Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result. The trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs have caused immeasurable losses to humanity across the globe. Drug production and trafficking are often linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, posing serious threats to national security, stability, and public order. Moreover, drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to a significant loss of human potential worldwide. Myanmar is grappling with serious challenges related to poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production, and widespread drug abuse, but local authorities and law enforcement bodies under the leadership of the government are joining hands with people and relevant organizations in carrying out the eradication of narcotic drugs through collaborative efforts as much as possible. Ceremonies to incinerate seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, and related accessories are held annually on 26 June in Yangon and other major cities, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During these events, various types of seized narcotic drugs worth billions of US dollars are destroyed in the presence of diplomats, officials from national and international organizations, and representatives of UN agencies, as part of Myanmar’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating narcotic drugs. The Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force manages its sub-divisions and task forces as primary bodies in combating the drug producing and trafficking, as well as growing poppy plantations. On one hand, to provide treatment for individuals addicted to drugs and to reduce associated risks, Myanmar has established 29 major drug treatment centres, 56 sub-centres, 36 methadone clinics, and three buprenorphine clinics. Moreover, the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement has established 14 rehabilitation centres and continues to expand and develop them. Due to narcotic drugs, lives are lost in territorial disputes and violent struggles. Drug abuse has ruined countless lives, leading people to destruction. Generations have fallen behind, morally degraded, and become victims of crime. Under the shadow of narcotic drugs, various crimes occur. Therefore, as a national responsibility, all citizens of Myanmar must work together to completely eradicate narcotic drugs at their roots.
Today’s world is facing serious threats and challenges from narcotic drugs. Young people, who represent the vital human resources of respective countries, are becoming victims of drug abuse. Drug producers and traffickers prioritize their own personal interests, turning a blind eye to the fact that youth around the world are being led astray and losing their futures. Many have died or had their lives destroyed due to drugs, and their families also suffer greatly as a result. The trafficking and distribution of narcotic drugs have caused immeasurable losses to humanity across the globe.Drug production and trafficking are often linked to transnational crimes such as money laundering, arms smuggling, and terrorism, posing serious threats to national security, stability, and public order. Moreover, drug abuse severely harms both physical and mental health, leading to a significant loss of human potential worldwide.Myanmar is grappling with serious challenges related to poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production, and widespread drug abuse, but local authorities and law enforcement bodies under the leadership of the government are joining hands with people and relevant organizations in carrying out the eradication of narcotic drugs through collaborative efforts as much as possible.Ceremonies to incinerate seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, and related accessories are held annually on 26 June in Yangon and other major cities, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During these events, various types of seized narcotic drugs worth billions of US dollars are destroyed in the presence of diplomats, officials from national and international organizations, and representatives of UN agencies, as part of Myanmar’s effort to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating narcotic drugs.The Drug Enforcement Division of the Myanmar Police Force manages its sub-divisions and task forces as primary bodies in combating the drug producing and trafficking, as well as growing poppy plantations. On one hand, to provide treatment for individuals addicted to drugs and to reduce associated risks, Myanmar has established 29 major drug treatment centres, 56 sub-centres, 36 methadone clinics, and three buprenorphine clinics. Moreover, the Ministry of Relief and Resettlement has established 14 rehabilitation centres and continues to expand and develop them.Due to narcotic drugs, lives are lost in territorial disputes and violent struggles. Drug abuse has ruined countless lives, leading people to destruction. Generations have fallen behind, morally degraded, and become victims of crime. Under the shadow of narcotic drugs, various crimes occur. Therefore, as a national responsibility, all citizens of Myanmar must work together to completely eradicate narcotic drugs at their roots.
