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# CamZhu

Zen Ideas, Parenting and Life in the UK

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://camzhu.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [On hidden information: The Traitors made me think](https://camzhu.com/on-hidden-information-the-traitors-made-me-think/) - What watching The Traitors made me realise about the importance of hidden information in other contexts.
- [Kickboxing, the present moment, and new beginnings](https://camzhu.com/kickboxing-the-present-moment-and-new-beginnings/) - Returning to Muay Thai after years away, embracing beginner’s mind, and exploring how that mindset is shaping work, connection, and a new side project.
- [Personal legacy in a collapsing world](https://camzhu.com/personal-legacy-in-a-collapsing-world/) - A thought-provoking take on legacy, social responsibility, and why hope still matters in a world overwhelmed by crisis and conflict.
- [Disengagement, Doom, and the Courage to Love](https://camzhu.com/disengagement-doom-and-the-courage-to-love/) - Exploring the unexpected harmony between Zen Buddhism and Black Sabbath’s 'Children of the Grave': a meditation on war, love, and being proactive.
- [Parenting Milestones: This could be the Last Time](https://camzhu.com/this-could-be-the-last-time/) - We celebrate the firsts in parenting, but what about the lasts? A reflection on childhood, technology, and the unnoticed milestones that slip away.
- [Lost in My Own Mind - And How I Found the Way Out](https://camzhu.com/lost-in-my-own-mind-and-how-i-found-the-way-out/) - The journey from the depths of despair to full-on prospering started with a simple habit.
- [On that salute: The starting gun for the techno fascist regime](https://camzhu.com/on-that-salute-the-starting-gun-for-the-techno-fascist-regime/) - The fascist symbolism of Elon Musks awkward gesture. What it really means and what we can do to resist whatever is coming next..
- [How to Boost Future Excitement: See through Children's Eyes](https://camzhu.com/how-to-boost-future-excitement-see-through-childrens-eyes/) - A computer session with my son led to the realization that we generate our own excitement for the future. Being excited about the future has positive benefits.
- [On the World in 2025: There's always hope, you know](https://camzhu.com/the-world-in-2025-theres-always-hope/) - Where there are humans, there is hope A strange take perhaps in a world which has thrown up a grand surprise of grimly epic proportions. The post of USA president has previously been categorized as ‘Leader of the Free World’. Recent events make a mockery of that idea. Somehow, over 70 million people have cast
- [Dealing with Hate: A Hopeful Migration Narrative](https://camzhu.com/dealing-with-hate-a-hopeful-migration-narrative/) - An angry mob attempts to set fire to a hotel. Inside shelter people who have escaped untold trauma. Many (predominantly white men) take to the streets across the country. They set cars on fire, pelt the police, loot businesses. Fueled by misinformation. Enabled by inequality. It is all a disgrace. About ten days later the
- [Life Through Moments: Pride, Compassion, and Perspective](https://camzhu.com/life-through-moments-pride-compassion-and-perspective/) - Reflections There will always be moments that give you cause to reflect. Three occurrences this week have already counted for me. They are perfectly normal, although quite distinct. Together they highlight pride, compassion, and above all, the importance of perspective. That's the thing about life when seen through moments. Reflection can be a powerful tool
- [Improve your quality of life: More affection and question your thoughts](https://camzhu.com/improve-your-quality-of-life/) - It’s in his kiss Did you know that men who kiss their partners before leaving the house reportedly live, on average, four years longer than those who don't? This is an intriguing finding. Surely there’s more going on here? More than the simple act of a daily kiss? It is most likely a reflection. Most
- [How to bullet journal using the Kaizen method](https://camzhu.com/how-to-bullet-journal-using-the-kaizen-method/) - "Overwhelmed, burned out, fatigued" "I can't do it" "I need a holiday" This could have been my inner monologue for a couple of weeks in the earlier part of this year. Yet two helpful practices have pulled me back into the running for 2024. You see, 2023 was a good year for me. A vintage
- [How to prime your mind for positivity](https://camzhu.com/how-to-prime-your-mind-for-positivity/) - The Late-Night Conversation We emerged from the tunnel. It was still dark, street lamps lit the way in the early hours. I was driving a pal home from a late-night party. The friend swayed in his seat drunkenly but talked fluently. I hung on every word. He made a lot of sense. His speech was
- [Parenting with Presence](https://camzhu.com/parenting-with-presence/) - I tried telling them. They wouldn’t stop. Just couldn’t stop. Lips curled upwards, brimming with joy, little faces lit up. They smiled and giggled and giggled some more as they relentlessly tried to drag me to the floor. It wasn’t a done deal. I still had a little energy after my long day of work.
- [How to Become Happier : Structuring Your Life Story](https://camzhu.com/how-to-become-happier/) - A guide to structuring a narrative to tell your own life story in a positive and empowering way.
- [On Climate Action: Small steps bring about a better tomorrow](https://camzhu.com/climate-action-small-steps-bring-better-tomorrow/) - Rampaging wildfires. Frequent floods. The looming threat of all-out war. Meanwhile environmental activists sit in prison cells awaiting trials. Welcome to 2024! Amidst the contemporary whirlwind of clickbait news, political turmoil, and social division, the essential conversations and actions towards climate justice have become increasingly sidelined. In the face of the monumental challenge that climate
- [Zen Buddhism and the coming War](https://camzhu.com/zen-buddhism-and-the-coming-war/) - The drums of war are beating. Conflict is boiling over. Spilling out from Ukraine and the Middle-East like magma flows from angry volcanic eruptions. At the same time politics seems gridlocked. Battle lines are being drawn up. The Western powers, some potentially underprepared, are waking up to the reality large-scale warfare is inevitable. What is
- [Change and Enlightenment the Zen Buddhist Way](https://camzhu.com/change-and-enlightenment-in-zen-buddhism/) - Hard rain. Torrential rain. Rain that drums on the roof like it wants to get in. Accompanying gale force winds. Whipping through the trees, whistling and howling. Change has come to the weather. The last week of ice and frost with its pleasant, expansive open blue skies has given way to a pent up storm.
- [On Personal Development: Building People and Having Faith](https://camzhu.com/on-personal-development-building-people-and-having-faith/) - Acceleration. It feels good to be moving. Hitting the pace. Autumn sunlight caresses the skyline and the bright yellows and subtle browns of my window view begin to blur as the train picks up speed. Swiftly approaching 120 miles per hour. Positioning my mind to have a good day, I stare out as the fields
- [On the Importance of Hope](https://camzhu.com/on-the-importance-of-hope/) - The world is burning yet there is hope Juxtaposition is an awkward word. It feels odd to say, strange to write and dubious to use. Yet I think it accurately describes my emotional and spiritual standing at the moment. Externally the world is on edge. There are no breaks. From mass shootings in the States,
- [Best Zen philosophy books for beginners](https://camzhu.com/best-zen-philosophy-books-for-beginners/) - Why philosophy books though? I've come to realise that the only paper books I hold onto these days are philosophy books. I have never been a voracious reader but for some reason I have accumulated nearly a library on things related to Zen. This includes the topics of Buddhism generally, Zen practices, mindfulness and meditation.
