP doesn’t guarantee me a job or a higher education degree at the very beginning ----not bad for a guy who has absolutely no idea of what East West Center is. Both others and I have evaluated the possible gain in coming to Hawaii. I still remember clearly one thing we agreed strongly is that my horizon will be widened. Other than that we could hardly find any “tangible” outcomes. Combining the opportunity cost I paid seeing my colleagues’ moving along the career ladder with solid progress, these elements created my doubt of coming here.

The term “horizon widened” is meaningless without the real thing having experienced. After coming here, the secret of “horizon widened” finally unraveled with my APLP experience. It turned out that my classmates are way better than I have expected. They are not only coming from different countries, (in which makes no difference to an exchange program), but people from very diverse professions and diverse ranks. (and diverse ages) The experiences from these people are so immense, wise and deep such that I am totally overwhelmed in the initial stage. When I started to pick up my pace to keep up with them, I found that some of their best elements have already been injected to my behavior. Now I am more humble, more open-minded, hungrier for knowledge and more willing to accept challenges. (Probably more cunning in bargaining too thanks to some Indian negotiation classes)

But”horizon widened” is far from this stretch. Thanks to some of my new friends in Hawaii, I also got the chance to explore every bit of Oahu. I have been able to recognize the island terrain as a whole (which is 1/3 bigger than HK). Not much people know the amazing terrain and natural environment in Hawaii: other than sun and beaches, Hawaii is also famous for rainfall, volcano, forests or even frost mounts. Oh and let’s not forget about the Polynesian stories which I have never heard of, and never interested at. Polynesian Culture is indeed much deeper than anyone of us could have possibly imagined, deep enough to make some “strong countries” in this planet embarrassed. The spiritual life and connection to environment in Polynesian countries is so strong and important that a lot of Asian countries are not even close to realize.

And that is not the end of my “widened horizon”. I did have a close chance to observe American society as a whole. Ranging from futile daily events like shopping Sam’s Club or eating in McDonald’s to historical events like 2012 US presidential election to Disaster Management on Miss Sandy, I can feel the power of this nation. Expressive, Innovative, boldness…. Correct the nation is going downhill in terms of economic power (a really strong decline if you take 1960’s into account), but they are unconsciously making solid progress to remain themselves as the superpower in terms of soft power. And arguably, American is like to remain as a soft power giant since other countries are not paying much attention on this. My country’s soft power is even declining. To cut it short, American dream is not over.

My horizon is also widened not only from American perspective, but from a Chinese immigrant perspective. The image of Hong Kong suddenly got so multi-dimensional because of my experience connecting with Hong Kong migrants in America. I have seen people who are desperately finding ways to get back to Hong Kong. I have seen people who are born in America and desperately finding ways to cut ties with Hong Kong. I have seen people who came here for a long time, engaging Chinese-migrant society only but being so reluctant to go back to their motherland. These encounters have only made my understanding to Hong Kong deeper.

And I still haven’t mentioned those activities that I thought I would never do in my lifetime: skydiving, raveling, thanksgiving, helicopter ride, dying my hair thrice, going to my first chemi-toi, having Hong Kong examination abroad and having buffet alone…….

And with my horizon expanded, staying in Hong Kong and resuming what I have been pursuing before APLP suddenly sounds very unwise. Worse still, Human are myopic, and I am only even worse. Without real changes in lifestyle, staying in Hong Kong implies one day all these “assets” would degrade into “memories”, and finally “history” and there will be a high chance for me to become the old me. If Hawaii has no more significance to me, so would be the assets I am cherishing at this moment. Therefore, leaving Hawaii is like letting go the seed of change from my body. Will I never be the same guy again? Or will I compromise to the current stifling, suffocating environment in Hong Kong?

It won’t take long for me to work this out.

original link:

http://cychansam.blogspot.hk/2013/01/so-called-widened-horizon.html

No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it

Ever since I was a teenager I have been encouraged to ‘be a leader’ with various leadership programs, opportunities and roles being given to me. From those early years I always wondered what stimulated people's interest in my potential leadership, what was it in me that made them think I could lead? Or that I could be a ‘leader’ at all. My leadership journey has taken many different turns, from those early years to now where I have formalized my leadership journey within institutional boundaries.

The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence, it is to act with yesterday’s logic - Peter Drucker

The idea of participating in the Asia Pacific Leadership Program stems back to my time working for a newly restructured organisation. Struggling with the transition, lack of foresight and public pressure this organisation was the epitome of a closed and threatened system. Developed on a typical Newtonian image of the world this organisation employed command and control leadership and hierarchical structures to evidence productivity and control.

Strife, turbulence and chaos were feared, and seen as a threat to the rigid systems of the institution. I found myself continually testing the environment, pushing boundaries and when the systemic powers overturned my curiosity one too many times, I eventually become incredibly disheartened. My resilience had taken a huge hit, to the point that I was unable to separate my personal life from that of my professional. The frustrations at work followed me home. It got to the point where the lack of leadership made me search for an alternative – there must be something better than this, I would say to myself over and over as I walked home every night.