In this vast, secular world where every person walks their own path, very few truly know what lies in the hearts of others. We pass each other in the street, sit side by side in tea shops, nod in politeness, and yet remain strangers in soul. Each person carries a bundle of quiet preferences, hidden joys, and untold stories. In my own quiet corner of life, one of my simplest pleasures is enjoying Myanmar fried snacks – golden, crisp, and comforting.There is something profoundly satisfying about eating something fried, hot, and crackling fresh from the pan. I love gourd fritters, chickpeas wrapped in glutinous rice dough and deep-fried until golden, slices of bananas smeared with a touch of rice batter and dropped into sizzling oil, their edges curling into crispy swirls. These humble snacks, often accompanied by a light salad and a cup of hot green tea, are a small feast. Whether it’s morning or afternoon, sitting at home or on a small wooden stool near a roadside hut, this modest meal brings warmth to the day. It’s not only about filling the stomach – it is about savouring a familiar comfort, about a connection with the people who make them.At just K100, these fried snacks are among the most affordable foods you can buy. But beyond price, they carry value in ways money cannot measure. A small piece can satisfy hunger, spark memory, and even bring people together. Compared to other snack varieties, fried snacks offer more for less – they are economical, filling, and full of flavour. That is perhaps why I came to befriend Mi Pauk, a hawker known in several wards, including mine. Every day, she carries trays of fried snacks on her head, walking tirelessly from street to street, lane to lane. She doesn’t advertise with loud voices or flashy signs – her quiet endurance and ever-consistent presence are more than enough.Mi Pauk is a figure you can spot from afar. Her pace is steady, her expression calm. With each step, she balances a tray full of fried treats like a practised dancer. After finishing one tray, she returns to the hut and loads another. From sunrise to dusk, she moves like time itself – unhurried but unstoppable. Her path is long, and her feet must ache, but she never lets it show. Truly, who among us could walk from ward to ward, day after day, in the burning sun and pouring rain, without a word of complaint?Though her work is tiring, her strength is admirable. She never grumbles. Her face, like the steady flame beneath a frying pan, remains unshaken. If you were to ask a glamorous model to trade places with Mi Pauk for just a day, she would not only refuse but might collapse from exhaustion. On the other hand, if Mi Pauk were asked to walk on a stage in high heels before a thousand flashing cameras, her shy soul might wither from embarrassment. Each person is shaped for their own journey, and each journey deserves its own respect.Mi Pauk is not a scholar. She does not wear fancy clothes or carry a mobile phone. She does not boast wealth or fame. But she has a quiet dignity that cannot be bought. She walks with her head held high, not because of pride, but because she has nothing to be ashamed of. She is feeding her parents. She is supporting her family. And she is doing it with clean hands and a pure heart. In every street she passes, people know her not just as a hawker, but as a dutiful daughter and a symbol of perseverance. Her courage shines not in loud ways but in her ability to keep going with grace and kindness. In my eyes, Mi Pauk is an extraordinary girl – one of the unsung heroines of everyday life.Lately, though, the snacks in her tray seem fewer. They look smaller and lighter. And Mi Pauk herself, already slim, seems to be shrinking too. Her frame is more fragile, her cheeks a little hollower. She walks as always, but something in her silhouette suggests a silent exhaustion. Regular customers, like me, have noticed. We feel a small ache of worry as we eat her snacks. The crunch is the same, but the taste carries concern.No matter how few the snacks become, we keep buying them – not just because they’re delicious, but because we want to support Mi Pauk. It’s a quiet act of solidarity. We eat, not just to satisfy hunger, but to encourage her – to let her know that we see her. What we consume may be a piece of fried gourd or banana, but what we’re buying is a fragment of her effort, her daily labour, her fight to live with dignity.Sometimes, as I watch her disappear around a street corner with the afternoon light behind her, I can’t help but think: Is her life like a piece of fried snack – dropped into the boiling oil of this harsh, secular world, sizzling and shrinking in the heat? Is the weight she carries more than physical? I wonder about her dreams, her fears, and whether she ever asks, in quiet moments, if it’s all worth it.And then I realize – it’s not just Mi Pauk. We are all, in some way, being fried by the world. The flames of duty, the bubbling oil of hardship, the steam of endless expectations – they surround us all. Some of us puff up and crack under pressure. Others, like Mi Pauk, hold their shape, enduring silently, becoming golden through their trials. Life, for all of us, is a pan of hot oil. We dance, we sizzle, we shrink – but we also gain colour, texture, and taste.So next time I hold a crispy fritter in my hand, I will not just taste the chickpeas or the banana. I will taste resilience. I will feel the story of Mi Pauk and many like her – people who live quietly, struggle daily and shine in their soft way. And I will remember that dignity doesn’t wear a uniform. It walks barefoot, with a tray on its head and love in its heart.And perhaps, after all, the world is not such a secular place. For in these small human connections—in sharing fried snacks and silent respect – we find a kind of sacredness, don’t we?Source: GNLM
