The day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties. The Mandalay earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the earthquakes that have occurred since the 1900s, this is the second most powerful. Out of the 18 significant quakes we’ve experienced, the one in 1912 was the strongest, at 8.0 on the Richter scale. This recent earthquake was extremely powerful and caused significant loss and damage. Over 3,700 people have died, and more than 5,000 were injured. About 70 people are still missing. Around 67,000 homes have been destroyed. Approximately 6,400 schools and around 350 hospitals and clinics were damaged. Many roads and bridges have also been destroyed. This article aims to commemorate the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025 and to draw as many lessons as possible from the event.
In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and never-ending hustle, the idea of “slow living” might sound outdated or even lazy. But slow living doesn’t mean doing things lazily or dragging your feet. Indeed, it requires a surprising amount of presence, awareness, and strength, not to chase time, but to live inside it.I used to be one of those people who measured my worth by how much I accomplished in a day. I’d read articles and watch motivational videos that glorified waking up at 5 am, planning every second of your schedule, and squeezing productivity out of every activity. I’d try to mimic that — get up early, hit the gym, read a book, journal, meditate, work on a side hustle — all before 8 am.And if I failed? I’d criticize myself for being lazy, weak, or undisciplined. I couldn’t rest without guilt. My inner voice sounded more like a coach yelling instructions than a kind friend offering support. But slowly, something shifted.It began with small things. One morning, I didn’t set an alarm. I simply woke up around 6 am — not because I had to, but because my body was ready. I walked downstairs, bought flowers for the shrine, took a warm shower, made an offering, and meditated. No rush, no pressure. Just presence. That’s when I first tasted what slow living could feel like. Since then, my days have taken on a new rhythm.Now, after my morning routine, I sit and read for about 20 minutes. I write in my journal. Around noon, I clean the rooms, wash the dishes and sink, do the laundry, and fold clothes. These chores, once annoying and mindless, have become something else — grounding, almost therapeutic. Living alone has helped me turn even tasks I didn’t want to do into habits I now appreciate. In the evening, I walk in the yard, water the plants, and then shower again. At night, I usually work on clients’ projects. If there’s no work, I watch a movie or call my relatives who live in other regions. By around 10:30 pm or 11 pm, I go to sleep. These days, the way I’m living could be described as “slow living”. In times like this, when distractions are everywhere, it helps calm my mind.But let’s clear up a common misunderstanding: Slow living isn’t a lifestyle that only people with lots of money can afford. It’s not about buying organic soaps, handmade furniture, or taking retreats in the countryside. It’s about a mindset. A way of approaching life.Slow living is about living with awareness — it’s not about drifting through life aimlessly. It’s about feeling the tiny droplets of water falling while we’re hanging washed clothes for just four or five minutes. It’s about feeling the warmth of the sun-dried clothes through our fingertips as we fold them. It’s about inhaling the fresh scent of soap. It’s about feeling our hands touch the water running from the faucet while washing the dishes. It’s about noticing the little suds and the texture of the plates.While cooking, while eating, while showering, while sleeping, even while working – It’s all about mindfulness, being fully in the moment, feeling through all five senses — touch, smell, taste, sound, sight – and completing each task with that awareness. Even if something takes just five minutes, we need to fully enjoy and feel what we’re doing. People tend to focus only on what’s bothering them. But we should shift our focus more towards the present moment in our process.Next, overthinking is one of the biggest barriers to mindfulness and slow living. It pulls us away from the now. Instead of living, we start analysing everything. Instead of enjoying our meal, we’re thinking about yesterday’s argument or tomorrow’s deadline. Our body may be in the moment, but our mind is sprinting in circles.Overthinking is exhausting. It creates problems that don’t even exist. It turns simple situations into complicated ones. It robs us of sleep, peace, and presence. And sadly, it’s become a normal part of modern life. We scroll endlessly through advice posts:”10 ways to stop overthinking”, “5 habits to become your best self”, and “Do this every morning to change your life.”But in this age of information overload, it’s so important not to become a slave to that information. At the end of the day, we’re responsible for our own lives. And only by living in alignment with our values and being satisfied with the way we live.Mindfulness is the medicine for overthinking. When you truly notice the moment, your breath, the smell of rain, the warmth of tea in your hands, your mind has no choice but to slow down. And when the mind slows, peace enters.A person who’s always tired and constantly rushing through everything can never live the same quality of life as someone calm, mindful, and present in each task. It’s not the same level of happiness, not the same sense of meaning.When I first began this journey, I didn’t realize how loud my thoughts had become. Even while doing simple tasks, my brain was racing – checking notifications, replaying conversations, worrying about things I couldn’t control. It took effort to bring myself back to the now, again and again. But over time, it became easier. Like building a muscle. The more I practised mindfulness, the less I overthought. The more I paid attention, the less anxious I felt. That’s the hidden gift