- [Every Day is A Good Day: How a little bit of Zen can help lift our mood](https://camzhu.com/every-day-is-a-good-day-zen/) - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Every Day is a Good Day I look deep into the eyes of my son and I see my likeness. It is a moment of joy, of perfection. He is happy here and I am happy to be in his presence. The now tired plastic rocking horse lies cast aside
- [Doodles, Old Souls, and Koans: Lessons from a Rainy Afternoon](https://camzhu.com/doodles-old-souls-and-koans-lessons-from-a-rainy-afternoon/) - Doodling with Intent This weekend I taught my son how to draw expansively. At least that’s what I’m calling it. I don’t know what the word is for drawing doodles which connect to each other but it must be a thing. The rain poured outside. The little ones had tired of colouring in. It was
- [On Time: What is your relationship to your watch?](https://camzhu.com/on-time-what-is-your-relationship-to-your-watch/) - Tick. Tick. Tick. The gentle, rhythmic ticking of a watch, each second marks the relentless passage of time. Now, imagine that watch transformed into a canvas. A scenic depiction. A wrist-sized snapshot of life in all it's splendour, as well as displaying passing seconds, minutes and hours. In the vibrant city of London, nestled near
- [On supporting Ukraine: The UK needs to maintain its influence](https://camzhu.com/on-supporting-ukraine-uk-maintains-influence/) - Thoughts on supporting Ukraine from broken Britain The UK is currently in an economic tailspin, suffering massively due to the fallout of Brexit. There is a cost of living crisis. Nothing seems to work anymore. Councils can’t prepare for adverse weather events. The trains are expensive and barely run. There is widespread and enduring strike
- [How does storytelling create reality?](https://camzhu.com/how-does-storytelling-create-reality/) - Scary Times I close my eyes. Blackness. Solitude. Fear of the unknown. I picture horrendous things out there in the darkness. My inner voice tells me they want to harm me. Shadow beings with teeth like knives and creatures with many horns and limbs. Crawling, scrambling somewhere out behind the house. Horrific internal storytelling. This
- [On the climate crisis: Facing down disaster moment by moment](https://camzhu.com/climate-crisis-facing-down-disaster-moment-by-moment/) - Moments of learning Absorbing knowledge. Taking in notions, being aware of their importance. Then returning to unpack the information later in the comfort of one's own mind. Moments of revelation, moments of growth. I'm casting my mind back to such moments during chemistry lessons with one fine teacher. I will remember him well into the
- [Buddhist fashion? How Zen influences the design process](https://camzhu.com/buddhist-fashion-how-zen-influences-design-process/) - A chance encounter Such intricate design. The silver serpents gushing forth fans of smaller snake heads were enticing. I took the steps up to the temple complex in this small city in Northern Laos. As I started taking photos I was approached by a young man in an orange robe. I was 18 and happily
- [On the employment market: How to mindfully embrace uncertainty](https://camzhu.com/employment-market-how-to-mindfully-embrace-uncertainty/) - A few days ago it was the summer solstice here in the UK. I love this time of year. The summer lies ahead of us like a vast canvas, ready for us to elevate our experiences into lifelong memories. Friends will be contacted, good times will be had. May is a cheery month for sure,
- [Nature versus Technology - Mindfulness, Acceptance, Peace](https://camzhu.com/nature-vs-technology-mindfulness-acceptance/) - There is a deep-rooted idea that human life is separate to nature. It is an idea that's become popular in many modern ways of thinking. Human Beings left the savannah and jungles long ago. The sweep of time has brought many transitions, from hunting to farming to industrialization. Now, our lived experiences are primarily in
- [How to deal with Creative Block](https://camzhu.com/how-to-deal-with-creative-block/) - An article which explains four types of creative block and gives suggestions for overcoming them.
- [1 Tip to improve everything: Take an actual break](https://camzhu.com/one-tip-to-improve-everything-take-an-actual-break/) - Cant catch a break? Try this. Unexpected, unprecedented. Resetting and refocusing. A kind of a break, and a new start of sorts. Three and a half weeks without my young family's constant needs was just what the doctor ordered. Only, I didn't know it until the opportunity was thrust upon me for most of the
- [On information overload: Practicing mindfulness in a data driven world](https://camzhu.com/practicing-mindfulness-in-a-data-driven-world/) - Do you enjoy a good plot twist? Exciting. Enthralling. Entertaining. Most people love a good paradigm shift in their media every once in a while. Like watching the final scene from Planet of the Apes when the destructive potential of humanity is revealed to the protagonist. (Spoiler alert) He finds out instead of exploring a
- [Navigating the Playground: Bullying, Anti-Social Behaviour and Racism](https://camzhu.com/playground-bullying-anti-social-behaviour-racism/) - Is the playground a place of innocence? The local playground. A place of fun? A place of good times? Maybe. Yet also a place where children come together to socialize that can become a microcosm of society's larger issues. I'm going to reflect on three distinct incidents that occurred in a local playground over the
- [Why is parenting hard? What new parents need to know](https://camzhu.com/why-is-parenting-hard-what-new-parents-need-to-know/) - What makes parenting so hard? From a parent in the thick of it (two under five) to any expecting or new parents. The below list is an exploration of ten of the big changes involved. Together they make parenting the challenge that it is. Written to explain what new parents need to know. Responsibility Constant
- [Learning from children: adopting a playful attitude to life](https://camzhu.com/adopting-a-playful-attitude-to-life/) - A nearby temper tantrum Today, I witnessed a horrendous tantrum. I was waiting in a queue to pay for lunch at Thatcham garden centre café. I had my two young children there with me. As I was keeping an eye on them clinging to my legs, I heard an awful racket start up close by.