A good leader is best when people scarcely know he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him. Fail to honor people and they fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, the people will say, 'we did it ourselves' - Lao-tzu

It stimulated me to ask questions of leadership, what does it look like? Where can I find it? Why do we need it so much? And how is leadership attained? These were all valid questions for someone who was experiencing the overwhelming strength of a system without any strategic direction. How were we meant to create a sustainable and prosperous future for others when we could not even sustain ourselves?! As I explored alternatives, solutions and ways around hurdles I soon realized that I needed a new consciousness, a new perspective in order to affect any such change.

No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it – Albert Einstein

I did not, and never have, believed it has to be ONE or the OTHER. For me, life is not black OR white; it is full of shades, textures and styles. The important thing is how to incorporate these into our narrative, what are their relational dynamics and how do they take on different forms according to context. Many would say these are typical questions of an Anthropologist, nothing ever seems that simple to us, but it has surprised me over the years how many people are asking the exact same questions. The fundamental flaws of Newtonian-based systems, processes and structures are becoming apparent and society is now in search for an alternative. The potential of this school of thought is being rapidly exhausted, reflected in such movements as the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street and Idle No More.

You think because you understand one you must understand two, because one and one makes two. But you must also understand AND - Meadows

So there it is - my answer. I was searching for the AND in an OR environment. If i was to stay in that organisation i would be forced to choose this OR that, me OR you. I had found myself in a closed system which did not allow for growth, chaos or change and promoted competition, sacrifice and the prescriptive maintenance of a pattern of normative rules.

The months between leaving my job and working for my tribe were some of the most important steps for my personal and professional development. I went to the south island to instruct Aoraki Bound, a 21 day cultural and personal development programme combining Ngāi Tahu cultural knowledge and expertise with the experience and reputation of Outward Bound in a 20-day journey-based course that builds leadership, cultural awareness and personal development. This is a strategic leadership initiative to revitalize the cultural and personal paradigm of learning and leadership. This guided me to understanding leadership as a process of discovery that must be shared, moulded and contextualised. I felt a huge sense of purpose in my actions and had regained much confidence in my abilities after the past year of institutional marginalization.  Whilst instructing the Aoraki Bound I also got an email saying that I had been accepted into the Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP).

APLP is the center of excellence for leadership education in the Asia Pacific region and a signature of the East West Center  The program linked advanced and interdisciplinary analysis of emergent regional issues with experiential leadership learning. The fall semester involved residency in Honolulu for 5 months, with a unique opportunity to travel throughout China for a 3 week field study where I explored the recent political transition, China’s economic growth and the affect this has on ethnic minority cultures throughout China as well as the broader region.

I had invested a huge amount of myself into this program. I was sure that this was the solution to my frustration and unanswered questions. I soon found out that this would not be the case. APLP instead gave me the space away from the hectic speed of my life and introduced me to 30 incredible people from around the world. I lived, laughed and learnt with cultures from around the world, and believe that it has had an impact on me far beyond what I know. 

They have taught me how to discover the AND, that human potential is endless and full of possibilities, but more importantly they have taught me how to be, to enjoy the power of the present. I thank those 30 people for the impact they have had on my life just by being themselves and sharing their worlds. I have returned to New Zealand with a new consciousness, one ready for the challenges ahead.

To be continued...

Talk soon.

Today I spent the morning sharing images from my travels with my soon to be 90 year old grandfather. It was quite an amazing experience sharing this moment with him. It made me think about how lucky we are to have exposure to what is now a global village. Travelling is a luxury that many of us take for granted.

A couple of years ago my grandfather shared his stories of World War II with me. We worked over several months to put all these memories together into a book. With no hesitation he shared stories that i was incredibly privileged to have received. Without censorship i heard firsthand accounts of the harsh realities of war - the wounds, sacrifices, fun, loses and insights that comes with that particular territory. For my grandfather, and many from his generation, war was their only reason for international travel. To travel to foreign lands and engage with exotic people was somewhat of a perk for serving your country in war.

At first it was very hard for him to resurface the memories of life's worst potential - WAR - a small word for something that has generational impacts, good but mostly bad. One of the most powerful moments throughout the process was the power of images in stimulating memories that had been hidden for some 60 years. His children, wife and closest friends were still oblivious to the depths and details of his memories. 

"When I was only 18, I was called up to do three months training in the Territorial Army. I was required to go to Rāwene to be medically examined in the court house, which used to be by the hotel. The doctor took my blood pressure, but said it was too low and that I wouldn't pass. He could see how eager I was to join the Army so he told me to sprint down to the end of the wharf and back up as fast as I could. He tested me again and, just like that, I passed!"

