Places

Life is elsewhere

In this series of reflections, writers, artists, and travellers contemplate motion and stillness in the time of restricted movement

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 05 Dec 2020 12:00PM

Life is elsewhere
Penang-based writer Marc de Faoite. – Pic courtesy of Marc de Faoite, December 5, 2020

by Marc de Faoite

FOR years I travelled in quest of peace and quiet, away from the throng, just myself and my backpack on half-forgotten mountain trails. I found quiet in physical exhaustion, a certain peace in the contemplation of the landscapes I had crossed and those that still stretched out ahead. But these states were transitory. No matter how serene the scenery, I was still plagued by a cacophonous jumble of noise inside my own head. I took to travelling to meditation retreats, seeking stillness behind my eyelids in the solitude of monasteries and temples. I sat immobile and studied my breath as it flowed in and out, for hours, for days, for weeks. Now I sit on the floor at home instead, both by choice and necessity.

Like the breath, stillness comes and it goes, transitory. But life is elsewhere.  – The Vibes, December 5, 2020

Related News

Events / 2mth

Arrivia, KrisFlyer deepen partnership with launch of cruise redemptions

Opinion / 2mth

Improvement in making Hari Raya Haji travel more bearable

Trending / 3mth

Xiaohongshu and Singapore Tourism Board ink MoU to tap changing outbound travel habits

Opinion / 3mth

The Islamic business revolution in Southern Thailand

Entertainment / 3mth

Strong turnout for ‘A Year to Love’ stage play in Penang

Malaysia / 4mth

No WFH decision by Penang draws mixed reactions

Spotlight

Malaysia

RM245m Penang Hill cable car project 32 per cent complete - CM

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Six locals charged over alleged kidnapping of Singaporean couple in Johor

Malaysia

PM: No political, racial or religious shield for those found guilty in TH, Felda probes

Malaysia

Singapore security guard jailed 14 days, fined RM7,000 for insulting Islam

Health

Dengue cases soar 56% to 58,079 as nation records 55 deaths

Malaysia

NGOs urge BERSAMA to put Indian community agenda on political radar

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Health

MOH warns seniors against unproven hydrogen inhalers

Malaysia

Former Tabung Haji CEO remanded seven days as MACC RCI probe deepens

Malaysia

21 held in KLIA-Nilai crackdown on alleged online love scam syndicate

You may be interested

Health

MOH warns seniors against unproven hydrogen inhalers

Our Planet

'Unprecedented’ El Nino could become strongest in more than a century - UK Met Office

Events

ALL IT brings back e-waste campaign, offers EV bikes as lucky draw prizes

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Off beat

Penang to identify new angling spots to cater to increasing demands

By Ian McIntyre

Community

Wheelchair user left waiting as others crowd lift

Health

Dengue cases soar 56% to 58,079 as nation records 55 deaths