of slow living — it trains our minds to stop running and start listening.I don’t want to give people advice like “Do this to improve your life”. Because honestly, I’m not doing anything extraordinary myself. I’ve simply chosen to live slower. Not to perform, but to experience. To notice how the floor feels under my feet when I walk. To hear the birds outside my window. To eat meals without checking my phone. To breathe deeply and fully before starting a new task.In the past, I used to be hard on myself and criticize myself unnecessarily. For example, I’d push myself to get up at 5 am and go to the gym by 6 am. If I couldn’t stick to that, I’d beat myself up and feel useless. Now? I don’t even set an alarm. By 5 am, I naturally wake up. This isn’t just about routine. It’s about rhythm – living in a way that feels gentle, authentic, and balanced. There’s no perfect formula. No schedule we need to copy. Just a series of choices. In the end, everything comes down to the choices we make.We can choose to rush through life, always chasing the next thing, never feeling enough. Or we can choose to slow down, breathe, and trust that the present moment is already rich with meaning. Slow living is a quiet rebellion in a noisy world. It’s not a trend. It’s a return to ourselves, our senses, our humanity.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
In a world often driven by desires, aspirations, and immediate satisfaction, it is easy to become passionate about what we want to be. These desires, whether materialistic, celebrity-driven, or status-oriented, seem to dominate our goals and ambitions. However, focusing solely on what we want to be can lead to a shallow existence, driven by external validation and passing pleasures. Instead, we should prioritize what we should be the qualities, roles, and responsibilities that contribute to our growth, well-being, and the well-being of those around us. By shifting our focus from what we want to be to what we should be, we can foster a deeper sense of purpose, fulfilment, and societal contribution.Understanding “What You Should Be” versus “What You Want to Be”At the core of this discussion lies an important distinction: the difference between what we want to be and what we should be. “What you want to be” is often based on external desires or personal interests; it could involve wanting to be famous, rich, or admired. These goals are frequently tied to material success or the pursuit of passing pleasures. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having ambitions, when they are the sole focus, they can lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of meaning.On the other hand, “what you should be” refers to the values, responsibilities, and qualities that we are meant to cultivate to live a fulfilling life. It involves striving to be a person of integrity, kindness, resilience, and responsibility. Focusing on what we should be centres around personal growth, the development of character, and contributing positively to our communities. It encourages us to think about our roles in a broader sense and how we can contribute to the collective good.Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/prioritize-what-you-should-be-rather-than-what-you-want-to-be/
Sometimes a family seems to be a kind of gift given by nature. Some people tend to lead a married life but end their lives all by themselves just because of their personality traits, especially having had no family spirit since their birth, or other family background situations. It looks pretty easy to tie the knot with someone but quite difficult to be able to live a happy family life. Strangely enough, some are frightened of marriage simply because some women are afraid of childbirth itself or some men have little desire to bring up children. Despite this, lovemaking or marriage has always been an ancient human practice, as well as children can metaphorically be the tinkle of a small bell in a house, which means that children can make a sweet home. And also, a sweet home gives rise to a happy life. In a lovely and warm home will even be found some family psychology of interest.Psycho 1: A daughter is more emotionally attached to her father while a son connects deeply with his mother. Whether it is right or wrong, this is because father and daughter or mother and son are not the same sex, I think. Naturally, humans like to cling to those who have different sexes from them more than those with the same sex as theirs. Because of this, daughters willingly rely on their fathers’ leadership and management, which mostly cannot be obtained from females, whereas sons only want their mothers’ care and love, which can rarely be seen in males. However, fathers will give the same opportunity to both their sons and daughters as sons or daughters or both are their children only as well as mothers will have the same love for all their children for the reason that they have got a maternal spirit since birth, which enables them to equally look after their children with compassion. There may be an exception _ that is, some sons love their fathers and some daughters feel affection for their mothers, where the highly potential reason is that the children face a separate or divorced or adulterous family. In spite of this, most children rely upon their mothers, who live or even play together with them almost at all times.Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/family-psychology-of-interest/
The day on 28 March 2025 was an unforgettable day for all citizens of Myanmar. Ten minutes to 1 pm on that day, a devastating earthquake jolted Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Bago Region, resulting in several casualties.The Mandalay earthquake measured 7.7 on the Richter scale. Among the earthquakes that have occurred since the 1900s, this is the second most powerful. Out of the 18 significant quakes we’ve experienced, the one in 1912 was the strongest, at 8.0 on the Richter scale. This recent earthquake was extremely powerful and caused significant loss and damage. Over 3,700 people have died, and more than 5,000 were injured. About 70 people are still missing. Around 67,000 homes have been destroyed. Approximately 6,400 schools and around 350 hospitals and clinics were damaged. Many roads and bridges have also been destroyed. This article aims to commemorate the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025 and to draw as many lessons as possible from the event.Read more: https://www.gnlm.com.mm/take-great-opportunities-and-lessons-from-the-mandalay-earthquake/#article-title