- [Challenging Negativity](https://camzhu.com/challenging-negativity/) - Seeing in 2009 Challenging negativity can take many forms. Just over a decade ago I saw in the New Year in a yurt in some woods in Gloucestershire. It was a great party. People danced, drank, smoked and had far out conversations. One conversation has stuck with me all this time. I want to examine
- [Is life really 'short'? Some thoughts on our perception of time](https://camzhu.com/is-life-really-short-thoughts-on-our-perception-of-time/) - Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Short lives counted in Days by Death Clocks Is life really short? I recently heard about a feature on a podcast. The feature was a Death Clock extension to one's browser. Essentially, this is just a clock counting down to the date I may die. In my case, it was
- [Upbeat Thinking - How To Stay Positive By Training Your Mind](https://camzhu.com/upbeat-thinking-how-to-stay-positive/) - Remaining positive despite the relentlessness of it all Upbeat at 5:30am after another night of disturbed sleep. Staying upbeat despite a head pounding with the pressure. Determined to remain positive although I've got to keep it together today. I know I'm the one who has to keep a cool head through the challenges the day
- [Behold the Year of the Rabbit](https://camzhu.com/behold-the-year-of-the-rabbit/) - Apologies for the self-indulgence This is a post about my plans for the year of the rabbit. As of now I am currently living in an economically declining country on the edge of a successful and (mostly) civil continent where it left the main players club. This leaving, commonly known as Brexit, has been an
- [Happy New Year! Same old suffering world, this time the DRC (aka Congo)](https://camzhu.com/happy-new-year-same-old-suffering-world/) - A corner of the Congo where suffering is rife I recently learned about an affront to human decency which the world is silent on. Beyond the horrors of the conflict in Ukraine and the recent crackdown on rights in Iran there is another ongoing abuse of humanity. It is so remote and so hidden within
- [Is it me or does parenting suck?](https://camzhu.com/is-it-me-or-does-parenting-suck/) - Parenting is rewarding. Parenting is worthwhile. It's the greatest thing you'll ever do. Some people would give anything to be able to conceive so count yourself lucky if you can have children. I'm sure these were things I heard in relation to being a parent, possibly long before I actually became one. Well, for weeks
- [Milestones in Parenting](https://camzhu.com/milestones-in-parenting/) - Contrasting Experiences Round and round the garden he rode the bike excitedly. The happy curly-haired boy was seven or eight years old. Perhaps a little older. It was fun, it was a thrill. His mum looked on from the patio in pleasure at the newly learned technique. He was doing it at last, he was
- [On perspective: How you can improve your luck in life](https://camzhu.com/on-perspective-how-you-can-improve-your-luck-in-life/) - Do you feel lucky? Here's the good news. It's simple. You can be more lucky in your own life straight away. Right after reading this blog post. You'll need to get to grips with two points. Let me explain. First you need to accept that luck is all relative. Once you've mentally digested that your
- [On David Pearce and the Abolitionist Project](https://camzhu.com/on-david-pearce-and-the-abolitionist-project/) - Pearce's Main Project David Pearce is the main proponent of The Abolitionist Project which aims to alleviate suffering from all sentient beings. The notions look interesting, the ideas grand. Pearce's position entails that it is not just desirable to remove all wordly suffering. It will one day be a certainty. So far so good. Pearce
- [The Power Of Your Mind](https://camzhu.com/the-power-of-your-mind/) - I've been thinking a lot about perspective recently. On this day, exactly one year ago we picked up the keys to our new house. With this we increased the hope of a better life ahead for us. Not that life had been particularly troublesome for us up until that point. It was just closer to
- [Effortless Action (Teachings of the Tao Te Ching)](https://camzhu.com/effortless-action/) - What is effortless action? There are times in life when everything seems to flow by. One good experience after the other. A seemingly endless stream of positive and empowering experiences. The travelling lifestyle or University days seem to embody this sense of flow. During these episodes, it tends to be easy to have far-out conversations,
- [Why Do People Fight for Freedom?](https://camzhu.com/why-do-people-fight-for-freedom/) - I recently applied to join an organisation which provides freelance writing services. Part of the application process was to produce a short essay answering a question about freedom. The question was this; Throughout history, men have been willing to fight and die for freedom. Why? It got me thinking. Really thinking. I’m not going to
- [On the Queen's death: A sad reminder of the state the UK is in](https://camzhu.com/opinion-on-the-queens-death/) - Cataclysmic. Seismic. A momentous event. You would think the world had ended ten days ago. The death of HM Queen Elizabeth II catapulted the United Kingdom into a parallel universe from which it is unlikely to return until later this month, if at all. The pomp and pageantry has gone into overdrive. The BBC has
- [On being bothered: Do you recognise your zone of control?](https://camzhu.com/being-bothered-zone-of-control/) - If only I could give out medals for services to my life. I would award Lex Fridman 'Most Informative Podcaster' for his excellent work interviewing a wide range of public intellectuals. He consistently puts out thought-provoking and intriguing episodes. His work rate is phenomenal. The discussions themselves are deep. The guests often provide new avenues
- [On Communication and Stress (dealing with family days out)](https://camzhu.com/on-communication-and-stress-dealing-with-family-days-out/) - The first Breakdown of the Day Communication matters. This was it. This was dinosaur day. A trip up the A34 to Oxford to the Museum of Natural History. Mostly to indulge my three-year-old's current mega obsession with all things prehistoric and lizard-like but also to find a renowned cake shop. Driving in near cruise-control (only
- [On Insulate Britain: Civil Resistance Works, They Need Public Support](https://camzhu.com/insulate-britain-need-public-support/) - Insulate Britain's activities Insulate Britain is an environmental protest group. It is the offshoot of Extinction Rebellion that's been winding up motorists across the UK and bringing attention to the climate crisis. Basically, to date they have been causing havoc on roads in an organized but peaceful way. What they do is this. A group
- [On Birthdays: Why you should feel more enthusiastic about them](https://camzhu.com/birthdays-why-you-should-feel-more-enthusiastic-about-them/) - Feeling near death bringing forth life "Help me!" she screamed "I need it now! Please... help!" The screaming continued. I could just about make out the words amid the gargled noises as my wife thrashed about on the hospital bed. My second son was attempting to make his way into the world. Apparently he was
- [On the Human Spirit: Inspired by Josephine Baker](https://camzhu.com/on-the-human-spirit-inspired-by-josephine-baker/) - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Finding the Human Spirit during the American Election The Human Spirit is something to be recognised. It is something to behold. Examples of it can be found in the most unlikely of places. Yesterday morning I watched the entertaining anchors on CNN attempt to bruise each other's egos during their