This blog is dedicated to my Grandfather, all 89.9 years of him - childhood in Hokianga, WWII, farming, marriage, children, grandchildren, life and land. In 5 days he will turn 90, and it is a time to appreciate his achievements, his life, land and family. I hope i live a life as rich as he has, and that he continues to do so until he turns 100 so he can finally receive a letter from Her Majesty Queen of England - just another minor goal that he has set himself - that he will try his hardest to achieve. 

If you are searching for inspiration he lives on a small farm in the Hokianga. Take your shoes off, come in for a cuppa.

Like my grandfather, I really struggle with reflective writing. And blogging has proven to be quite a difficult task. I thought i would take this opportunity to make a collection of my favorite images from China in an attempt to tell you a story of my journey. I hope that one day we may sit down and talk about the depths and details of my memories, just as my grandfather and i did his. 

Talk soon.

The World Trade building hosting Beijing commuter.

Walls and work, Beijing

It's a family business, Shangri-La

Morning noodles, Shangri-La

Innocence, Shangri-La

Guardian mountains, Shangri-La

Creeps, Shangri-La

Tuck your shirt in so you can't see the frayed edges 
harsh realities of Shangri-La's sprawling urbanisation

Scavenge for survival, Shangri-La

Crisp morning walk to work, Shangri-La

Faith will overcome all, Shangri-La

Local rows, way to Kunming

Hope for a generation? Kunming

Hospitality

Lost in translation

Where's my crop?

A Great Wall

Work and pride, pride and work

Dumplings and Dumpings, Beijing hutong 3am

Tubby Panda, Beijing market

Buy more

On a stick - starfish, scorpions, seahorses, lizards

Stuff for cheap

Tourist trap

Bird caged, Beijing

West meet East, Halloween in Beijing

From the other side of the fence, beauty at Tiananmen Square

Go Home.

GO HOME.

 

I have always liked the thought of a BLOG (mostly for the oddity of the word) but I have never truly known what it entails until I was asked by my dear friend Ahila Thillainathan to be the first guest blogger from our Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) Generation 12 Ohana. So here I am, locked away in a dark room forcing myself to come up with something worth while and interesting to write about. I hope I do, but if I don't I promise to fill the blank space with beautiful pictures. As I am a first time blogger I would love to hear your feedback.

When I signed on to APLP I was in search of that golden answer that would ease all my frustrations, one may say a sort of enlightenment, I would say more of a solution. I found it. But in the strangest of places. In fact, I already had it, I just hadn't learnt how to look for it yet.

I found it tucked away in the space between observation and reflection, and saw it through the grubby windows of a Chinese bus. It became apparent in the image of a man stooped over on a defrosting country road. This image had a profound affect on me - more profound than I ever thought.
 

Image captured whilst on an 18hour bus ride from Shangri-la to Kunming, Southwest China.

I have seen images of this nature throughout my travels, and in many cases within my daily life. Every day I used to walk past 'umbrella man', who I would often greet with a smile and a subtle 'kia ora', even once giving him a loaf of bread.

But why did this particular image have such a profound affect on me? Is it really that different from the impoverished people I see in my own country? Whatever the answers, I found myself with an overwhelming sense of home. I couldn't help but feel lonely looking at this man.

This image would have once ignited a sense of urgency to save the world, to strive for world peace, to fight for equality, or to dedicate myself to a life full of justice. But in this particular instance this wasn't the case. There was no sense of urgency or quick solution. This experience told me a little more about myself and why I have the privilege of carrying the name Rangimarie - to be quiet, peaceful - words that are often not associated with my external self. Rangimarie comes from somewhere deeper.

More importantly, this image told me to go home. To continue to do what I do.

So I did.
 
Upon my return home I was greeted by an overwhelming sense of love from my family and friends. It was not until I was reunited with loved ones that I realised how much I had missed sharing life's moments with them.
 

Loved ones.

These people in my life - family and friends - are such important components to my happiness and it was not until I looked out the grubby bus window that morning that I realised what I already had, how little I really needed and what I don't want for me, my family or my country.

My time in China really made me think about what was important. The freedoms and opportunities that I have been given right from birth. But more importantly it reminded me to share these with others. To let people in to my world, to smile, laugh and dance (preferably all at the same time and on a daily basis), to feed people, to always adventure, to maintain strong relationships and most importantly to tell stories (whether they are true or not).

So here is my story for the day (which also happens to be true)...

In a desperate plea to cure her cluckyness for moko (grandchildren) my mother has substituted (I use this word loosely of course) us, her children, for an eclectic array of unusual animals. First a donkey, which has been unofficially named Donkey Mules, and then my father decided to contribute to our growing zoo by buying 3 alpaca - AL, PAC and AH.
 

New and not so new additions to the family.

These new additions contribute to an already strange make-up of animal siblings, including a miniature pony, numerous dogs, chickens, ducks and cows. I will return to the farm (located in Northland) at the end of this week where I will be animal sitting for the next couple of weeks whilst writing a proposal for the Oceanic Leadership Conference.