Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

In this episode, Cheryl and Kai Xin reflect on their ever-evolving journey of deepening their Dhamma practice—a lifelong quest for true happiness!

We speak about:

🧘‍♂️ How practising Dhamma is not just on our butts and cushions!

🌿 Kai Xin's journey from escaping reality to understanding reality

😇 Who is Cheryl's greatest Buddhist teacher?

#DhammaJourney #DhammaPractice #SpiritualTransformation #InnerPeace #Meditation #SelfReflection #LongRetreats #MonasteryLife

About the Speaker

👤 Koh Kai Xin is a co-founder of HighSpark, a strategic communications consulting and training agency. She started her Dhamma journey at 17 with Buddhist Fellowship Singapore and has been volunteering at various Buddhist organisations. She's now a mentor under the SBM mentorship programme. Her perfect holiday is a long meditation retreat in the forest monasteries.

Timestamps:

Resources:

💡 Ep 1: Balancing Contentment & Ambition (Ft Tan Chade Meng) https://handfulofleaves.life/podcast-balancing-contentment-ambition-ft-tan-chade-meng/

💡 Ways to support our efforts: https://handfulofleaves.life/support

Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee

Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

Google was known to be the "goldenboy" in the tech industry, and many NEVER saw the layoffs coming. How was it like for Gonzalo as one of the key decision makers for the layoffs in APAC, and to lead the team that was most impacted by the layoffs?

We speak to Greendot Singapore's CEO, Yong Hong on growth, balance and purpose.

Discover Green Dot's rise from a veggie stall to a beloved meat-free empire and we cover personal learnings, such as

🫡Personal growth: Yong Hong's vegetarian transformation.

⏳ Patience for success: Valuable long-term insights.

⚖️ Balanced living: The four pillars of purposeful life.

🧠 Mental wellness: Practical healthy mindset tips.

Stay tuned till the end for Yong Hong's tailored advice for young adults finding purpose in life.

Tune in for growth and inspiration 🎧🌱🚀

About our Guest:

Yong Hong is an ordinary young entrepreneur, he started Greendot at the age of 22 with his good friend Justin. Green Dot was started with the thought to help professional women to stay healthy and love themselves. With this as motivation, it has grown from a small vegetarian stall to a vegan food restaurant chain in Singapore.

As a young CEO at age 33, Yong Hong currently manages a team of 200 staff. He is responsible for Green Dot 15 stores, including 12 Green Dot outlets Lotus Heart Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant, Greendot Patisserie, and a central kitchen. To him, work is a journey to cultivate himself and an opportunity to find insights within. Yong Hong has a great passion for yoga and music. He hopes to learn n grow with the people he meets.

Timestamps:

(00:00) : Introductions

(00:45) : The story behind Green Dot, Singapore's largest meat-free chain

(04:29) : Three phases of Green Dot, Work > Career > Mission

(11:07) : Becoming a better person after becoming vegetarian

(13:53) : Patience is key; the result will come, but it's not immediate

(16:15) : How parenthood changed my perspective on mission, meaning and priorities

(19:15) : Building the four pillars of priorities in the right order for a balanced life

(22:14) : Tips on taking care of our mental hygiene

(25:00) : Advice to young adults who are trying to find purpose

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Loo Tiong Ngee

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Tee Ke Hui, Cheryl Cheah, Koh Kai Xin

🌟 Discover the Power of Sense Restraint: Your Path to Inner Peace and Spiritual Liberation! 🌟

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life? PJ and Cheryl unveil the secrets of sense restraint – a revolutionary concept that promises harmony and balance in a distracted world. Through mindfulness and wisdom, unlock true freedom and happiness, navigating life's challenges with grace and equanimity.

Hear inspiring stories of individuals transformed by sense restraint, from overcoming addiction to finding peace amidst chaos. Dive into guided meditations, educational resources, and real-life case studies to empower your journey. Embrace sense restraint and unlock inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual liberation today! 🌟

About the Speaker

PJ is someone who discovered Buddhism while procrastinating as a student and later discovered Ajahn Brahm and the Suttas in the executive retreat of 2010 in Chiang Rai.

He procrastinated again on the spiritual path through various roles with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), including industry development and strategic planning. He's taking his time now working towards being a nobody.

'Restrain' in this modern world of freedom and enjoyment seems like a curse word. So when one says restrain leads to peace, to calm and to stillness, what does that truly mean? Cheryl and PJ discusses this.

Timestamp:

- (01:08)🧘 Right restraint in Buddhism is not about self-restraint but sense restraint, where one avoids getting caught up in sensory experiences.

- (19:02) 🚪 Cutting off distractions helps in spiritual practice.

- [19:28](https://youtu.be/FLnvx_M5xtw?t=1168s) 🧘‍♀️ Awareness of mental state is crucial for sense restraint.

- (20:11) 🍽️ Extreme sensory restriction can lead to counterproductive reactions.

- (21:08) 🚴‍♂️ Buddha's journey highlights the importance of the middle way.

- (22:32) 🍴 Extremes in self-restriction are common but unwise.