- [Establishing Goals and Creating a Life Plan](https://camzhu.com/establishing-goals-and-creating-a-life-plan/) - Last Sunday was the first day I got out of the house and went on a run since the birth of my son three months ago; a period of time, which, despite everyone telling me has gone really fast has felt like at least a year. I managed fifteen minutes running, probably not even enough
- [On Responsibility: The Importance of Social Support](https://camzhu.com/on-responsibility-the-importance-of-social-support/) - Up and at 'em Today I woke up less then pleased. It was 5am, still dark, and the three-month old was bright and breezy. He was making his cute little utterances that are beginning to resemble vowel sounds. It wasn't the early hour which annoyed me. It wasn't the need to get out of bed
- [Exploring Spirituality](https://camzhu.com/exploring-spirituality/) - The older we get the more knowledge we have absorbed, the more mistakes we can learn from and the more experience we can draw upon to frame our outlook on life. It follows that a person's level of wisdom should advance at a similar rate to their chronological timeline. High levels of wisdom are associated with
- [Being where you are and Incremental Improvement](https://camzhu.com/being-where-you-are/) - An Extra Day This week just gone by, I felt like I needed an extra day to get everything done. I was toying with the idea and wondered what such a day would be called. I settled on the rather boring name 'Newday', and decided it would come after Friday, and could mostly be part of the
- [Alleviating Mental Suffering (using ideas from Buddhism)](https://camzhu.com/alleviating-mental-suffering-drawing-buddhist-ideas/)
- [How To Find Inspiration](https://camzhu.com/how-to-find-inspiration/) - Outlook on Life There are various answers to the question of whether the glass is half full or half empty. My favourite is 'it depends what's in it'. The core purpose of the question: are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? I have previously touched upon needing to persist with projects and maintain
- [Revitalising Projects (using SWOT)](https://camzhu.com/revitalising-projects/) - Having various projects running over long periods of time can mean things fall by the wayside once the going gets tough or the novelty of newness wears off. I've found from my own experience that I will take up new interests, devote massive amounts of time and energy to them for several weeks or months
- [Some initial thoughts on the Covid-19 Pandemic: Surviving the Lockdown](https://camzhu.com/covid-19-pandemic-surviving-the-lockdown/) - Survival Mode for the Pandemic This is about survival. The time to start thinking differently is now. We each need to put in place routines that help us to cope with what is going on. Psychologically speaking, this is different to anything we have experienced before. We are going to need all our mental resources,
- [On Social Media and Money: The Controlled Minds Need Feeding](https://camzhu.com/controlled-minds-need-feeding/) - A Strange Dream A few nights ago, I had a vision of an Earth where somehow a global society was emerging. It was not necessarily cohesive but the human populations of my dream-world had had a sudden and shared epiphany that united them despite their differences. They basically became aware that there were two forces
- [On Digital Rights and Societal Change: The Great Hack](https://camzhu.com/on-digital-rights-societal-change-the-great-hack/) - In the above interview from 2009, Jack Dorsey talks about people influencing one another’s behaviour via Twitter. He states that he wants to bring more people into the conversation about public policy and how we structure society. Lofty goals indeed but not necessarily paving the way for autocracy. I do not agree that liberal democracy
- [Can you be content and yet motivated for change?](https://camzhu.com/contentment-versus-change/) - Again and again At this point I feel my life is going round in circles. I've just finished another book on productivity, come to make notes about it and seen notes from the last two books I've previously read on productivity. Needless to say, their sentiment is the same and yet I've been no more
- [Why is everything so bad? A look on the bright side of 2020](https://camzhu.com/the-bright-side-of-2020/) - Everything seems so bad 2020 is drawing to a close. There have been moments when it has felt like this year would never end. Trapped in our dwellings. Absorbing an unprecedented amount of negative news content. Sometimes watching the eye of the storm as it hovered over others (in Wuhan, then in Italy) and sometimes
- [Online Privacy In The Age of Digital Surveillance](https://camzhu.com/online-privacy-in-the-age-of-digital-surveillance/) - What Can We Do To Protect Our Online Privacy? My first recommendation is to stop using Google for search. From 2008, DuckDuckGo has differentiated itself from other search engines by emphasizing the protection of individual searchers' privacy. This helps it avoid the filter bubbles that personalised searches generate. Most importantly it does not collect or share
- [On Equality: How can we bring about a more equal society?](https://camzhu.com/on-equality-how-can-we-bring-about-a-more-equal-society/) - Decision making This year poses problem after problem. This year feels like decisions are heavier than they should be. This is what my decision making process currently feels like: There's an out of control freight train running down some railway tracks. It is bulky and the engine has caught fire, the speed and weight of
- [All hail the Haiku: Staying creative in Lockdown](https://camzhu.com/all-hail-the-haiku-staying-creative-in-lockdown/) - A calling for something like Haiku Lockdown continues. The weather remains upbeat. The psychological impact on yours truly is that I find myself yearning for the great outdoors. Hitting the roads and cycling every few days is not the same as getting out into the countryside, surveying wide vistas and enjoying clear head-space. I remain
- [On Boredom: Did the Garden of Eden become boring?](https://camzhu.com/on-boredom-did-the-garden-of-eden-become-boring/) - How is boredom still a thing? On a recent work call to a web developer he described himself as bored. This is more understandable given the current lockdown situation affecting huge swathes of humanity, but I was considering how many million things I feel I could be getting on with in the free time that
- [Prayer compared to Meditation: Dealing better with Ourselves and Others](https://camzhu.com/prayer-compared-to-meditation/) - Prayer's place in the human psyche Saying one's prayers and the act of praying in general is something that an increasing majority of people in the UK are giving up doing (if church attendance statistics are anything to go by). Even many church goers who attend for socio-cultural reasons may not actually pray when left
- [Goal-oriented thinking and Tracking Progress](https://camzhu.com/goal-oriented-thinking-and-tracking-progress/) - Goal-oriented thinking Times have been harder recently. The ups and downs have come thick and fast. I have had to do some deep thinking contingency planning, especially in the last two months. Luckily there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I am close to enjoying the emergence into that light. Goal-oriented thinking
- [On belief: Do people believe in their ideas or reality?](https://camzhu.com/on-belief-do-people-believe-in-their-ideas-or-reality/) - An idea for what people believe At present, I find myself blessed by recent weather, and still mostly a man of well-balanced leisure time. In light of this, I have taken all of the opportunities available to get out and enjoy the outdoors before the UK winter really closes in. One such recent trip to
- [On the state of the World: Lost in the Supermarket](https://camzhu.com/on-the-state-of-the-world-lost-in-the-supermarket/) - Supermarkets these days It genuinely surprises me when I’m queuing in a supermarket and there is a hold up for a number of minutes. This is a testament to the incremental improvements in selling groceries to the masses and also the lucrative nature of making little changes to big business. What has ceased to surprise