Laws and disciplines within a country are established to build a dignified nation and foster national development. For the benefit of the State and the public, every citizen must abide by these laws. However, following the law requires understanding it; knowledge of legal matters is essential to ensure compliance.In Myanmar, many violations of laws arise not from deliberate wrongdoing but from ignorance. This highlights the urgent need for all relevant sectors to work together in educating citizens about the laws and regulations. Cultivating good habits and respect for the law from an early age is crucial, as it is often more effective to build good conduct early than to correct bad behaviour later.Hence, during their education, students are nurtured to develop strong moral character and discipline alongside academic learning. Schools not only teach standard subjects but also systematically instil moral values, patriotism, and national pride. The goal is to raise knowledgeable, disciplined individuals who have a strong sense of character and civic responsibility.Laws and disciplines are vital pillars supporting national development and enhancing the nation’s prestige. It is encouraged that all sectors respect, comply with, and enforce these laws while fostering disciplined habits. Through such collective effort, Myanmar can build a better future grounded in respect for law and order.Weak enforcement of laws has hindered national development efforts. For progress to occur, everyone must be aware of, understand, and follow the laws and disciplines issued by the State. Furthermore, individuals must diligently perform their duties within their respective sectors. It is also important to recognize that corruption plays a significant role in undermining the rule of law and causing violations.The responsibility for laws and disciplines rests not only on citizens who must obey them but also on the authorities who enforce and oversee their implementation. Currently, the government aims to disseminate knowledge about disciplined democracy to the people, and all departmental officials are required to attend mandatory legal training courses. Likewise, basic education schools include legal instruction in their curriculum.At the basic education level, students from Grade 12, generally aged 16 to 18, are taught fundamental legal principles. Since they become eligible voters at 18, this education prepares them to understand the legal framework of their country, not merely for exams, but to be informed citizens. Teachers who provide constitutional education also undergo training to deepen their legal knowledge and improve their teaching skills. In addition, universities offer courses in law and economics, helping students grasp democracy’s core principles and economic perspectives.Laws and disciplines are vital pillars supporting national development and enhancing the nation’s prestige. It is encouraged that all sectors respect, comply with, and enforce these laws while fostering disciplined habits. Through such collective effort, Myanmar can build a better future grounded in respect for law and order.GNLM
According to the nature of the world, there are both good and bad aspects of human society. Every person, at some point in their life, is likely to encounter something unpleasant. In such moments, instead of holding on to hope for the future, people often dwell more on the painful experiences of the past. This is what we call “pessimism”. Rejecting hope and filling both the body and mind with negativity — inside and out — can lead a person to become emotionally and socially disconnected.Pessimism is not something that must be completely eradicated. Sometimes, it can simply be a perspective. However, that view should not be tightly held onto and allowed to cloud our vision. This article presents why that is something worth keeping in mind.One of the reasons this happened is that those who uphold an extremist pessimism have had to go through life bitterly. Since their childhood, they may suffer from the impacts of too much bullying, poverty, pressure, coercion, scolding, severe punishment, more than faults, and the pessimism attitude of seniors in society.Moreover, those holding on to pessimism intentionally organize followers with the dissemination of their pessimism. While talking about some topics based on pessimism, they support their pessimistic discussions with each other and draw conclusions based on pessimism. Hence, their talking points and critical thinking cannot break through the pessimism. Consequently, they cannot see or consider anything beyond pessimism.What is Pessimism?Pessimism is the belief that nothing good can be expected in the future and that everything happening now is likely to result in negative outcomes. The content we often see in newspapers, social media, and on TV tends to reinforce this pessimistic outlook. Whether it’s the economy, politics, or