SMALL objects we carry daily hold a quiet charm – a keychain from a favourite trip, a ring softened by time, a note folded with love, or, most often, a photo tucked inside a wallet.These aren’t just things; they’re pieces of the heart, carrying memories, love, and the people who make life special. We carry them not for their material worth, but for the stories they whisper every time our fingers brush past them.Each item tucked away holds a universe. A faded train ticket, a dried flower, or a scribbled phone number – reminders that someone mattered, that a moment once lit the heart. Among these, the photo in the wallet stands apart. It’s often a small, square token of love, folded neatly, a little worn around the edges. It’s carried day after day, year after year, surviving the chaos of everyday life. Yet somehow, it remains intact, holding a gaze, a smile, or a memory we never want to lose.A friend recently shared a story that warmed the soul, showing just how much these keepsakes mean. Her husband went to the market one sunny afternoon to buy fish for dinner. It was a typical day – nothing grand, nothing out of the ordinary. He stood in line, waiting for his turn at the fish stall.The fish seller, a woman with kind eyes and a ready smile, greeted him with unexpected warmth. “Your wife,” she said kindly, “always comes here for the freshest fish. I save the best for her and give her a small discount.” The husband blinked in surprise. He’d never met this woman before, had never spoken to her. And yet, she knew who he was. Curious, he asked, “How do you know her?” The fish seller laughed softly. “When she pays,” she explained, “I see your photo in her wallet. I’ve seen it so many times, I’d recognize youanywhere.” The husband’s heart lifted.Something about this simple recognition stirred him. A warm smile crossed his face. This woman – just a kind stranger – had seen a piece of his life carried every day, lovingly, by the person he loved most. That photo, quietly residing in his wife’s wallet, had introduced him to the world without his knowing.When he got home with the fish, he told his wife the story. They laughed, the sound ringing through the kitchen like wind chimes on a breezy afternoon – joyful, intimate, and familiar. It wasn’t just a funny moment. The things we carry, even without thinking, reveal so much about who we are and who we love.That evening, the husband felt a softness in his chest. He joined his wife in the kitchen, their hands moving together in rhythm as they cooked. The garlic sizzled, the onions turned golden, and their conversation flowed like a favourite song. My friend later said that meal was unforgettable – not just for the fish’s fresh taste, but for the love that flavoured it. It wasn’t a grand celebration or an anniversary dinner. It was a Sunday, perhaps, or a regular day that bloomed unexpectedly because of one small photo and the feelings it carried.Over dinner, the husband asked gently to see the picture she carried. She smiled, reached into her purse, and slid her wallet across the table. Inside was a small, well-worn photo of him as a child, perhaps seven or eight years old – grinning, gap-toothed, full of wonder. He looked at it in quiet amazement. She had carried this memory, this younger version of him, close to her heart for years.This moment touched him deeply. It wasn’t just the photo – it was the constancy of love, the way she had quietly held him close even in his absence, even when he wasn’t aware. Love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it shines brightest in the ordinary – a worn photo, a fish seller’s smile, two people standing side by side at the stove, cooking dinner like a team. Moved, the husband asked for a photo of her, one he could carry. Later that night, he slipped it into his wallet, pressing it between cards and bills with gentle reverence.He wanted to carry her as she had carried him—a silent, loving promise tucked away for everyday life. Love weaves through life’s moments in subtle ways. When young, wallets hold photos of first loves – crushes that make the heart race, summer romances, scribbled notes on notebook paper. As time passes, that picture might be of a spouse – the person who’s seen the best and worst of us, shared in our laughter, and steadied us through grief. When children arrive, their bright eyes and gap-toothed smiles take centre stage, a daily reminder of why we keep going. And as years roll on, we might carry photos of those we’ve lost – parents, friends, even pets – holding onto their memory with tenderness, as if their gaze in the photo offers comfort across time.In a loud, busy world filled with notifications, deadlines, and digital noise, these simple keepsakes bring us back to what truly matters. The photo in a wallet – tucked beside old receipts and cards – is a quiet nod to the one who holds our heart. It’s a reminder that we are not alone, that someone is loved and remembered.Whose photo rests in our wallet? A partner, a child, a parent, a friend, or perhaps a beloved pet? Maybe it’s someone who has passed, whose memory is carried close to our hearts. Each photo tells a story – of connection, of belonging, of a chapter in the book of our lives. Some of us might carry our own photos, reminders of who we once were, of how far we’ve come.Over time, the faces in our wallets change. As we grow, so do the stories we choose to carry. The innocent love of youth gives way to the depth and endurance of mature connection.In adulthood, the image of a partner represents stability, shared struggles, and a bond forged