Melody Fang, the second-generation operator of the film industry, was burdened with the expectations of her family’s business from a young age. However, a series of setbacks during her growth process unexpectedly opened up a previously unthought-of “spiritual inspiration” in her life journey. Since then, not only did her life journey become different, but she also vowed to use this “spiritual inspiration” to help more people.
Fang’s “spiritual inspiration” is the exploration of the “soul.” Now, she has not only overcome the peaks in her personal life but also devoted herself to organizing spiritual seminars, allowing more people in need to discover possible ways out in life:
“Regardless of adults or children, at different stages of life, they may have experienced insurmountable obstacles. I experienced extreme loneliness while wandering in a foreign land as a child, and during the process of managing the family business, I felt like trying to grasp driftwood in the vast ocean,” Fang emphasized in an interview with “The Icons” magazine.
“In retrospect, these setbacks are actually strengths. As long as you know how to accompany and even use these strengths, then everyone has the possibility of finding a new path in their life journey.”
Loneliness acts as a catalyst for life’s growth
Fang recalled the most significant first transformation in her life when she was 17 years old, being left alone in Australia. At that time, she, who was accustomed to suppressing everything, had almost no one to talk to in her life:
“After a series of events, I felt that the pillars and support in life were collapsing one by one. I even felt that the whole world had abandoned me. That feeling of loneliness, if described with a more concrete image, is an incredibly empty feeling inside, a loneliness where even I did not exist.”
She even began to question the meaning of her existence. However, at the same time, a strong voice suddenly emerged from the depths of her heart:
“I want ‘happiness,’ I must have ‘happiness.'”
This strong belief enabled Fang to pull herself out of the abyss with her own strength. But where was the “happiness” that flashed so strongly in her mind?
“I saw myself surviving. Although I was still in the chaotic mist, still struggling, my steps were still confused, possibly filled with anxiety, but in my heart, there was a firm determination to ‘find a way out.’ This is the first step; I must be willing to take it.”
In the following years, when she decided to “give herself a hand,” her life gradually became fulfilling. She began to weave ropes to lead herself out of the fog, including practicing meditation and Tibetan Buddhism. In one session of silent meditation, she suddenly felt an unprecedented calm and joy flowing out of her heart like a spring. She realized that the source of “happiness” was actually within herself.
“I used to think that ‘happiness’ is sought externally, given by others. In the language of fairy tales, it’s like Snow White must meet the Prince Charming for her life to be complete. But in reality, true happiness in life is not necessarily like that.”
Becoming the lighthouse for souls searching for happiness
Nowadays,Fang is wholeheartedly engaged in organizing spiritual seminars to help those in need find the source of “happiness” and discover the “key” to unlock it.
“Why do I say it’s about helping everyone find ‘that key’? Because the door to ‘happiness’ can only be opened by the person themselves. Anyone who wants to entrust ‘happiness’ to others will find it difficult to achieve what we mean by ‘happiness’ here.”
During the interview, Fang also mentioned the concept of “spiritual maintenance” that she has realized. She believes that human emotions are easily affected by external factors, and in the long run, many uncomfortable feelings can gradually erode one’s originally firm heart:
“The importance of ‘spiritual maintenance’ is definitely not inferior to skincare or, for example, taking multivitamins every day. Every day, we should also take a good look at our own souls and ask ourselves how we are at this moment. If possible, summarize for oneself every day and find a better next step.”
Fang has also actively promoted “spiritual maintenance” in managing the cinemas, including organizing regular film sharing sessions and employee training, understanding various aspects of each person’s state:
“I encourage everyone to watch more movies, contemplate life and reflect on their own worth through movie stories. Of course, sometimes watching movies is also a good way for ‘spiritual maintenance,'” Fang said with a smile.
Fang: Both the Earth and the human heart require nurturing
Fang is currently the president of the Rotary club of Taipei ChungHsin. She never forgets to share the concept of “spiritual maintenance” with club members and society. She often uses the SDGs as an example to convey her philosophy:
“I am particularly touched by the third item in the SDGs, ‘Good Health and Well-being.’ In this indicator, it is hoped that all people worldwide can have better health by 2030 and be ‘happy’ regardless of their age. I deeply contemplate that people around the world are experiencing different challenges. Perhaps not every person has the opportunity to experience the kind of happiness that flows from the heart, but allowing more people to feel the power of ‘spiritual maintenance’ is something I will continue to do.” Fang has also started her own podcast, providing various aspects of knowledge and practical tips for spiritual maintenance, offering different levels of spiritual lubrication for those in need.
In the global common challenges mentioned SDGs under the third item, “Good Health and Well-being,” issues such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, various tropical diseases, hepatitis, substance abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, pollution of air, water, soil, and hazardous chemicals are discussed. Whenever Fang participates in related meetings of Rotary clubs of global, her determination to do what she wants becomes firmer:
“I am particularly interested in topics such as the first item in the SDGs, ‘No Poverty,’ the third item, ‘Good Health and Well-being,’ the fourth item, ‘Quality Education,’ the fifth item, ‘Gender Equality,’ the tenth item, ‘Reduced Inequality,’ and the sixteenth item, ‘Peace and Justice.’ However, personally, I believe that these aspects actually point to the same source, which is that the Earth needs maintenance, and human hearts also need maintenance,” Fang said.
“Earth may go through lows, and so do people. The United Nations is making significant efforts, and there are many international organizations working together to think and implement solutions for the Earth’s lows. However, facing the lows of human hearts, don’t forget that ‘that key’ is always in your own hands, and the first step is to start doing a bit of ‘spiritual maintenance’ every day,” Fang said.
Recently, in addition to her busy work,Fang has launched her podcast, “Melody’s Spiritual Maintenance Time,” sharing her deep experiences in “spiritual inspiration” over the years, as well as the sparks of life, career, emotions, growth, self-realization, and other topics with various partners from different fields:
“I hope this world is filled with a sense of happiness!” Fang said with a smile.
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