- [2020: A year for Exploring more Philosophy](https://camzhu.com/2020-a-year-for-exploring-more-philosophy/) - Looking Forward to 2020 The New Year is a time to look forward to the next phase of our lives. Another calendar cycle begins and the days are getting longer (in the UK at least). It's a period to make plans and prepare, to take stock and forecast for what could be if everything turns
- [Forgoing Facebook's Offerings: Reducing my Digital Footprint](https://camzhu.com/forgoing-facebooks-offerings-reducing-my-digital-footprint/) - An Issue for the Coming Decade Between Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp there are over 3.5 billion active users. That’s almost half the planet's population. The social media network has become megalithic, ever-present and seemingly irreplaceable. It’s electronic tentacles stretching around the globe and creeping into our lives. Facebook has capitalised on this unprecedented uptake and
- [Philosophical Musings for the End of the Decade](https://camzhu.com/philosophical-musings-end-of-the-decade/) - The decade draws to a close As the last few weeks of 2019 fly past in a blur of damp weather, Christmas preparations and constant reminders to vote in the General Election, I have cause to reflect. I want to get a little philosophical, but more importantly, draw out a key lesson and generate some
- [Motivation for doing the Best for Ones Children](https://camzhu.com/motivation-for-doing-best-for-ones-children/) - My last post was a reflective one and I've been thinking about other formative experiences I have had that set me on the course leading to where I am now. On a personal level, I am also probably seeking to reassure myself that I'll make at least an ok parent. The Children's Project I have
- [Fatherhood in Focus: Friendly Advice for Dads-to-be](https://camzhu.com/fatherhood-in-focus-friendly-advice-for-dads-to-be/) - Fatherhood in Focus Assuming fatherhood has been the most challenging obstacle which I've had to overcome in my young (ish) life. This may be saying a lot for those who've known me for ten years or more. It's the truth though. Recently, after an autumn-themed photoshoot to celebrate marking my son's first year, I had
- [A Content Strategy for CamZhu](https://camzhu.com/a-content-strategy-for-camzhu/) - This content strategy post is a future-focused and administrative update so please skip if you are just interested in more creative or philosophical writings. For various reasons, I’ve had some free time lately without some of my recent obligations as a father (nurseries have many upsides!) and I’ve done something of an audit of the
- [Lessons from Ancient Chinese Philosophy](https://camzhu.com/lessons-ancient-chinese-philosophy/) - The day to day experience of life has changed dramatically over the last two thousand years but the realities of human existence have not. Over the coming months, I will be working on an undertaking to convey what I think are important lessons from ancient oriental texts. What Lessons? I have a particular interest in issues
- [Forgive the Past, Believe in the Future](https://camzhu.com/believe-future/)
- [Early Morning Musings - Progress, Changes and Dreams](https://camzhu.com/musings/) - Progress 2017 has passed merrily into the void of the past and the first week of 2018 is already drawing to a close. I have started keeping a journal again and the process of reflecting on each day is already showing its benefits. I was given the actual journal itself as a gift from my
- [Perspective on the Rise of China](https://camzhu.com/perspective-on-the-rise-of-china/) - The rise of China will affect us all in the coming years. Not necessarily the next few years but definitely the next couple of decades. I wanted to talk about a few things in this post. Primarily, my experiences travelling to China, how much it has changed (even in the short time between my last
- [Becoming Aware of your Breathing](https://camzhu.com/mindful-breathing/) - As you breathe in, be aware that you are breathing in. As you breathe out, notice that you are breathing out. - Thich Nhat Hanh Learning Mindful Breathing We exist in a world that is constantly in motion, change is perpetual. From when we are born until when we die our bodies are in a constant
- [Stopping Procrastination Through Practicing Gumption](https://camzhu.com/stopping-procrastination/) - Procrastination The word procrastination has its routes in the Latin words 'pro' (forward) and 'crastinus' (belonging to tomorrow) so it literally means putting things off until tomorrow. Making a habit of procrastination is harmful to productivity as it's likely that whatever is being put off is something that needs to be done for a reason. Generally
- [The Internet Society and You](https://camzhu.com/the-internet-society-and-you/)
- [Failures : Embracing the Past and the Opinions of Others](https://camzhu.com/failures-embracing-past-opinions-others/) - A Scene on the Tube This week on the tube I saw an amusing situation. I was on my way to work on the Bakerloo line. It wasn’t crowded and the door between the two carriages was swinging open and making a loud metallic clanging noise when it swung back. In all, there were about
- [Confidence Trick : Trust and the Online Nemesis](https://camzhu.com/confidence-trick-trust-online-nemesis/) - A Confidence Trick The internet can be an unnerving and wicked entity, and I'm saying that without even having ventured onto the notorious Dark Web. A couple of weeks ago I paid the equivalent of five dollars to list my blog on a blog directory called Blogarama only to find (almost a week later) that
- [My Thoughts on Hitching a Ride](https://camzhu.com/my-thoughts-on-hitching-a-ride/) - On rare occasions whilst driving around the UK, one sees lone people at the roadside, typically near service stations. They are identifiable as hitchhikers by their ragtag appearance, huge backpacks and cardboard placards, on which is usually scrawled a destination so far away as to think unreachable in any reasonable time. They raise a multitude
- [The Ten Thousand year Clock and Inequality](https://camzhu.com/ten-thousand-year-clock-inequality/) - The 10,000 Year Clock I recently heard that Jeff Bezos is building a giant mechanical clock in the remote mountains of Texas that will run for ten thousand years. My first thought was of Egyptian Pharaohs and their Pyramids. I was impressed by the scale and awed by the ambition. To achieve the previously unachievable, to
- [Recognizing Good Fortune](https://camzhu.com/recognizing-good-fortune/) - Blue Monday Today is known as Blue Monday. This is apparently as it is roughly two weeks out of the festive season but still two weeks until the end of January. For me, I'm still catching up with people who I didn't see during the winter celebrations, which is fun and has been full of
- [Ambitions of the Past and Orienting your Future](https://camzhu.com/ambitions/) - Working towards Goals Sometimes in life, it is fine to muddle through, to relax and to cruise, but there are certain points when one needs to take control. Part of taking control means knowing where you are headed. There is a lot of material written on the psychology of goal setting and this is
- [No-self : Interpretation of the Buddhist Idea of No Soul](https://camzhu.com/no-self-interpretation-experience-buddhist-idea/) - No-self as a Concept Pretty much a decade ago, I read a book called ‘What the Buddha taught’ whilst travelling in Malaysia and the impact is still with me. While I'm not a practising Buddhist now, certain ideas have had a significant impact on my thought processes. Two notions, in particular, struck me as very
