Bali Nine Execution: Drugs, Politics, Death

This morning, I woke and reached for my handphone, as I always do. But instead of the mundane posts that I was accustomed to seeing as I scrolled Facebook every morning, I came upon an article on the execution of Bali Nine. By firing squad.

My stomach lurched.

So, a little past midnight last night, as I was soundly asleep in bed, Indonesia had put to death 8 human beings for drug trafficking, in the most inhumane way possible. No doubt, the war against drugs is real - individuals, families and nations are destroyed by drugs. But to put these men in front of a 12-men firing squad, to put a bullet straight to the heart... it is beyond me.

The death penalty in Singapore puts a condemned convict to death by hanging. I actually have not given much thought to capital punishment before this, but I have always believed that the death penalty is justifiable for those who have taken another's life AND not repented. I believe even murderers should be given a chance, to atone for their mistakes and LIVE (albeit in prison).

Aside from the fact that Bali Nine were executed by firing squad, it is to my knowledge that two of the executed eight had in fact, repented, acting as counsellors to other inmates on death row. One of them, Andrew Chan, was an ordained priest. The other, Myuran Sukumaran, who took to painting, was reported to have offered comfort and encouragement to his dear ones who were grieving over his impending death! It is human to grieve, and it takes a soul so solidly nestled in God's light, to look beyond his own death, and offer positive vibes to the people around him.

Undoubtedly, both Chan and Sukumaran knew the consequences should they get caught on Indonesian soil. And they took their chance. They were caught. Spent 10 years in an Indonesian prison, and finally put to death. Had it been that straight-cut? No. The sentencing had changed over the course of the years, it has come to light that the judge had demanded $130,000 to grant them a lighter sentence, the only female was granted last minute reprieve to assist in investigations. Indonesia has a right to maintain its  sovereignty, but all the nitty bitty details that has started trickling out points toward politics and the corruption that is rife in Indonesia.

8 lives have been lost, and Indonesia has sent out a clear message on their war with drugs.

But would this completely deter others from drug trafficking?

Does the death penalty have a place in 21st century?

How does one stand in front of another with a weapon pointing to the latter's heart, and live with it for the rest of their lives?

I shudder to imagine their last moments as they face their killers, unblindfolded.

The world needs to eradicate the issues that causes people to turn to drugs, for the answer.

How I Found My First Crystal

I have heard and read of the healing properties of crystals, but my interest never piqued beyond minimal. Yes, they were pretty, and come in so many colours, but no, I did not understand how owning them could improve your social skills, or make you a little fearless, or lower your blood pressure, or protect you from evil forces, you get my drift?

In retrospection, now that I think about it, the possession of crystals and stones is more common than I realized, with the persons around me. So this cannot be some new age crap that was just gonna contain my interest for the next few weeks, tops.

For some reason, earlier in the week, I had the strongest urge to acquire one. I know it was gonna grow into a sizeable collection, ultimately. But I had my heart set on acquiring one.

Which one? I did not know. I have heard of the qualities of onyx, amethyst, tiger's eye, the more common crystals. I could have easily Googled the properties I was searching for and their correlating crystals, but I wanted to take the other route.

I was sitting on the idea for a few days, when an old friend, Wendy, told me of a store nearby, from which she had gotten some of her crystals. Needless to say, barely 2 hours later, I was walking into the store, completely clueless but with a knowing that I was in for an experience.

Prior to this first visit, I had read how others had chosen their first crystals, and some of the mentioned ways were to put your palm over the crystals, and try to feel their energy. Some held crystals in their fists, to see if they had any kind of heat/vibrational reaction from the crystal that they eventually brought home.

In the corner of New 8ge Treasures, located on the third floor of Nex, sat bowls and bowls of crystals, with a label and description of the properties of each type of crystal. Of course, this was to facilitate other buyers with their choices, but that was not what I was going to base my purchase on. In short, I did not want to choose my crystal, I wanted it to choose me.

Eyes consciously diverted from the little labels atop each bowl, I tried to feel for energy by placing my hand over the stones. ...Nope, I was not feeling anything, plus, I realized how silly it must look to anyone else in the store, or passing by.

My eyes glazed over the colourful stones, a little disheartened. I must have stood there for a few minutes when my attention was drawn to a greenish stone, a kind of Jasper.

Jasper is known metaphysically as a stone of gentleness, comfort, and relaxation. When its protective energies are also considered, it's no wonder jasper is sometimes called the "nurturing stone."

The lady at the store spoke, asking if I needed help. To this, I lamented that I had no idea what I was looking for (the truth!), but I was just going to feel around. After this, I turned around and could not remember which Jasper I had been eyeing. So I grabbed the two which I thought were the two most probable, and held one in each hand.

Again, nothing. I felt silly. What if I was one of those who could not feel energy from these stones? What if I was not as sensitive as I thought myself to be?

The lady in the store (I did not get her name) went over to a little cupboard behind me and took out some crystals which were not displayed. A packet of baby blue crystals I have never seen before, from which she took two out and placed in the plate before me. I took one in each hand, hoping for something, but not really expecting anything.

It took a few seconds. Then I felt a vibration, in my left hand. It felt like the crystal was emanating some sort of electricity, into my hand. My lips spoke, "This one!".

To ensure it was not a figment of my imagination, I released the crystals onto the plate, then took them in my hands again. And I felt it again. It was then I knew, that the crystal was calling it out to me. I found my first crystal, an Angelite.

Angelite is a stone of heightened awareness, with special focus on peace and brotherhood. It gives protection in the environment around your body.

• Promotes compassion and understanding
• Helps you to speak the truth when this is difficult
• Alleviates psychological pain
• Enhances astrological understanding
• Increases telepathy
• Facilitates contact with angels

I do not believe in coincidences. And the acquisition of my first crystal is a testimony.

Before stepping into the store, I had focused on two things that I was looking for, with no idea which crystal actually correlates to them. But I was determined to do it by gut.

Those 2 things were: Love and Protection.

And I found it. Thank you, universe at work.

❤️

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