over the years. As parents, the joyful chaos of children becomes the focus – their smiles a bright thread running through long days and sleepless nights. And in later years, photos of those who’ve passed become treasured keepsakes, their absence softened by the comfort of memory.In an age of smartphones and cloud storage, it might seem old-fashioned to carry a photo in a wallet. But maybe that’s exactly why it matters more than ever. It requires intention. It demands space in the finite, physical world we move through. It’s not swiped away or forgotten among hundreds of images – it’s chosen, preserved, honoured.Some people don’t carry photos anymore. That’s okay, too. But perhaps the story of the fish seller and the husband will linger. Perhaps it will prompt us to pull out an old photo and place it back in the fold of our wallet.Or maybe we’ll take a new one, capturing someone we love just as they are now – a moment, a glance, a truth worth carrying. Life’s beauty hides in simple things: a shared meal, a knowing glance, a photo carried close. My friend’s story – of a fish seller, a photo, and love shining in the everyday — reminds us that we’re all holding onto something precious, often without realizing it.Because in the end, it’s not the things we own that define us. It’s the things we carry—the memories, the love, the quiet acts of care.And when life gets busy, when the days blur together, when the world feels too fast, these small things become our anchor. They remind us of what really matters. They bring us back to ourselves.The husband in that story will probably never forget the fish seller’s smile, or the way his wife quietly, lovingly carried a photo of him for years without ever needing to say a word.That’s what love looks like. Not grand declarations. But small, steady signs. A photo in a wallet. A memory in a pocket. A heart held close.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
As a matter of society, almost everyone wants to be wealthy in terms of material possessions, including movable and immovable property and assets, jewellery items and precious ornaments in operating their livelihoods as careers. A comfortable life with a decent amount of money can provide a sense of security for oneself and one’s family. However, for wealth to be truly fulfilling, everybody needs to notice that they have equipped themselves with wisdom and moral integrity. Moreover, they have to really understand and firmly uphold the concept that the more they become wealthy, the more responsible they become for the trust of the people they have taken.Hopes of a successful personIn today’s world, being a successful person requires not only economic achievement but also social recognition. In the past, someone who earned a lot of money was often automatically considered ‘successful.’ But nowadays, that mindset has changed in society. People in the current generation consider that success is no longer measured solely by money and property wealth. It also includes how well a person interacts with others in society and how much support or contribution they offer to others through genuine mindsets.When studying successful individuals who have become well-known, it becomes clear that their achievements are not only due to economic stability in doing business, but also their ability to demonstrate good character, interpersonal skills, and loving-kindness for others. Those individuals are not only capable of recognizing and managing their employees with various forms of respect, but they are also actively engaged in social organizations. Their success impacts not only themselves but also the broader community. This has become a new definition of success in today’s world. Moreover, their mindsets must be better than ordinary people, showing systematic activities in their behaviours without assaulting and harming any others, even if they perform meritorious deeds as well as non-criminal activities.Invisible public trustEspecially, the building of public trust is an invisible cornerstone of success. For a business to be sustainable in the long term, the trust of its customers, the reliability of its workers, and the respect of the community are critically important. Wealth gained without trust is often temporary and will eventually collapse one day. If so, those individuals pretending themselves as trustworthily eminent persons will suffer the impacts of shamefulness.Social ethics not only prepare for the future, but also shape the perspectives of people today. For example, a business owner who strives for success by imposing pressure on employees or using deceptive marketing tactics that harm consumers will not be seen as a respected leader. However, when they act with responsibility and accountability, they can gain long-term respect from the public.In today’s world, for business success, one needs not only expertise, technology, and market research, but also to develop their own attitude, speech, and actions. To truly assess a person’s worth, one must measure not only their financial value but also the value of their words, actions, and the positive impact they contribute to the social environment.Therefore, in today’s success, the concept of “ethics” should no longer be left behind. It has become a fundamental cornerstone that cannot be overlooked on the path to success. For anyone wishing to create success not only for themselves but also for the benefit of others, it is essential to have trustworthiness, integrity, and high social ethics. It is because the morality of humans can change everything in a short time.Essence of true and lasting wealthFor example, some people involved in illegal activities in business may survive for a while, but in the long run, they lose trust and may be excluded from society. True and lasting wealth is not just about having a lot of money. It comes from creating a business that benefits others, managing employees with fairness, and contributing to society. These actions can lead to wealth and, at the same time, build a long-lasting reputation and honour.Currently, starting a