Handful of Leaves | Mindfulness & Buddhism in Everyday Life

In this inspiring episode, we explore how to rise above criticism, face unfairness with courage, and grow into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Join host Cheryl and guest Jeraldine Phneah, a top tech sales leader and content creator, as they share transformative insights on navigating challenges, embracing forgiveness, and thriving in an often judgmental world. 💡 Key Takeaway: Learn to use criticism constructively and grow from it, while maintaining emotional resilience and self-worth. 🌱 Themes: Overcoming unfairness, cultivating forgiveness, and embracing personal growth. 💪 Empowerment: Navigate life's challenges with mindfulness, self-compassion, and skillful relationship management. #CriticismToGrowth #MindfulnessMatters #selfcompassion About the Speaker Jeraldine Phneah is a Singaporean tech sales professional and content creator, passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves in their careers, finances, health, and relationships. Through her own journey, she shares practical, actionable solutions to alleviate the pressures of modern life. Listed as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Singapore, Jeraldine has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Channel News Asia, Dollars & Sense, and Her World. She has also spoken at high-profile events, including the YWLC/Grab Future Women Leaders Forum 2022, E27 Echelon Asia Summit 2023, and the Endowus Wealthtech Conference 2023. In her professional role, Jeraldine works at an AI SaaS startup, where she focuses on scaling their business across the APAC region. Transcript: ⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep-53 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:00) Defining Unfairness (03:30) Facing Appearance-Based Criticism (06:30) Listening Without Losing Yourself (08:00) Managing Emotions: Mindfulness and Detachment (09:30) Loving Kindness: A Buddhist Approach to Feedback (11:00) Validating Criticism: When to Act and When to Let Go (14:00) The REACH Model for Forgiveness (18:00) Wisdom in “Forgive, Not Forget” (19:30) Thriving Despite Unfairness: The Power of Compassion (20:30) Closing Resources: - Jeraldine’s website https://www.jeraldinephneah.com/ - Akkosa Sutta https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn07/sn07.002.than.html Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode: Soh Jun Xing, Cheryl Cheah, Bernice Bay, Tan Si Jing, Susara Ng Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

In this episode, Cheryl and Sister Sylvia discuss practical ways to avoid critical judgment, cultivate compassion, and align our actions with the Dhamma for a more peaceful life. Some key takeaways include: 🧠 Understand why judgment is instinctual and how it stems from our survival mechanisms. 🧘 Learn how to be mindful of your feelings and reactions, turning judgment into compassion. 💭 Embrace the power of reflecting on impermanence to shift your perspective and reduce suffering. #BuddhistWisdom #MindfulnessMatters #LifeTransformation About the Speaker Sylvia Bay has been dedicated to the study and practice of Buddha's teaching since 1992. She graduated with a B.A. (Hons) First Class, in Buddhist Studies, from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2000 and joined the teaching staff of the Buddhist and Pali College (Singapore) in 2001. Since 2002, Sylvia has also been a regular speaker on Buddhist doctrine, Buddhist history, and the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in daily life, at the invitation of various Buddhist organisations in Singapore. She published her first book in May 2014: the 1st volume of a 2-part series on the life of the Buddha which is titled, "Between The Lines: An Analytical Appreciation of Buddha's Life". Volume 2 was launched on Vesak day of year 2015. Sylvia also holds a B.Soc.Sci (Hons) from NUS and a Masters in International Public Policy (M.I.P.P) from School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins. Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-51 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction  (03:30) Perceiving vs. Judging  (09:20) Converting Judgment into Compassion  (13:45) Five Conditions for Character Change  (16:05) Becoming a Positive Example  (19:17) Material and Spiritual Success  (24:11) Five Precepts (26:32) Mortality and Impermanence  (28:27) Kamma and Merits (29:03) Conclusion Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode:  Cheryl Cheah, Bernice Bay, Eng Yean Khai, Tan Si Jing Get connected here: Telegram Instagram YouTube Facebook

Join us in this conversation between Cheryl and Heng Yeh —an award-winning poet, writer, and translator, as we discuss grief using poetry as a means to unpack the nuances. The conversation feels like peeling an onion , unfolding the layers of this complex human experience, and we hope you take a ride with us on your morning or evening commute! We talk about grief 😢, pain 💔, loneliness 😔, and everything in between. There's a little bonus 🎁 at the very end, so make sure you don't miss that 😉 #griefjourney #poetry #copingwithgrief #healingafterloss About the Speaker Yee Heng Yeh is a writer, translator, and poet from Malaysia. His poetry has appeared in various publications and was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. He also contributes to Penang Monthly, writes for the theatre, and runs workshops. Last year, he did a residency in Rimbun Dahan and was a Writing Fellow at A Public Space. He is currently the poetry editor of NutMag, a Penang zine. Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep50 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:45) Poem analysis (04:05) Impact on identity (07:35) Buddhist perspective on impermanence (12:15) Contrasting responses to grief (15:45) Heng Yeh's grief experience (18:05) Neurological basis of grief (19:50) Practice of Metta (24:30) Conclusion Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode:  Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng Get connected here: ⁠⁠Telegram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Navigating conversations about death can be challenging, especially with ageing parents. In this poignant episode, Sis. Sylvia Bay, esteemed Dhamma Scholar shares insights on how to approach the topic of death with our parents, particularly in cultures where discussing death is considered taboo: 🕊️Learn when is the best time and ways to discuss death with loved ones. 😔How to address feelings of regret and inspire ongoing positive actions in your loved ones. 🌱Understand the comforting concept of rebirth can transform the way we view death and mortality. #FilialPiety #Family #Wisdom #ParentChild #Death About the Speaker Sylvia Bay has been dedicated to the study and practice of Buddha's teaching since 1992. She graduated with a B.A. (Hons) First Class, in Buddhist Studies, from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2000 and joined the teaching staff of the Buddhist and Pali College (Singapore) in 2001. Since 2002, Sylvia has also been a regular speaker on Buddhist doctrine, Buddhist history, and the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in daily life, at the invitation of various Buddhist organisations in Singapore. She published her first book in May 2014: the 1st volume of a 2-part series on the life of the Buddha which is titled, "Between The Lines: An Analytical Appreciation of Buddha's Life". Volume 2 was launched on Vesak day of year 2015. Sylvia also holds a B.Soc.Sci (Hons) from NUS and a Masters in International Public Policy (M.I.P.P) from School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins. Transcript: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hol-ep49 Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:20) Discussing Death with Loved Ones (04:18) Addressing Regret and Making Amends (08:01) Role of the Sangha (10:02) Coping with Grief and Attachment (13:20) Letting Go as an Expression of Wisdom (18:06) Understanding Attachment and Self-Love (22:07) Conclusion Special thanks to our sponsors: Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen Editor and transcriber of this episode:  Cheryl Cheah, Susara Ng Get connected here: ⁠Telegram⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ ⁠Facebook