physical or mental health, people tend to focus only on the negative aspects.Pessimism can harm a person’s mindset and emotions. When people stop expecting anything positive from the future, they are more likely to experience discouragement, a decline in morale, and a growing sense of disconnect from the world around them.Why Should We Avoid Holding onto Pessimism?1. It damages mental healthConstantly embracing a pessimistic mindset can lead to depression and anxiety. When a person is repeatedly overwhelmed by negative thoughts and hopelessness, it becomes hard to see any light in their life, leaving them feeling emotionally exhausted and stuck.2. Loss of opportunitiesWhen hope for good things fades, the drive to create a better future diminishes. The mindset of “It’s impossible” can destroy even the possibilities that are achievable, simply through negative thinking.3. Breakdown of Social RelationshipsPeople tend to avoid those who are constantly dissatisfied, distrustful, and lack hope for the future. This creates distance and tension in relationships, leading to social isolation and weakened connections.Sometimes, what does pessimism help with?Actually, it’s not always a bad thing. In some situations, it simply acts as a step up — a kind of expectation that prompts us to be more cautious about the future.• It helps ensure safety and better management by encouraging risk awareness.• It can lead to thoughts that value happiness more deeply.• Being able to work steadily without expectations can be beneficial from a certain perspective.However, these views are only useful occasionally and are not suitable to hold on to all the time.What Should You Do?1.Building a New PerspectiveIt needs to gradually create a more positive mindset. Even without turning it into a mere hope, having the awareness that “everything can work out” can help you grow step by step.2.Asking QuestionsQuestions like “Is my thinking accurate?” or “Are there other perspectives I haven’t considered yet?” can open the door to shifting your viewpoint.3.Noticing the Good ThingsIt is necessary to record one thoughtful or small but meaningful moment from your daily life that can lift your spirit.4.Cultivating Curiosity for Mental GrowthEmphasis must be placed on engaging yourself in reading, learning, or exploring hobbies to help rein in negative thinking.Everybody has a chance to hold up both optimism and pessimism as they like. However, if they do everything based on pessimism, they can see everything with negative results. It may be right or wrong, but a large percentage of results will be wrong. Otherwise, they can see everything with an optimistic essence. If so, they can see most of the events which happen in society with the essence of optimism. In this regard, those who see everything in a negative sense will first suffer from the bad impacts of their thoughts. Those holding up the optimism will have the chance to enjoy peace of mind.With regard to pessimism, I have a true story. While serving duties at a governmental department, a friend of mine worked together with me in the same workplace. But he joined such a workplace after me. So, he was a junior in my section automatically. He could show off his outstanding skill at work due to his higher concentration on the functions of the workplace. Despite the duties of a junior, he was more skilful than me as well as other seniors. In our workplace, we did not discriminate between the posts of junior and senior, although these were not set by the departmental rules.However, my friend forgot the provisions related to the hierarchical rules of the department. All of us worked at night, so we all raised relations with one another, setting aside the strict departmental rules. At that time, as he was skilful in working, he had to be assigned to a higher post. He deserved to secure the senior post. Albeit not a personal attack on me, I knew he was never satisfied with the criteria for junior and senior posts. As such, he always scolded higher seniors and searched for faults in their work. He never talked about optimistic topics and did not praise others for their work results.Indeed, I was very sorrowful to know the root causes of sparking his attitude. Since his childhood, he had lived in a staff quarter of an organization where his father served duties. He had known that some officers assigned his father heavily. If his father failed to accomplish the assignments, his father was scolded by those officers. My friend had bitterly seen such occurrences since his childhood. Such occurrences became scars on his soul. Moreover, their family was very poor due to the low income of his father. Consequently, my friend sought the best outlet for the mind to take a dependent environment. Furthermore, he was never satisfied with the scolding of those officers and took revenge on them.When he became an adult, he did not meet with those officers, but his revenge did not disappear from his mind. Therefore, he sought a third-party person on whom he would take his revenge. When he joined the workplace, he searched for prey to utilize his trauma. However, the organizational setup of relevant organizations did not allow bullying someone as prey. As such, he unintentionally disseminated his pessimism to others in the workplace.First, his pessimism was useful in analyzing some events. His assessments of some occurrences were