This page modified 1 week, 6 days ago
This is my Now page, inspired by Derek Sivers and responding to his call.
People nowadays hold different positions, and it is growing frustrating. We need to put opinions aside and sit down to communicate with each other so that we can learn to understand each other. To understand the world is not the key, the process itself is.
Learning Portuguese
Since I'm living in Lisbon, learning Portuguese is naturally essential, although Portuguese is much more difficult to learn than English. In 2024, I reached A1 level and am progressing toward A2 level. I hope to reach B1 level as soon as possible.
Developing My Own Note-Taking Style
Drawing from the note compilation methods of ancient and modern scholars, both Eastern and Western, to develop my own note-taking style.
Some Personal Principles
Living According to Dharma
- Perform religious prayers before each lunch.
- Fall asleep each night while chanting Buddhist mantras.
- Recite at least one Diamond Sutra and one Universal Gate Chapter (verses) each month.
- Take precepts at least once every six months.
- Chant Buddhist mantras while walking.
- No talking during meals, no talking before sleep.
Lifestyle
- Say "I love you" to my partner at least once daily.
- Walk/exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Video call with my parents at least once weekly.
- Clean my room at least once weekly.
- Do laundry at least twice weekly.
- Change and wash T-shirts, underwear, and socks after wearing them for at most one day.
- Only buy solid-colored clothes, preferably without logos.
- Don't drink alcoholic beverages except Jiuniang.
- Cook at home whenever possible.
- Take leftovers home when dining out if I can't finish the meal.
- When going out: walking > public transportation > driving.
- Bring my own shopping bags when going to the supermarket.
- Bring trash home when I can't find a garbage bin outside.
- Donate at least 1 euro when watching street performances for more than 1 minute.
- Limit social media use to no more than 1 hour daily.
- Limit entertainment video watching to no more than 30 minutes daily.
Learning and Growth
- Read for at least ten minutes daily.
- Memorize at least ten words (English/Portuguese) daily.
- Write down at least one record in my notes daily.
- Review and organize notes once weekly.
- Listen to at least one complete symphony weekly.
- Produce at least one piece of deep thinking content monthly, even if not published.
- Do annotated reading of at least three non-fiction books annually.
Writing Standards
- Look up dictionary definitions when I'm uncertain about word meanings.
- For Chinese writing, strictly follow the "Chinese Copywriting Guidelines."
- For Chinese writing, use punctuation to control rhythm.
- Don't use semicolons and em dashes in English/Portuguese writing.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD (2025-09-14) or abbreviated month format (Sep. 14, 2025) for dates in English/Portuguese.