Interesting Green: Don't miss out on 'Transformers 2'

My Paper, Wednesday, Feburary 8, 2012, Page A18, Viewpoints
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2012-02-08
By Geoff Tan

PHOTO: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (Summer 2009)
http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/transformers2.jpg
http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/in-theaters/watch-transformers-2-online

PHOTO: Geoff Tan
The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.
My Paper, Wednesday, Feburary 8, 2012, Page A18, Viewpoints

BEFORE you start thinking that I have gone from writing Viewpoint pieces to reviewing movies - in this case, the second instalment of the Transformers film series, entitled Revenge Of The Fallen - I have not!

Instead, I'd like to share two tips that will contribute to transforming our lives positively.

In his newest bestseller, entitled Transformation, author Bill Phillips relates the story of a man named Azim, whose 20-year-old son was murdered by a teenage gang member.

PHOTO: Transformers Movie

Posted by unicron.com, Transformer Collector Resource, on Tuesday, February 13, 2007
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTaa9-zgiG-VgCrW8CzZ82urAxHxasVC9TPKonc92DvLSjXevkfemDwREhRfsZZzkAH1VwYZUSAyNxTsFWjtTnc-wYmm37_M_PqKF9CgY7-M18AkLrFU0lvw46G6hXa3o2G3SdI4F4T4/s1600/T_18778+R.jpg

http://www.unicron.us/tf2007/moviepromo/T_18778%20R.jpg
http://unicron-events-interviews.blogspot.com/2007/02/transformers-movie-preview-event-new.html

In a most courageous act of compassion, Azim did something that might be deemed unfathomable (difficult or impossible to understand) by most people - he forgave his son's killer.

I thank God that most of us will not go through a situation as extreme as that, but if you care to dig deeper into the recesses of your heart, you will probably find that there are issues bottled up within yourself, causing undue stress.

These could take the form of a grudge (a feeling of ill will or resentment) or pent-up bitterness that is harming you more than the person who caused it.

United States author and actress Carrie Fisher was quoted as saying: "Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."

PHOTO: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1AiduU_yzAO6sBl8nOtiGbQSDT7NrH4OOTAtelZYBYSTL7ble_afFXyfvdV-KXJ5AqphOW7My-jv1M7xVBQ0H1qAmZiIAH4EHo2SAUUWLh5UrZNFwf9KGhOGwXtEN-u9lgQ6-V0b3U0/s1600/transformers-2-movie-stills-08-3.jpg
http://dtqsmoviereviews.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html

In his book, Phillips highlights a study that appeared in the Journal Of Epidemiology & Community Health.

This piece of research concluded that those who repressed (kept suppressed and unconscious in one's mind) anger and harboured resentment were twice as likely to die of a heart attack, compared to people wbo were able to process and let go of negative things.

In Phillips' words, "granting someone true forgiveness is not based on any conditions; the forgiven don't have to deserve it or earn it. It's an act of grace and mercy on your part".

This brings me to Transformer Tip 1: Forgive!

PHOTO: Megan Fox at Transformers 2 Press Conference in Paris
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjSl7uNlGpNtno6qAQXhfIgZdjM46o3LRTv7kRkmfRU9KglxmL0ByjIneg32Jyrfn1GbvBevBqDn0evXMsEBsyfiOLJFQHmiFVr155SwFGPrOY-sj66Dte5oeFzrSxrKSfY7kMRZO1Go/s1600/Megan_Fox_at_Transformers_2_Press_Conference_in_Paris_-_1.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons /e/ed/Megan_Fox_at_Transformers_2_Press_Conference_in_Paris_-_1.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Megan_Fox_at_Transformers_2_Press_Conference_in_Paris_-_1.jpg

Some years ago, Phillips had the opportunity to meet US fitness icon Jack LaLanne during an interview with USA Today.

A reporter was said to have asked the late Mr LaLanne: "What should people who want to live a healthy life do first thing in the morning?"

Expecting an exercise or nutrition tip, Phillips was surprised when Mr LaLanne answered: "A healthy person always starts the day by counting his blessings."

Even before I heard this story, it had been a practice of mine to lie awake on my bed for a few minutes every morning, thanking God for the blessings he continues to graciously pour into my life.

PHOTO: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
http://wallpapersfinder.net/imgfondos/transformers-2-2824.jpg
http://wallpapersfinder.net/2011/07/30/transformers-2-2824.html

I believe that this daily feel-good ritual set a positive spin to how the day ahead will unfold.

Dr Robelt Emmons of the University of California - who was involved in a major research project on gratitude (feeling of being grateful or thankful) wrote: "A daily gratitude intervention produced higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy,"

I am a firm believer that thankfulness truly begets health and happiness.

Which Ieads me to Transformer Tip 2: Count your blessings!

Here's wishing you a great "transformational" day.

By Geoff Tan

The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings' marketing division.