Cermin

Lama kutatap reflektor ini

Menyimak setiap sudut

Meneliti setiap celah

Dan menyelami relungnya

Gambar diri itu terlukis di sana

TUHAN

Beri aku kemampuan

Untuk tidak selalu menjejalinya

Dengan keuhan, air mata dan umpatan

Tapi lebih banyak mendengarkan

Ketika ia berujar dan mengingatkan

Sampai kusadari benar

Karya-Mu dalamku

Ketika citra diri itu terpancar

Dan membayang keluar

Menyusun Puzzle

Permainan puzzle sudah kukenal sejak kecil. Dimulai dengan pola yang paling sederhana, hanya tiga atau empat potong kepingan yang membentuk gambar binatang atau bunga hingga ke pola yang lebih rumit dengan gambar yang lebih kompleks tingkat kesulitannya. Ada kepuasan tersendiri ketika akhirnya gambar itu dapat diselesaikan; ketika semua lekukan dan sudut bertemu dengan posisi yang tepat. Suatu gambar akhirnya dapat dinikmati dengan utuh. Namun, untuk mencapai itu diperlukan ketekunan, ketelitian, kecermatan serta kesabaran dalam menyatukan potongan-potongan kecil penyusunnya. Hal ini akan sedikit lebih sulit apabila pada awal penyusunan belum diketahui pola atau gambar akhir yang nantinya akan dihasilkan oleh potongan-potongan gambar tersebut. Tak jarang susunan itu harus dirombak kembali ketika terjadi kesalahan.

Mencari makna kehidupan adalah seperti menyusun kepingan-kepingan gambar dalam sebuah puzzle. Selama hidup kita terus belajar, memperlengkapi diri dengan pengetahuan, pengertian dan hal-hal baru. Dengan kata lain, kita menyusun potongan-potongan puzzle kehidupan.

Ada beberapa hal yang bisa dijadikan pertimbangan. Pertama, ini berkaitan dengan paradigma atau pandangan kita. Kita bisa memilih untuk menyusun kehidupan kita dengan empat, delapan, tiga puluh dua atau seratus potong kepingan, bahkan lebih. Semua itu terserah kita. Akhirnya, ketika sudah merasa ‘cukup’ dengan satu puzzle yang tersusun dari empat potongan gambar saja, kita juga akan mendapat gambar tentang kehidupan seperti seorang anak TK yang baru saja berhasil menyusun puzzle pertamanya yang bergambar salah satu binatang yang lucu. Namun, ketika kita membuka pandangan kita dengan memperbanyak jumlah potongan untuk disusun, hasil yang kita capaipun akan lebih bervariasi, detail dan kompleks; mungkin seperti sebuah lukisan yang menggambarkan keramaian pawai tahun baru. Tentu saja, untuk pilihan yang kedua ini terselip satu konsekuensi besar. Semakin banyak kepingan yang ingin disusun, semakin banyak waktu, kesabaran, ketekunan dan ketelitian yang dibutuhkan.

Kedua, ini berkaitan dengan hakikat puzzle itu sendiri. Suatu kepingan tak akan berarti apa-apa bila tidak disatukan dengan kepingan yang lain, karena puzzle adalah sebuah relationship; hubungan. Ketika kepingan-kepingan yang belum bermakna itu dipertemukan melalui benang-benang merah yang menghubungkannya, maka terbentuklah suatu gambaran yang utuh. Semua bagian saling melengkapi. Semua bagian memiliki peran yang tak tergantikan oleh yang lain. Demikianlah, setiap pribadi membawa kepingan-kepingan itu; entah satu, dua, tiga, atau lebih. Ketika pribadi-pribadi bertemu dalam berbagai hubungan, saat itulah bergulir kesempatan untuk menyusun sebagian puzzle kehidupan. Mau atau tidak, semua itu terserah pada pilihan masing-masing.

Demikianlah puzzle kehidupan dibentuk.

Memilih untuk menyusun sebuah puzzle

yang biasa-biasa saja atau yang luar biasa

adalah sebuah pilihan yang tidak perlu dipaksakan,

karena semua itu ada konsekuensinya.

SUN WITH LOVE

the power is down

the light is vanished

getting dark

and limp

and cold

only turbulence

covering

lost

trapped

exhausted

the sun

the vigour

the radiance

the glowing of warmth

gently

definitely

HE is the SUN

SUN with LOVE

[NA]

An e-mail from a friend

Hi Ke, how’s everything?

You know, your last question has pushed my brain to work harder than usual ^_^. I have been thinking about that term so called “being successful as a human being” for several days and this night I’m coming to share my idea. Then, all you have to do is just sit and read all the words written on the screen!!!! ;p

OK! Let’s start. If I have to describe that term in one word, I’ll choose the word BALANCE. Yup, that’s the key word.

