OML #010 Paddy Planting = One Life-changing Experience

Here’s why I said so.

Author

Nelson Ng
September 11, 2022

Hello beautiful people! 🤘

(and welcome, my +6 new friends to Ohh My Life!)

A few days ago, I came across this photo of me planting paddy in a rural area of Sarawak named Long Semadoh (see below if you are interested to know where it is)

2 hr flight to Labuan from KL → 2 hr ferry to Lawas from Labuan → 5 hr ride from Labuan to Long Semadoh. Finally! hahaha

My friends at Langit Collective (check them out!) invited me over to experience paddy planting and I, as a crazy adventurous person, gladly accepted it!

And it turned out to be a life-changing experience. Here’s why I said so.

1. Being Humble As A Human

The traveling journey itself is already a test of my humility - imagine a 9-hr journey of different rides to arrive at the place at late night, without eating dinner. Sorry, I get pissed when I don’t eat (or eat enough.)

But, the true humbling experience happens when I had to keep bending down to plant paddy, work based on the weather, and feel the soil when I move around.

It got me to reflect on how tiny we humans are beneath Mother Nature, yet we are trying to outpower Her in every way possible. Yes! We humans sometimes are arrogant, unfortunately.

2. Living Harmoniously With Nature

If you think the soil is dirty, you’re damn wrong!

The moment I touched the soil, I felt warmth, “nutritious”, and grateful. It’s so rare nowadays to feel such nutritious soil. It’s a weird feeling, honestly.

It is sad to see this because that means we are losing Mother Nature, slowly but significantly. Why?

Top Soil has the highest concentration of microorganisms which are the essential elements for the entire habitat.

So, it got me to think of a question that I have no answer to yet - how do I live harmoniously with Nature?

3. Right Companions Made A Memorable Trip

Do you remember the last trip you enjoyed so much because of crazy, funny moments with friends?

Yes, I personally think a companion makes or breaks the trip. That’s why I rather go on solo trips sometimes lol.

I truly enjoyed the conversations I had with my friends and the villagers - from education to politics, to music, and even culture. Lots of insights, lots of reflections!

That truly makes a trip memorable.

By the way, I'll be going back to the kampung for paddy harvesting in early Jan 23.

Is anyone up for planting rice for big hotels & restaurants like W Hotel, Four Seasons, & Grant Hyatt KL? 😉

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn.

And, that’s all for today. ❤

📢 If you enjoy this week’s insights, share them with your friends! 🙂

💖 MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Pure wisdom on finding life fulfillment.

📽️ Kiss The Ground on Netflix

Understand how important soil is to combat climate change.

💭 QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How can I live harmoniously with Nature?

Share your thoughts with me by replying to this email. I love reading your responses, I promise!

Interesting insights will be shared in next week’s newsletter.

Ideas on how can we improve the Ohh My Life community?

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That’s all for this week. Stay awesome and see you next week!

To A Fulfilling Life,

Nelson @ Ohh My Life