- [Nostalgia and Positive Benefits](https://camzhu.com/nostalgia-and-positive-benefits/) - What exactly is nostalgia? The word itself is formed of the Greek νόστος (nóstos), meaning "homecoming" and ἄλγος (álgos), meaning "pain" or "ache". However, in contemporary use, the word doesn't necessarily mean a painful yearning for home. Nostalgia is actually one of my favourite feelings. Although likened by many to a melancholy, I always feel it as a positive thing. It
- [Mental Strength in Tough Times](https://camzhu.com/mental-strength-tough-times/)
- [Persistence and Motivation](https://camzhu.com/persistence-and-motivation/)
- [Captain Your Own Ship : Never give up on your Friends](https://camzhu.com/never-give-up-on-your-friends/) - Thanks mainly to a positive comment I recently found a YouTube Channel of an Amsterdam based spoken word artist called Vino Venitas. For one thing, it has reminded me of the creativity of exploring a poetic voice. For another, a certain video of his has inspired me to write about self-belief and the importance of
- [Taking Stock of Changes : Where I am at in August 2018](https://camzhu.com/taking-stock/) - Changes Afoot There are significant changes afoot in my life and I thought I would write a blog post to try and get a handle on where I am at mentally. I am not overly concerned that I cannot or will not be able to cope in the near future, I just realise I have hardly
- [The 25 to 5 Process and Selling Content](https://camzhu.com/the-25-to-5-process-and-selling-content/) - The 25 to 5 Process A few weeks ago I encountered a new method for cutting out the clutter of one's life. By narrowing down your focus, it is possible to see what you really want. The method is Warren Buffet's 25 to 5 process, helpfully explained by this video; I recently went through the
- [Reductionist Quotes, Social Media and the Loneliness Survey](https://camzhu.com/reductionist-quotes-social-media-loneliness-survey/) - Reductionist Quotes A couple of things have piqued my interest in the self-help industry recently and started me thinking of taking more care with my online content. One is that I have begun using my Twitter account a bit more frequently to promote my various digitally-based activities. Twitter is awash with quotations from famous historical
- [Absorbing the Content of Others to Inspire Creative Sparks](https://camzhu.com/absorbing-the-content-of-others-to-inspire-creative-sparks/) - One way of fueling your own creativity is to actively seek out and absorb creative content. Nowadays, I have found it is very easy to scroll through social media occasionally interacting with something pretty or eye-catching. This is kind of not enough for me, and so, without venturing past my keyboard, I have attempted to
- [Entering Parenthood and a New Mindfulness](https://camzhu.com/entering-parenthood-and-a-new-mndfulness/) - The Start of a Young Family Today marked one calendar month since the birth of my firstborn son. It's been a ride so far, up and down, peaks and troughs, a blur of broken sleep and an overload of chores. The first two weeks were certainly the most challenging - in and out of two
- [Early Parenting and the Importance of Coincidences](https://camzhu.com/early-parenting-and-the-importance-of-coincidences/) - We all have an internal ranking system where we put the happenings in our lives into hierarchies of importance to us, which includes rating the profundity of certain events. Specific and circumstantial happenings come to determine how we structure the narratives we use to present ourselves to the world. They also influence decisions of how
- [Generating a Symbol in the Age of The Internet : A Rare Call to Action](https://camzhu.com/symbol-age-of-internet-call-to-action/) - The importance of symbols cannot be underestimated. A good logo is part and parcel of any visual branding strategy. Well, I'm going to make something like a logo for a new project of mine, which involves sending my thoughts out into the world at a much slower pace than the rapid information highways of cyberspace
- [Reflections on a more Responsible Life and using Trello](https://camzhu.com/reflections-on-more-responsible-life-using-trello/) - My son was 100 days old on Friday. My Chinese in-laws dressed him up in gold bracelets and a red and gold chain necklace, for the first time in his short life he looked bling. It made me think of how we make not only all of the big decisions for him, but also the
- [On Parenting : Changes, the Slow Day, and the Timer](https://camzhu.com/on-parenting-changes-slow-day-timer/) - Musical Messages on My Mind A short while ago I had a tune stuck in my head. It went something like whop-whop whop-ding, whop-whop whop-ding and had to be some kind of dance music, but I just couldn't put a name to the tune or remember what the rest of the beats were. A couple
- [On the Evils of Sugar and Feeling Pain](https://camzhu.com/evil-sugar-feeling-pain/) - Learning to eat less Sugar the Hard Way I've always had a sweet tooth and now it's come back to bite me. I am suffering for something that (despite my other half's loving assurance to the contrary) is pretty much all my own fault - a deep filling in one of my incisors is now
- [On Brexit : Why Britain Leaving the EU is Bad](https://camzhu.com/on-brexit-my-thoughts-on-why-britain-leaving-the-eu-is-bad/) - Britain is Soon to Leave the EU Britain is set to come crashing out of the European Union (EU) in a matter of days or weeks. A friend asked me at the weekend what my opinion on Brexit was and I had to admit I didn't have a clear answer. Other friends had joined the
- [An Ineffable Experience with the Waking Up Meditation App](https://camzhu.com/an-ineffable-experience-with-a-meditation-app/) - I am now thirty days into the fifty-day introductory daily meditation course on the Waking Up app and the results are fascinating. The app is the product of the neuroscientist, philosopher and public intellectual Sam Harris. Whilst I'm not really a fan of the ardent atheist line of his thinking, making use of the app
- [Flower Leaves Mandala](https://camzhu.com/flower-leaves-mandala/) - I used the planar mirrors feature on Painter to make the line patterns and then coloured it in. I put the Chinese symbol for Peace of Mind or Zen in the middle. I’ve created this one to resemble a flower and I think I'm getting closer to that effect, especially with the surrounding
- [Orange Petal Contrast Mandala](https://camzhu.com/orange-petal-contrast-mandala/) - I’ve gone for orange coloured petals contrasting with the purple spikes around. I used the planar mirrors feature on Painter to make the line patterns and then coloured it in. I put the Chinese symbol for Peace of Mind or Zen in the middle.
- [Rainbow Contrast Mandala](https://camzhu.com/rainbow-contrast-mandala/) - I used the planar mirrors feature on Painter to make the line patterns and then coloured it in. I put the Chinese symbol for Peace of Mind or Zen in the middle. I’ve put in a sort of rainbow and then some contrasting colours to distract focus. The final ring is black and white to reinforce
- [Three Colour Flower Mandala](https://camzhu.com/three-colour-flower-mandala/) - The concentric circles lend themselves easily to creating something that resembles a flower. Trying to resemble a flower here but with a kind of contrast between the red and blue. I used the planar mirrors feature on Painter to make the line patterns and then coloured it in. I put the Chinese symbol for
- [Basic Colour Flower Mandala](https://camzhu.com/chan-symbol-basic-colour-flower/) - Whilst looking through some old tutorial materials of Aaron Rutten I came across a video which involved colouring a line drawing of a Mandala. A Mandala is a circular figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. Inspired by the possibilities and liking the underlying meaning I’ve created some line art and coloured it in using Painter.