There is an illustration I got from my lecturer and I think it would describe balance deeper. You know that there are some different shapes of triangle (please remember your math ^_^), such as scalene triangle, equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle and right angle triangle. Now, let’s consider the equilateral triangle. We know that its three sides are in the same length as well as its angles (sixty degrees each). OK! Let’s insert our topic there. Being successful as a human being is “being an equilateral triangle-person.” What does it mean?

There are three major parts of human life, i.e., himself/herself, other people and God. When we are able to put those three parts in balance, we are actually successful in life. Remember that those three parts are inseparable, aren’t they? Put yourselves on one angle, God on the other and other people on the rest. If we can put them on the equilateral triangle, we would have harmony (BALANCE) in our relationship (look at the same length of the sides). One thing to add, did you notice that equilateral triangles are choose to support bridges? The reason is because of its strength-related to its shape-. The same with us, when we can be “equilateral triangle-people,” we’ll acquire a strong character as well.

Still want to continue . . . . . .

I still have some words to say.

Success is like a journey, as life itself is a journey (isn’t it?). We won’t tell that we are a successful student only by holding a university certificate, right? Success is not only determined by the achievement or the goal, but how we reach it. It means the process of reaching the destination. And again, I will say BALANCE. In what way? How we balance our perspective towards our past, present and future. No present without past, and no future without present (agree?). What is called present today will be called past tomorrow. In other words, we need to appreciate our first step and our endeavor (which may full of struggle, pain, tears, and laughter) that have brought us into what we are today. On the other hand, since there is no term of STOP in success, we have to open our mind, appreciate what we get today and keep working for a better future by exploring our talents. Don’t forget to dream.

BTW, I still have an additional thing to add [hope you’re not getting bored ;)]

BALANCE again. In this case, the balance of IQ and EQ, the balance of left and right hemisphere of the brain. This harmony will lead us to be successful as a human being (again -_-). I have a quote from Swami Sivananda, “Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest act. This is the secret of success.” Get it? Yup, I think heart and soul refer to EQ, while mind and intellect refer to IQ (please correct me if I’m wrong).

He..he..he..he... I think I’ve shared much (I hope not too much). Ups, before I forget -- of course it is not easy to reach such kind of balance in our life. Therefore, it depends on us to deal with that condition.

Okay Ke, I think that’s all I can share. I hope it will be helpful for your paper (keep on working!!). Anyway, how about others? Do they have different opinions? How about yourselves? Don’t forget to tell me later in your e-mail.

See you soon.

GBU!

Lv,

R’

To “someone” out there I dedicated this post

[I have learnt to see everything wider]

Seiring bergantinya lembar buku harianku

Seiring pula bertambahnya kumpulan puisiku

Dan kian panjangnya rambut di kepalaku

Aku akan belajar memahami

Mencoba mengerti

Tentang dinamika hidup

Seiring sejalannya waktu

Do you remember those lines? Well, maybe you don’t. As some of my poems reflect my hopes, so does this one.

I’ll tell you one positive ‘function’ of my diary. It’s not only a history book of my life, but as I reread it I can see how far I have improved my self. I can see the people who have helped to shape me.

Lately, I tell you, I have learnt about ‘life’ more than I used to [well, I know everybody learns].

May I tell you some good news? The word “down” is not my favorite anymore. Instead, as I learn more about gratefulness, HE guides me how to be a standing-still woman, how to be tough, up…up…up!!!

Then, I’ve proven “the theory of changing the world with the heart as the starting point.” I have learnt that my perspective will form the world I see. You know, I think I smile more than I used to; even I laugh more :D I life with smile [and laughter] for Jesus, for others, also.. for you :)

Are you happy to hear that? Those are not easy, though. Take time. I’m still learning, you know. There are times when I fail-sometimes even hurt. But, I try to wake up again and again…

I always wanted to tell you this and another thing as I used to, but I don’t know how. Whether I like it or not and whether you want to talk about it or not, I have to accept that “some things” are matter in this world. That’s one reason I couldn’t figure out how should I tell you.

As what my eyes see, you do change in some ways. But, I know that you are “still the same” in some parts. You are still care, as you always be. Though you don’t speak it in words, I know how gentle you heart is actually.

So, as you told me long time ago, I tell you all through this post that I won’t regret someday coz I miss the chance.

From the deepest of my heart, I’d like to thank you. You are part of my “spectators” who help me to grow and shape me into who I am now.

So, wherever LIFE brings us now and then, I hope there’s one thing that would stay still: this TRUST, the trust of our friendship.

I have learnt how to relax my grips more so that other people [including you] as well as me myself, can improve and meet what God has compassionately planned. I pray that each of us can meet the foreordained destiny HE has made over our life.

Miss You, guys!

To dearest friends I used to have [and I hope I still have :)] I send this message. How are you there [everywhere you are]? I do really miss you, anyway.

No one can ever replace your part in my heart, coz each of you has done a difference in my life. Each of you is such a precious gift to me.

I miss the time we used to spent together, the stories we used to share, the places we used to visit, the laughters and tears we used to shared. I miss all those things we ever had.

