During the last fortnight I have visited the Johor State of Malaysia twice, once to the Gunong Pulai waterfall and a few days ago to the beach at Desaru. What would a city state like Singapore do without a friendly neighbour hinterland , I mean where else can Singapore residents take a breather in the vastness of space and nature.
On an off peak week day it takes about 2 to 3 hours from home in Singapore to reach these 2 destinations in Malaysia. The small town vibe where you stop for coffee break reminds that life can be lived quite basically without the stress of a complex life that wants it all.
As one enters the forested area of Gunong Pulai the chorus of calls from insects, birds, animals and the sound of gushing waters tugs at your soul. I sat on a rock with water splashing all over me. Feeling it with my palm I began to wonder how many years it took the gushing stream to smoothen the rock's once rough surfaces. We need to be patient to shape ours too.
The Desaru beach on that weekday morning was deserted. Only one miniscule solitary figure was in sight when I casted my eyes furthest where the shoreline ends with a bend. At times the clouds hung so low they seemed to beckon me to jump and touch them. The scene together with the waves' rhythmic push and pull stirred reflective thoughts of the past and what best for moving forward to find peace and contentment.
I believe city dwellers need a hinterland, a vast space and deep connection with nature to pause and take stock of life, of what is consuming our mental energy and whether new values/directions are needed
No comments:
Post a Comment