right, but these ideologies were based on pessimism. However, he forgot all occurrences and all things can be reviewed with two or more perspectives. The truth can be sought in the right things or in the wrong things, or in both right and wrong things. Except for four universal truths discoursed by the Lord Buddha, even truths identified by society can change depending on the situation and time.Gradually, my friend could not accept everything as he assessed these with pessimism. So, his soul was very tired. In the worst situation, the heads of the department who had handled the organization did not trust my friend because his attitude was not usual in the society of coworkers. Those officials accepted that my friend was dangerous to the workplace due to holding up productivity in all work processes. It was a time of failure in my friend’s life. Officials of the organizations in successful eras did not count the successful work of my friends. Consequently, he lost all measures, including promotion of ranks in the workplace. His pessimism brought a great loss to his life. Finally, he left the workplace and waved to us, leaving a valuable lesson.Uphold both optimism and pessimism in analyzing somethingPractically, most people avoid relationships with pessimists, and they do not dare to seek suggestions and consultation from pessimists. This is because the idea of depending on pessimism may lead to failure in initiating any project. It is necessary to review any incidents based on both optimism and pessimism; too much pessimism can not only prevent the best solution but also prevent an acceptable answer. Generally, pessimists never have a good opinion of anyone. Everyone those pessimists see becomes prey to their gossip. As such, many people are in fear of occurrences for their dignity, so even if they unavoidably seek advice from a pessimist, they do not prefer the gossip of the pessimist about them.Pessimism is a feeling that no one can be blamed for. Everyone can have perspectives that don’t align with hope. However, if you tightly cling to those negative views and willfully ignore other possibilities, it can cause serious harm throughout your life. An approach to address a problem with pessimism has the lowest percentage of securing success. It is because pessimists are never satisfied with everything and everybody. As they cannot keep a clear soul, they do not have a fine facial appearance. Hence, they cannot keep abreast of optimists in facial appearances. Consequently, they have rare times of happiness and pleasure as well as smiling. That’s why the message “Don’t hold on tightly to pessimism” is a reminder that everyone should take to heart.I don’t emphasize that anyone holds up pessimism. However, everyone must hold up both optimism and pessimism. They have to analyze and assess everything, applying both optimism and pessimism to have the best result in all issues. Especially, everybody needs to consider that in approaching a problem, using just optimism cannot reveal the truth. Likewise, pessimism alone cannot be useful in analyzing a problem in a correct manner. Only when everybody approaches any problem with both optimism and pessimism will they have the most appropriate and correct solution. One thing is certain: those who hold on to a negative mindset will always be troubled, while the optimists will live with joy and happiness.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
An inexhaustible resource combined with versatile, silent, efficient technologies. One of the strengths of solar energy is that it is self-generating and can be used anywhere. And its advantages will only increase in the future.Our star is the main energy source the Earth has always depended upon. It is the most powerful and most studied, and is one of the undisputed protagonists of the energy transition.Some of the advantages of solar energyare shared by many other renewable sources. The most important of these is the ability to protect our planet from climate change: capturing and then exploiting the sun’s rays allows us to reduce our fossil fuel use without producing greenhouse gases and moves us towards energy self-sufficiency.But what are the unique characteristics of solar energy that set it apart from other renewables, such as wind, geothermal and hydroelectric energy? We list them in eight points below to reveal our nearest star’s enormous potential for providing daily energy to both people and businesses. 1. An energy source that is both renewable and inexhaustible by definitionIt is true that the yellow dwarf that gives our solar system its name won’t live forever. In fact, in four or five billion years’ time, it will come to the end of its main sequence and become unstable. In the meantime, however, and on a time scale that is more relevant to us, the sun remains an unchangeable and inexhaustible source of energy: day after day, year after year, it is and will always be there, always exactly the same.In addition to being a fixed presence, the solar energy that reaches Earth is also abundant. If Earth were a flat disc angled towards the sun, it would receive 1,377 watts of solar power per square meter. The presence of our atmosphere, bad weather conditions and the Earth’s round shape lower this figure by almost ten times in the middle latitudes. That said, we would still only need to capture 6% of our solar energy to cover all of humanity’s energy needs. 