In our modern fast-paced, ever-connected world, it takes an increasing amount of discipline to disconnect. Taking a bus ride, walking around the city, almost everyone me was glued to a screen or rushing off somewhere. Walking slowly in the light rain, aimlessly exploring places that have changed since I last walked through them is a rare luxury. So rare is free time, I cannot remember the last time I indulged in this hobby of mine.
Maybe it is the high speed of life in Singapore, maybe I chose to just coast along without thinking, maybe I chose to put too much on my plate at times but now I realized what I missed. I have always needed my personal space and time to rest and recharge. While gaming and books may bring me to a different world and afford me an escape from the mundane everyday, the urban hikes give a chance to find wonder in the everyday, to connect deeply and give meaning to the reality around me. Urban Hike, a term I coined for this hobby of mine. A city boy at heart, I simply cannot be too far from creature comforts such as air-conditioning or a clean rest room but I still like the part of exploring. Maybe to many, there is little to wander in the mundane places around us but I feel with a little observation and curiosity, there are plenty to keep me interested. Take for example today, I observed an interesting event going on. Firemen, going around fire hydrants, testing if they're working. It is probably a boring monthly occurrence but this simple job is essential for keeping the areas safe when a fire occurs.
Preventive maintenance, so essential to ensuring the systems around us run smoothly without issue. Yet the most complex system of all is usually lacking in maintenance i.e. the users. I have neglected my own maintenance for far too long. Haven't had the time to process and consider everything that has happened or are happening to me. It is time for me to stop, think before I continue on this journey we call life.
Royston Tan
Maintenance prescribed, once a quarter
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