- [Hope](https://camzhu.com/hope/) - I took inspiration from the phrase ‘He who has hope, has everything’ and came up with this. The character is the chinese verb hope but has deeper meanings of planning projects so I thought it apt for my position starting out in the creative world. I’ve tried to use a spectrum of colours from a
- [Sky](https://camzhu.com/sky/) - As I'm going on a short holiday I thought it would be good to do something reminiscent of a holiday. My skills aren't quite up to painting a day at the beach yet, and that's not exactly what I'm aiming for so I've gone for the sky. This is the sky from a plane window,
- [White Horse](https://camzhu.com/white-horse/) - This is the first creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively
- [Positivity](https://camzhu.com/positive/) - This is the second creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively and
- [Peace of Mind](https://camzhu.com/peace-of-mind/) - This is the third creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively and
- [Seek Knowledge](https://camzhu.com/seek-knowledge/) - This is the fourth creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively
- [Change](https://camzhu.com/change/) - This is the sixth creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively
- [Ego](https://camzhu.com/ego/) - This is the seventh creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively
- [Tool](https://camzhu.com/tool/) - This is the eighth creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively and
- [Lightweight](https://camzhu.com/lightweight/) - This is the ninth creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively and
- [Twang!](https://camzhu.com/twang/) - This is the tenth and final creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more
- [Tomb of the Warrior](https://camzhu.com/tomb-of-the-warrior/) - Using photo manipulation during my recent project started cogs whirring in my head about the possibilities and led me to start thinking more about the possibilities of digital collage. I downloaded Aaron Rutten's course on digital collage and took the first class. In the end, I didn't create anything like what was in the class content.
- [Winter Cityscape](https://camzhu.com/winter-cityscape/) - This is a Chinese winter cityscape and is my second digital collage. This is made up of images I took visiting a city in North-eastern China. Its relatively near Shenyang but I forget the name. The characters on the snow-covered river translate into a warning about swimming in the river whilst I have placed myself
- [China Smorgasboard](https://camzhu.com/china-smorgasboard/) - This is a digital collage of a few of the photos I took during my last trip to China. I have called it a smorgasbord but its just a collection. I played a lot of Mahjong and visited a lot of temple type park places which is why they feature.
- [Deep Meditation](https://camzhu.com/deep-meditation/) - Aside from the three digital collages, this is my first creation after completing my recent project on thinking big. After the challenge of translating certain concepts into artworks, I have opted to design something simple. I wanted to build upon characters that I have already used to make longer words. This follows from my current
- [Maze](https://camzhu.com/maze/) - This is a black and white maze with the Chinese characters for maze in red. I have produced this as a tribute to the maze feature in Corel Painter which I recently discovered. Not sure I’ll be making much use of it in the future, but it’s fun to know it’s there!
- [Handsome](https://camzhu.com/handsome/) - This is one of those pieces of artwork where the initial idea started off far too complex and I ended up with a final result looking very simple. The Chinese character means handsome/elegant or beautiful. I was originally going to use a picture of me in a suit and manipulate it but it didnt work
- [Simple Cup](https://camzhu.com/simple-cup/) - This is my first attempt at creating something in a 3d modelling program - a simple cup. I am very excited about the possibilities of 3d modelling, anything seems possible! Following a tutorial, I created a 3d cylinder, and then handle, shaped them, attached the two, used some 'material' effects and positioned the camera and
- [Hard Work](https://camzhu.com/hard-work/) - Due to big changes in my life, I am envisaging a lot of hard work in the year ahead. These changes are good and positive - I have gotten engaged and will be moving to a new job. The hard work is that I have a year to plan and execute a wedding and the
- [Evening](https://camzhu.com/evening/) - Evidencing my amateur skills with Painter here I've gone for a city-scape by night. The yellow-ish glow is either moonlight or worrying pollution. I associate the colour yellow with happiness, and I guess at a stretch I could say my happiness is being restricted by the intrusion of work and formal life as the colour
- [Wooden Cup](https://camzhu.com/wooden-cup/) - Following another tutorial I created this wooden cup. It was more straight forward than the cup with a handle - just a matter of extending a cylinder, wrapping an image around it and adjusting slightly. I used a strong lamp effect for the lighting.
- [Discovery](https://camzhu.com/discovery/) - This is the fifth creation in my project on thinking big, inspired by the book by Richard Newton; The Little Book of Thinking Big. The project is to create ten pieces of artwork, one for each chapter in the book including the introduction, each representing a message relating to thinking big i.e. thinking more productively
- [Emotion](https://camzhu.com/emotion/) - So taken up with the idea of being able to sell my artwork online I've created an image that I thought would work well on a tee shirt or laptop case or some other product. I have used the basic character for emotion on a warm coloured circle background. The character relates to an emotion
- [Ice](https://camzhu.com/108/) - As a blog post this doesnt relate to anything in my life right now, it was just practice/ learning. Again following an Aaron Rutten tutorial (for ice) and adding a chinese character for good measure!
- [Learning](https://camzhu.com/learning/) - Undertaking tutorials for the software I'm using (Painter 2016) is a necessary but time consuming task. I recently watched one which was basically learning how to use each different brush, and I learnt that modifying each brush to get exactly the right effect you want is complicated. So I have used some particle brushes as
- [Lightning](https://camzhu.com/lightning/) - Following another landscape tutorial by Aaron Rutten I've created a storm scene, and added the Chinese characters for lightning in the sky. This is partly because the lightning is the most striking thing about this image and partly because the characters for storm are too complicated! The course I'm working from can be found
- [Jungle Waterfall](https://camzhu.com/jungle-waterfall/) - Following Aaron Rutten's landscape tutorial I created this. It's a bit rough-and-ready but thats probably because I ran out of patience and was itching to get it finished. Landscapes might not be my thing but learning to pace myself over longer projects is something I will have to learn,
- [Shore Sunset](https://camzhu.com/shore-sunset/) - I've been cracking on with the Aaron Rutten landscape painting tutorials, purely just to get to know how Corel Painter works better. This time its a sunset over a shore with islands in the distance. I then put the Chinese character for shore in the bottom corner. Using the software is making more sense to
- [Respect](https://camzhu.com/respect/) - Trying to recreate something from my scrapbook I went for the characters for respect. The original had the characters superimposed on a sort of fence, symbolically representing the need for respect for boundaries. I differed from my scrapbook and used what i'd consider to be a modern-art-esque background with the black and white characters for respect traditionally
- [Fire](https://camzhu.com/fire/) - So I recently discovered Redbubble and became excited about selling products in my online shop with them in the future.
