An unshackled history of pain found deep in the present moment, turned into perception by the author's adventurous journey through the hills and valleys in the constancy of joy, love, and trust, to shape wonderful possibilities.

I struggled painfully with 7 dimensions of wellness in my life— physical, intellectual. I lived in pain. Physically, I have had various ailments since my teens such as chronic bleeding, eczema, trigeminal neuralgia, persistent migraine, and so on. Intellectually, I struggled with intellectual pursuits as I had to balance various aspects of wellness, I found myself in positions where I was usually quite the black sheep in many public or private circles.

Time when my mental health deteriorated resulted in intellectual wellness being compromised, along with my emotional and social wellness. As a result, my financial and vocational wellness were really challenging throughout quite a lot of my life. In going through all these experiences, I discovered the interconnectedness of all life, and the interdependence of not only external actors or groups, but also within me.

There were many aspects of myself that I expressed, lived, and experienced to uncover wisdom, insight, and perception so I could accumulate enough personal power not to benefit my egoic self, but to benefit all.

Healing is a continuous journey and I found out these few gems so far. This is a journey adorned with my unique small perspectives of gems, to get a glimpse of my eternal journey.

I invite you to my quest to discover What Society has to do with my Pain, through the lens of social sciences, biology, history, philosophy, spirituality. . . All encapsulated in my ever evolving, fluid self rooted in eternal principles to fly above in exploration of my vast self. Relax with me to include all by releasing tension in the moment.

About the Author

Faris Ridzuan has worked across policy, strategy, research, manpower planning, teaching, facilitating, coaching, mentoring, and the arts. He has held leadership roles in Singapore’s Public Service, the United Nations, a major technology company, and global advisory groups focused on climate change and mental health.

He has published in both Malay and English through platforms such as Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, BERITA, Fulcrum, ISEAS Perspectives, Karyawan, and Journal UIN Said. His writing has also appeared in BERITAMediacorp, The Straits Times, and Berita Harian, alongside original poetry and film reviews. Faris has presented his research at academic conferences locally, regionally, and internationally.

A multi-disciplinary creative, Faris has won five international music awards and one local award, with his achievements highlighted in local, university, and overseas media. He has also received teaching honors from the National University of Singapore and a Super Teacher Award for his volunteer work with a social service agency.