Reflections from Seat 8A: Art, Life, and the Stories That Move Us
On a recent flight back to Jakarta from Singapore, I found myself seated in Seat 8A—a seemingly ordinary spot that became the backdrop for an extraordinary moment of reflection. Armed with a book courtesy of a friend, I oscillated between the world within its pages and my own thoughts, triggered by the profound stories I was reading. The book I was reading was Like The Flowing River by Paulo Coelho.
The Art of Prayer Through Living
One story stood out. It described how our doubts, decisions, actions, dreams, and enthusiasm are all forms of prayer. This idea resonated deeply, reminding me of the artworks I had seen just the day before at the Singapore Art Museum:
Each piece seemed like its own form of prayer—expressions of hopes, struggles, and dreams materialized through paint, sculpture, and storytelling.
Rethinking Death: An Opportunity, Not an End
Another passage delved into the concept of death—not as something to be feared, but as an opportunity. It invited me to shift my perspective, to view endings as transformative rather than terminal. This perspective seemed to echo the message of infinity: the idea that every end folds seamlessly into a new beginning.
The Power of Eight
It didn’t escape me that my seat number, 8, carries a special significance in Chinese culture. It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, success, and the infinite possibilities of the ever-evolving infinity. This connection sparked another thought: our creative process, much like the number eight, is a continuous loop. It’s not just about what we create but how we evolve and manifest through the act of creating.
Creation, Movement, and Storytelling
Sitting there, I reflected on three things that matter deeply to me:
Creation: The process of bringing something new into the world, whether through art, writing, or film.
Movement: The constant evolution of ideas, emotions, and perspectives.
Storytelling: The threads that connect us to others and give us hope, helping us see life not through the lens of fear but through possibility.
What Stories Inspire You?
As I continue to navigate my own creative journey, I’m reminded of how stories—whether told through art, books, or life itself—shape our understanding of the world. They challenge us, inspire us, and help us seek what truly matters. In turn, it also can help others navigate their own lives through the understanding of the meaning behind the art works and what they are about.
I’d love to hear from you: What are some of the most impactful short stories you’ve ever read, and how have they influenced you?