business is not only a personal endeavour but also a responsibility toward the entire community. In the past, businesses were primarily profit-driven, often without considering employees, customers, or environmental issues. However, as times change, there is a growing connection between social responsibility and business practices.For a business to truly have value, it must bring benefits to others. As an example, a business manufacturing foodstuffs or giving services of food supply services can bring satisfaction to consumers by producing high-quality, health-safe products. If so, the reflection of such business will help polish the integrity of relevant business people. Such a business can not only benefit individual customers but also create jobs for young people, be recognized as a valuable business within the community, and increase its impact through energy and investment initiatives that avoid harm to the natural environment.Fair management of business leadersMoreover, managing employees fairly is another key consideration for any business leader. Treating employees with equitable and proper wages and respect in the workplace, and providing opportunities for career development, builds a strong foundation of trust for the business. Fair management practices enhance employee engagement, increase job satisfaction, and support the long-term success of the business. Only when employees are satisfied with the management of business people will they expedite efforts in the workplace in order to boost the business.Especially in today’s world, contributing to society has become an indispensable responsibility of modern businesses. Supporting social enterprises, investing in education, and engaging in long-term sustainable development projects not only earn the respect of the public but also enhance the reputation of a business. Social contributions are essential to creating value with purpose, and through helping others within a community, a business can create “long-term value” beyond just profits.When all of this is combined, the concept of “wealth” is not only measured by financial gain, but also by honour, integrity, and the place one holds in society. Wealth can be seen through the positive impact on others, responsibility, and such business practices.Therefore, business leaders today who create value not just for themselves but for others, lead with fairness for their employees, and engage in social assistance, are the ones who can truly achieve comprehensive wealth. These leaders gain not only financial success but also the respect, trust, and admiration of their communities.Fundamental necessity for wealthA person with integrity can be proud of their success while also leading a more stable life with the support of others. In this era where social values are crucial, having ethical conduct has become a fundamental necessity for wealth. All people enjoying the fruits of success should not forget the lives of their started businesses and efforts. They have to understand that the worth and integrity of their lives were built on the pawn employees of their businesses and their trust.Integrity is one of the most important qualities in a person, and it has a significant impact not only on one’s personal beliefs but also on the broader social environment. A person with integrity can live peacefully with others and not only take pride in their success, but also achieve a more stable and prosperous life through the support, cooperation, and efforts of others.In today’s world, business success is no longer measured solely by economic achievements but also increasingly by social impact, and more people are beginning to attain this kind of success.Greatest attributes with integrityOne of the greatest attributes of a person with integrity is that they can truly take pride in their accomplishments.Such individuals manage their success responsibly, make good use of natural resources, and often adhere to traditional customs and practices. For example, those who succeed consistently over time demonstrate their accomplishments as a strength. Their ability to interact well with others and to deal with social issues is rooted in the trust they earn from those around them.In today’s era, the social sector has become interconnected with economic matters, and business success has become something that can be practically evaluated. This requires effective management not only of technology, education, and the environment, but also of social issues. In this context, individuals with integrity and ethics gain respect, peace, and admiration from others, and they must also support and contribute to the success of those around them.A successful entrepreneur, even after their lifetime, leaves behind not only the value of personal integrity but also a respectful perspective on their surroundings, offering new ways to generate positive impact. Responsibilities and outstanding work that benefit society are built on a foundation of meaningful value. For a business leader, contributing to social welfare brings lasting relevance, celebrates the success of others, and shares in their efforts — actions that are essential to fostering a vibrant and effective society for all humanity.However, individuals with integrity demonstrate fairness, justice, and development for others. Not only do they achieve wealth, but they also play an exceptional role in society. While recognizing and honouring the contributions and efforts of others, and even when showcasing their own success, true accomplishment lies in also creating value for others. In reality, success is not measured by one’s wealth alone, but by how one helps stabilize the lives of others and upholds dignity, laying the foundation for long-term trust and a greater societal success.Today, personal integrity is becoming an advantage. For those who live life with responsibility, it plays a vital role in enhancing even modest business success. Such individuals must uphold their values and maintain protection against unethical influence.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