- (24:32) 📚 Recommended starting points for studying Buddhist texts.

- (27:34)💡 Practice restraint by being kind to yourself and others.

Resources:

PJ Recommends to get started here:

Bhikkhu Bodhi: In the Buddha's Words

Bhikkhu Nyanamoli: The Life of the Buddha

SuttaCentral , https://www.accesstoinsight.org/, https://suttafriends.org/

Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee

About Amy Edelstein: 

Transcript: here

Timestamp: 

(02:46): Amy and why she spent her 21st in the Himalayas

(09:04): What is wisdom?

(12:19): Learnings & experience in Zanskar

(19:06): Do you need to go to the mountains to experience inner awakening?

(22:41): Tapping into love amidst rising gun violence in the neighbourhood

(26:44): Increasing our capacity to love ourselves

(30:02): Severe Car Crash and mindfulness to rise above anxiety

(36:13): Making meditation possible even if we're busy

(40:12): How to choose your spiritual teacher to guide you

(43:40): Where to find Amy's work and her new book

More from Amy:

Book: Adventure to Zanskar - A young woman’s solitary journey to reach physical and metaphysical heights

Book: The conscious classroom - The Inner Strength System(TM) for Transforming the Teenage Mind

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AmyEdelstein.Educator 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/innerstrengtheducation/

Insight Timer Guided meditation 

August Lum for creating the new sound track for our podcast: His work here 

Sopisa for editing the transcript for this episode

🍵 Join us in this episode as we spill the tea with HOL Co-Founders, Heng Xuan and Kai Xin!

🤝 Learn how this Dhammatic Duo navigate disappointment and conflict in their collaboration, emphasizing open communication and shared commitment.

💬 Gain valuable insights from the co-founders as they unveil and reflect on their insecurities and vulnerabilities as leaders.

🧘‍♂️ Discover the mindfulness practices the co-founders use for dealing with difficult emotions.

#HandfulOfLeaves #Leadership #Mindfulness #Vulnerability #Communication #Buddhism

About the Speakers

👤 Koh Kai Xin is a co-founder of HighSpark, a strategic communications consulting and training agency. She started her Dhamma journey at the age of 17 with Buddhist Fellowship Singapore and has been volunteering her time at various Buddhist organisations. She's now a mentor under the SBM mentorship programme. Her perfect holiday is a long meditation retreat in the forest monasteries.

👤 Teo Heng Xuan works as a senior associate in an investment firm. He is also the co-founder of DAYWA, a community for young Buddhist working adults in Singapore & Handful Of Leaves, a popular Buddhist media platform that publishes insightful articles and a podcast series. He is also a mentor for the BFY youth group. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introductions

(01:02) Exciting Plans for the Future: Moving Abroad, Buddhist Pilgrimage and more!

(03:01) Unveiling Insecurities and Vulnerabilities

(06:55) Navigating Personal Struggles and Balancing Priorities in Leadership

(11:08) Handling Disappointment and Conflict in Collaboration

(16:57) Mindfulness Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Emotions

Resources:

💡 Ways to support our efforts: https://handfulofleaves.life/support

Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye 

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee

Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

Resilient. Strong. Got their sh*t together. Are these words used to describe you? But deep down, do you struggle with embracing vulnerability, fearing you'll become a burden, to even the closest around you?" She was the epitome of success—thriving in the corporate world, a respected Nominated MP, and happily married. Yet, life had its own plans and threw her into a “colossal collapse” of a broken heart, a broken marriage, and a broken bank account.

And that deep dark place was also the birthplace of wisdom for her when she realised that she didn’t have to do it all, alone. 

Join Anthea Ong on her empowering journey as she unveils:

Bonus: Feeling like you’re a burden to others? Anthea offers two refreshing takes on this!

Transcript here: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-giveaway-29⁠

About Our Guest:

Anthea Ong served as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2018–2020 in the 13th Parliament of Singapore. As a self-described “fultime human being, part-time everything else”, she is a mental health advocate, social entrepreneur and impact investor, life and leadership coach, strategy consultant, yoga and wellness instructor and author, amongst many other roles. She is never seen without headgear to match her multiple hats.

WIN A FREE EXPERIENCE:

We're giving away 1 complimentary seat (worth $68) to the Hush Tea Bar experience that's happening on the 29th July 2023.

It's a 90-min experience with tea appreciation, sign learning and mindful reflection led by the Deaf.

To stand a chance to win this. Check out our ⁠Instagram⁠ to learn how.