Though we are now apart [in literal meaning and in other meaning], I’ll never forget you all. Our togetherness has left deep traces that are too hard to remove.

So, if one of you accidentally comes across to this page and reads this message, I just wanna say, “I do miss you, I do love you.”

Thanks for all memory we have!!

To my Dear God,

Dear God,

I’d like to say thank you for the understanding You’ve put in my life latey.

You know, You are such an extra-patient God.

The way You’ve dealt with my stubborn heart is so merciful.

You let me to go through the path, step by step,

until finally I realized one astonishing thing;

it is the way You’ve chosen to deliver Your message.

Well, You are a creative God,

You understand me at all,

That’s why You’ve chosen a way that suits my character perfectly.

Thank you, God, for that.

The Little Prince

“Bagi setiap manusia, bintang-bintang memiliki makna berbeda-beda. Bagi orang-orang tertentu—para pengembara—bintang-bintang adalah pemandu bagi mereka. Bagi yang lain, bintang-bintang adalah cahaya kecil di langit. Bagi orang lain lagi—para ilmuwan—bintang-bintang adalah persoalan yang harus dipecahkan. Bagi pengusahaku, mereka berarti emas. Tetapi bagi semua orang ini, bintang-bintang itu diam. Sedangkan kau, kau akan memiliki bintang-bintang itu yang tak pernah dimiliki orang lain.” (p. 99-100)

That’s one of my favorite parts of the book originally written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Though it’s merely a fiction, there’s something deeper within.

It tells a story about a pilot who meets a ‘little boy’ in Sahara desert. This ‘little prince’ comes from another planet, which is associated with a small asteroid. He has three ‘mountains’ and a flower there. In short, he then takes a journey to another planet. Only one person occupies each planet visited, except Earth. The first is occupied by a king; second by an overconfident man; third by a drinker; fourth by a businessperson; fifth by a lamp lighter; sixth by a geographer; and the last one is Earth.

Throughout the story, the writer inserts some moral principles, criticisms and idealisms in such an interesting way. It is actually recommended especially for children. Still, we will loose nothing taking a little time reading this full-illustrated book.

There are two major issues discussed. First, it tells about how ‘odd’ adults are, according to the writer’s opinion. Second, it talks about the idea of a relationship. A relationship would be meaningful if there is a strong tie between the participants. It requires patience and consistency. Thus, inevitably, it would leave an unforgettable trace within. Have you ever experienced one? I have :)

Thanks for allowing me to be the first reader of this book, Anie!!!

Understanding

A good friend must have this. One can gain it through a constant exposure, so that he/she knows what his/her friend like or dislike; what makes his/her friend upset or happy; also knows the timing.

I’d like to thank a friend of mine, Iték, for her understanding. For your concerns on the right time to keep the news, I say, “Thank you.” For your thoughtful consideration on the effect that it might bring to me, I say, “Thank you.” Also, for our investigation-messaging, that had forced you to wake up from your pleasant sleep, I say, “Thank you.”

Problem v.s. Response

There were times when I felt like crazy, so puzzled

When I got trapped inside the box

When I couldn’t think outside

As if I wasn’t able to find a way out

There were times when I was controlled under the circumstances

The lesson I get as what the fact has told me: don’t let myself to be long-lasted controlled by the condition and see what influences it would bring.

It’s not the problem of what and how the problem is; it is a matter of choice, on how I response.

"5cm"

that's a book written by donny dhirgantoro
a book about friendship and dreams [of course, there is loVe inside ^_^]
if you are a movie freak, there are so many references on films
also many lyric of songs

well, quite interesting, moreover the COVER, yes the cover [of course, for me :P]
it is the first thing attracted me [though i shouldn't judge a book by its cover only, how can i know the content if it's sealed]

i should thank donny coz he has showed me the journey to MAHAMERU, the highest peak in java, it seems interesting and challenging!!!

so, why 5 cm?
it tells their belief that there's a power in a dream [celine dion's song???]
five centimetres tell us how far it should be in putting our dream in front of our face; means: your dream is so close to you; who knows???

personally, there are dreams of my own [and i believe of yours]
i have proved and got some;
stiil,
there are another dream;
to hope for,
and best of all
to pray for!!!

just keep 'dreaming'

On my own

sharing is a wonderful thing to do
that's what i usually do;
telling the others my ups and downs, my dreams and hopes
or:
listening to the others;
knowing their stories, their feelings..

but...
sometimes, i just wanna keep something for myself
for a reason

well, i've decided to keep something for myself
it's a dream that i feel so strong about,
but, maybe not for others ^_^
i'll keep it for myself!!!

ratnana, I usually write it rat[NA]na, that's how I name this blog.
some people call me ratna, which is my first name, and some others call me nana,
this is more familiar to me, coz that's how my family and relatives usually call me.
So, I combine that rat[NA]na.

I'm going to write here sometimes,
to share my 'words' to this 'world'
Hopefully, you can write here also, for me.

gotta go now, have to attend my class
^_^

[NA]