2. Everywhere gets sunlightIt might seem trivial, but the fact that every single area of the Earth gets sunlight to a greater or lesser extent offers a twofold advantage. First and foremost, sunlight is an energy source that can be used anywhere on the planet and even gets to places with no infrastructure or connections: hence in isolated, rural areas, places that are remote or difficult to get to, the sun is always a good option.Following on from the above, solar energy can also be used on a hyperlocal scale, including by individuals for their own consumption. Just take a look at solar panels installed on roofs. If you reflect on that point, it is clear that this isn’t the case with many other renewables or they simply are not as simple to implement.Once converted into electricity, solar energy is very simple to transport. That means that huge amounts of electricity can be generated in large solar farms, perhaps in areas of the Earth with the highest levels of sunlight, such as the equatorial belt. 3. It’s very well suited to batteries and the electricity gridPhotovoltaics produces energy mainly in the middle part of the day, but thanks to larger, more efficient and reliable storage systems, we’re better able to manage the discrepancy between energy demand and what the sun provides naturally. Although there may be differences from country to country, generally speaking, solar energy, particularly where photovoltaic technology is used to generate it, can be transferred directly to the electricity grid. This makes things like energy communities possible and allows private individuals and businesses to send the excess energy they produce to the market, guaranteeing them not only savings but also a source of income. There is an important social advantage as well, because that energy becomes immediately available to populations in areas of the world that previously didn’t have access to traditional electrical networks, such as in Africa. 4. The sun creates local wealth and jobsOf all green jobs, solar energy creates the most employment opportunities for developers, builders, installers and maintenance technicians at the power plants. Taking full advantage of solar brings new impetus to the economy and offers families, businesses and even nations an investment opportunity. According to a recent study published in Science Direct, “Job creation during the global energy transition to 100% renewable power systems by 2050”, the number of jobs in the photovoltaic sector alone will reach 22 million worldwide by 2050 (in 2019 there were 3.8 million, according to estimates by IRENA, the international agency for renewable energy.) 5. Technological versatilitySolar energy’s versatility also extends to its technology. The first thing that springs to mind is photovoltaic panels, but solar energy can also be used to create thermal energy by heating fluids, or by combining both types in the most modern thermodynamic solar power plants.It is equally true that, compared to a fossil fuel system or even many other renewables, solar energy creates very little noise. Aside from a few components required for cooling, both the sun’s rays themselves and the devices used to collect their energy are extraordinarily quiet and therefore suitable for use in any setting. 6. Minimal maintenance requiredDespite the fact that photovoltaic panels do gradually become less efficient, with a useful lifespan of 20-25 years, the kind of post-installation maintenance required is similar to that of a normal electrical system, with the addition of some periodic cleaning and little else, so maintenance is minimal. 7. Green until the end of lifeSolar panels are extremely practical, not only in the installation stage, but also when it is time to remove or replace them. They are usually easy to dismantle and the materials used in them can be reclaimed, recycled and reused, further reducing the environmental impact of this kind of energy. Having panels available that can be combined in multiple ways means modular plants can be created that range from very small in size for domestic use to large-scale farms. This extreme versatility allows us to build plants according to the needs and particular characteristics of the local area. 8. A solid, reliable technologyEmbedded in the reality of the 21st century, photovoltaics is a mature technology. These systems are no longer pioneering and experimental solutions, as was the case in the last part of the 20th century; now the reliability, durability and performance of these plants are all more than satisfactory. So the future of solar energy looks rosy. While the solutions we have today already offer technical and economic guarantees, many interesting new innovations await us in the coming years. This is particularly true of efficiency: history has taught us that solar cell performance is improving over time and figures that might have seemed unattainable a couple of decades ago are increasingly within our reach (most notably, efficiency is now over 20%). At the same time, the price of solar cells is going the other way and they’re becoming cheaper. If we combine these two effects, we can say that solar energy is becoming increasingly accessible and available, as well as remaining highly competitive compared to other renewables.
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