Timestamps: 

(00:00): Introductions

(01:49): Vulnerability means Love and Relief / We are never so vulnerable as when we love

(05:37): Overcoming the shame of being vulnerable

(08:50):  Vulnerability is key to human connection

(10:03):  Vulnerability with boundaries

(15:11): Using Vulnerability to understand and end one’s suffering

(16:48): Vulnerability with Purpose

(25:34): Helping others feel more comfortable with vulnerability

(29:18): Vulnerability at the workplace

(34:34): Seeing our leaders as humans too

(37:50): Ideas for book titles on vulnerability

Resources:

⁠50 Shades of Love⁠

⁠Hush TeaBar⁠ - HUSH started in 2014 as a volunteer-run ground-up initiative before becoming a social enterprise in 2016 where we have mostly given employment and empowerment opportunities to Deaf persons and Hearing persons in recovery from mental health conditions. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Tee Ke Hui, Cheryl Cheah, Koh Kai Xin

In episode 28, we speak to the Group CEO of Etonhouse International Holdings - Singapore, Ng Yi-Xian who oversees schools from infant care to high school in 11 countries across 120 campuses. We discuss how mindfulness has changed his life, shaped his leadership and a lot more: 

🧘🏻How mindfulness supported him in the toughest time in his career

🤟🏻The idea of stupid grit

👔How he balances advocating mindfulness and respecting boundaries in the workplace

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How he manages to find time to meditate while taking care of 22,003 kids under his care

Mr. Ng Yi-Xian oversees the operations of the EtonHouse International Education Group which runs schools from infant care to high school in 11 countries across 120 campuses. As a second-generation entrepreneur and son of founder Ng Gim Choo, he is driven to take the group to the next level — he has been instrumental in the creation of new brands such as the Middleton International School, a revolutionary niche of affordable international schools in Singapore and The Eton Academy, that provides inquiry-led academic enrichment programmes from Nursery to Primary 6.

Prior to joining EtonHouse, Mr. Ng worked in a Hedge Fund in the United States. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, adventure sports, and pursuing mindfulness as he leads the culture of mindfulness and well-being in the organisation. A father of twin boys and a girl, Yi-Xian is experiencing the joys and challenges of parenthood while he also oversees the education and well-being of more than 20,000 students in the EtonHouse schools.

Transcript here: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-28-

Timestamps:

(03:00): Challenges faced in taking over Etonhouse

(06:00): Knowing your red zone and staying out of it

(07:30): Mindfulness as a lifetime adventure to Yi-xian

(09:17): Near-Death Experience

(12:00): As a Father of 3, where do you find time to go for retreats?

(13:08): Burnout and retreats. Different experiences from each experience

(19:49): Two would-be lies and being called a hypocrite

(21:00): Respecting other people’s boundaries with mindfulness in the corporate setting

(22:30): God and mindfulness

(25:43): Who would you be without mindfulness?

(26:51): Cheryl’s perspective on the question

(29:00): Kai Xin’s AnE experience

(20:59): Does mindfulness make one more obedient?

(33:05): Stupid grit

(35:27): Yi-Xian’s experiences with the Jhanas

(40:58): Enlightenment, maybe not

Resources:

About Jhanas: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/gunaratana/wheel351.html

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw.

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Tee Ke Hui, Cheryl Cheah, Koh Kai Xin

🧘‍♂️ In this episode, Phimol and Cheryl candidly share their experiences navigating familial conflicts and healing generational wounds in pursuit of inner peace through the practice of mindfulness, loving-kindness, and wise reflection. 

💖 Explore practical advice and valuable insights on fostering family harmony and creating lighter, more open connections with your loved ones. 

📜 Discover the Buddha’s teachings on building endurance amidst provocation and nurturing the elements conducive to harmony!

#Family #Parents #Harmony #Buddhism #Mindfulness #Podcast #Dhamma #InnerPeace #Acceptance #Kindness #Wisdom #NonSelf #MentalWellness #Healing

About the Speaker: Phimol Suwanarat, a son, a boyfriend and a brother aspires to live life with mindfulness, one breath, one moment, one day at a time.

Resources: Kakacūpama Sutta: The Simile of the Saw (Majjhima Nikāya 21) https://suttacentral.net/mn21/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin

Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee

Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

Ever wondered about the soothing voice behind “The Chant of Metta” or “Heart Sutra” often heard at Buddhist events?

🎵 In this episode, we get up close and personal for the first time with Imee Ooi, the talent behind many well-known and internationally acclaimed Buddhist songs. Discover how her soundscapes of serenity have opened Dhamma doors for people across borders and cultures! 🕊️ Gain insights from her journey and mission as a full-time Buddhist musician and a devoted Dhamma practitioner.

#ImeeOoi #BuddhistMusic #HeartSutra #ChantOfMetta

About the Speaker: Imee Ooi is a Chinese-Malaysian record producer, composer, and singer who composes and arranges music for classic Buddhist chant, mantra, and dharani. She performs her compositions in Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Mandarin. In 1997 she founded a record label, I.M.M. Musicworks, to publish her music. She has released more than 50 albums (55 between 1998 and 2020). She has also composed and directed three highly acclaimed stage musicals: Siddhartha, Above Full Moon, and Princess Wen Cheng (aka Jewel of Tibet). More about Imee Ooi https://www.immmusic.com/imee-ooi

Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-38

Resources: 🎧 Listen to Imee Ooi's Music here https://www.youtube.com/@IMMPACARTS-imeeooi

Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei

Editor and transcriber of this episode: Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng, Ke Hui Tee

Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook