Joke's on Whom?

Have you seen Todd Phillips’ Joker movie? Have you recovered yet? 

Have you moved on from the piercing and delirious eyes of Joaquin Phoenix?

 

Joker has sparked many conversations about mental illness. But while the movie gets some things right, other parts seem lost in translation. According to psychiatry professor Dr Ziv Cohen, who specializes in violence and psychopathy, “Joker strengthens the incorrect stereotype that there is a link between mental illness and violence.”

There is not. Because studies show that people with mental illnesses are far more likely to hurt themselves than they are to hurt other people. Cohen says the Joker doesn't fall into the criteria for diagnoses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and is more likely to be a psychopath, but even that is reductive. But yes, Arthur Fleck is obviously mentally ill.

That said, I believe there are a few key takeaways from the movie that should be labeled Oscar worthy.

First, about being kind to those around you. Because as the old saying goes, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So be kind. Always.  Second, about being kind to ourselves. Spoiler alert!

Let’s look back. There are parts I loved about the movie as well as the genius soundtrack; how the mentally ill Joker is still capable of taking care of his mother, picturing himself having a relationship, and even holding on to a job despite the mocking and constant badgering from his colleagues.

Yours Truly cannot help but reflect, and be grateful. Although work may at some point take its toll now and then, most of us are still in a good state of mind.

And those who are not? Have we done enough for ourselves, or have we done too much, or too little? Have we managed our work/life balance to keep our general health intact? Have we as leaders in each of respective industries provided an outlet that supports a healthy working environment?
 

If you are looking for answers, join in our recent conversation with Marriott General Managers on work/life balance in promoting breast cancer awareness.

A fascinating article related to the recently held Mental Health Day, as well as October being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

A healthy body encourages a healthy mind, so on a daily basis, look for nearby activities in your neighborhood, such as these sporting events in Jakarta,  try these swimming pools if you are in Bandung, or maybe invest in these retreats the next time you are travelling to Bali.
Thrive to be well as mental health is not a joke.

If you want to know more about mental health and how to help, talk to some of these organisations in Bali and find a cause that you can support. Maybe their stories can help us believe that all the everyday hardships in life, work stress, and relationship strains, are better shared with people who care about us and we care about. All of life’s ups and downs are normal, so long as we know how to bounce back. And a supportive network helps even more.

As Sinatra would sing (with Arthur Fleck swaying in the background), “That’s life…”

A Six Year Old's version of Bali

Photo from Bali Soul

“Ibu, why is the Lord Ganesha statue carrying an axe?” a doe-eyed six-year-old asks me in all her innocence.

And like any other adult of my generation, the first thing that pops through my mind is to search online for the answer. But with no time to sneak away from this little curious one, I vaguely remember what I’ve learned and decide to go with, “It is to protect us from the bad”.

Luckily it was the right answer, as I found when I checked later.

If you are a Bali resident, guaranteed there will be times when you have to host family members coming over for the holidays.  As much as you love doing so, being overwhelmed by an over optimistic itinerary is quite likely. It happened to Yours Truly when playing fixer to her own family, with a six-year-old girl in tow.
But therein lies the difference. A young child in the group will run the show. And requests, wishes, plans, and questions are never ending. They don’t make it easy by only asking about the best restaurants in town, or which hotels have direct beach access.

While we like to think we know Bali is best known for its bright and rich cultural performances, festivals, and ceremonies, rarely do we notice the little details. We see it so often, but we never question why Kecak primarily performed by men, or why some statues are covered in black and white cloth, while others are in gold and red. Children do.

You can impress adults with your network by hooking them up with the best deals in Bali, and your knowledge of the most happening places, but children care about totally different things!

“So, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana is the second tallest statue in the world. Is that why you can see it from the Nusa Dua toll road? And you can also see it when you are in Seminyak? Is its location magic?” was the next question I got. While her first statement is logical, I did use that opportunity to tell her what an old Balinese man told me; that its location is perfectly strategic so that God Vishnu can see everything happening on the island.

Of course, we can try to find all the answers on the internet, or in books if you are a diligent reader, but the best way to understand Balinese culture is to talk to the people – the elderly especially - or visit a traditional village  where you see real Balinese people going about their daily lives. Children love that, and we have the opportunity to expose them better that way.

But just when I think every question is covered, a large group of lobster pink-coloured tourists walks past, beer bottle in one hand, cigarette in the other.
 
“Ibu, why are they not wearing shirts?” she asks me, instinctively knowing that walking around bare-chested just doesn’t seem right.
I tried to explain it in the most soft-spoken and diplomatic way. 
“But why? They are not at the beach now!”, I hear her questioning  at the back.
 
I know my little sweetheart, I know, I say in my heart as I try to keep my mouth shut. As Lord Ganesha reminds me to be wise.