- [Scribble](https://camzhu.com/scribble/) - Practicing with the paper settings, I created this simple piece. There are two layers of custom made paper which I 'scribbled' on, repeated to make the pattern that forms the background. I didn't scribble the characters - they are an experiment with the straight line drawing feature. I think scribble in Chinese usually refers to
- [Sunset](https://camzhu.com/sunset/) - I followed half of an Aaron Rutten tutorial for this. Its a sunset over a savannah with the Chinese character for sunset painted over. Fairly simple but still took me a while.
- [Star](https://camzhu.com/star/) - It just so happens that one of the characters I'm learning how to write relates to an Aaron Rutten tutorial, so I followed it and painted a star. I then put the character for star next to it. This is a bit like creating something similar to Chineasy. Not what I'm setting out to do,
- [Time](https://camzhu.com/time/) - At the beginning of what should be a functional break for me, I've painted the characters for time. I used an oils brush and a liquid ink brush for the characters themselves, changed the paper settings of the background for the material effect, and used a digital air-brush to make the rough border. I wanted
- [Marble](https://camzhu.com/marble/) - More practice, only this time its a marble instead of a pebble, similar techniques. Started out with a tutorial but it got too complex so I branched off.
- [Confusion and Chaos](https://camzhu.com/confusion-and-chaos/) - As I barely understand the meaning behind the characters, my initial attempts at creating cohesive artworks are limited, hence the confusion and chaos in my life! However, I will attempt to explain; the shapes in the background are my representation of people and how we lock together in an unrecognizable pattern to form larger social
- [Happiness](https://camzhu.com/happiness/) - I must start with a disclaimer in that my understanding of the characters and the medium are both fairly limited at present . . . Happiness can be an elusive emotion and big city life can grind people down. This was my first go at these characters, trying to create a subtle centre with a
- [Pebble First Attempt](https://camzhu.com/pebble-first-attempt/) - This is my first attempt at Characters on a stone. I followed Aaron Rutten's helpful Painter 2015 tutorial to learn how to create the stone/pebble image then added the characters. The characters mean 'men' which is simply because they were some of the most basic characters that I knew and that I could get on to the
- [Money](https://camzhu.com/money/) - Here is my second attempt at a pebble. I kept it really simple with an oval shape and minimal effects. The green grass is representative of new things while the characters mean money which is something I'm going to have to manage carefully in the year ahead. Admittedly the shadow is a bit strange on
- [Torch](https://camzhu.com/torch/) - Branching out a little from Chinese characters and pebbles and trying to learn a bit more about Corel Painter I followed Aaron Ruttens tutorial on painting a medieval torch. The flames are made using a particle brush, which is a new feature of Painter 2015. I can see them being a lot of fun to

## Pages

- [About CamZhu: Zen Ideas and Modern Life in the UK](https://camzhu.com/about-camzhu/) - CamZhu is a portfolio-blog for Cameron Robertson, exploring Zen ideas, parenting, and life in the UK. The name combines "Cam" with the Chinese word "Zhu,"
- [Copywriting Portfolio](https://camzhu.com/portfolio/)
- [Animation](https://camzhu.com/video-content/) - A thought-provoking look at how we human beings are not separate from but are a part of nature.
- [Zen Ideas](https://camzhu.com/zen-ideas/)
- [Contact](https://camzhu.com/contact/)
- [CamZhu Shopping Assistant](https://camzhu.com/assistant-chatbot/)
- [Digital Art](https://camzhu.com/digital-art/) - Abstract Circle Designs Thinking Big (Conceptual Series) CamZhu Shop
- [Graphic Design](https://camzhu.com/graphic-design-portfolio/) - I have extensive experience doing inhouse graphic design, working on key messages and rebranding campaigns. In addition I am well versed in creating content for print, web and social media channels. I have also worked on a number of projects on a freelance basis. Below are a selection of designs I have created to visually
- [The #Tweet100 Challenge](https://camzhu.com/the-tweet100-challenge/) - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Writing Prompts for Twitter I recently saw Jay Clouse's Tweet 100 challenge and decided to create a template of writing prompts to help myself write at least 100 Tweets worth of material on a variety of topics. I also wanted to make it publicly available as a resource for other
- [Downloads](https://camzhu.com/downloads/) - Artwork I aim to make the majority of my digital artwork available for free as downloadable files. Different people may find different file types more or less useful but for now I will use .png (although I may revisit this in the near future).
- [CamZhu Art](https://camzhu.com/digital-art/camzhu-art/) - Cloud Effect Hamsa Symbol Buddhist Double Fish Symbol Flaming Triquestra Om Symbol Shamash Symbol Taeguek Head
- [Abstract Circle Designs](https://camzhu.com/galleries/abstract-circle-designs/) - Below are some of my creations using various features of Corel Painter 2019.
- [Thinking Big](https://camzhu.com/galleries/thinking-big/) - Whilst away on holiday in sunny Spain I read a book by Richard Newton called The Little Book of Thinking Big. The book is full of great advice and ideas on how to boost your productivity and creativity. I felt inspired and in order to help me remember the messages of the book I have
- [Geometric](https://camzhu.com/galleries/geometric/)
- [Blog](https://camzhu.com/blog/)
- [Front Page](https://camzhu.com/front-page/)
- [Blog](https://camzhu.com/blog-2/)
- [Yin Yang Mandalas](https://camzhu.com/mandalas/yin-yang-mandalas/)
- [Healing Hand Mandalas](https://camzhu.com/mandalas/healing-hand-mandalas/)
- [Om Mandalas](https://camzhu.com/mandalas/om-mandalas/)
- [Poetry](https://camzhu.com/poetry/) - Poetry is a fun and expressive creative medium. Here is a selection of poems that I've written, they mostly chart my growing up. The earlier ones are fairly basic, but I gradually found a poetic voice through my youthful angst. If you're interested in learning how to write poems there's a good book by Stephen Fry;
- [Portfolio](https://camzhu.com/portfolio-2/) - This is a selected portfolio of Chinese character art that I have created using Corel Painter.
- [Mandalas](https://camzhu.com/mandalas/)
- [Galleries](https://camzhu.com/galleries/)

## Downloads

- [100Tweets Challenge Writing Prompts](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/100tweets-challenge-writing-prompts/)
- [Padma Symbol Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/padma-symbol-artwork-download/)
- [Hamsa Hand Symbol Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/hamsa-hand-symbol-artwork/)
- [Om Symbol Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/om-symbol-artwork/)
- [Flaming Triquetra Symbol Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/flaming-triquetra-symbol-artwork/)
- [Buddhist Double Fish Symbol Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_downloads/buddhist-double-fish-symbol-artwork/)

## Categories

- [Characters](https://camzhu.com/category/cha/)
- [Pebbles](https://camzhu.com/category/pebble/)
- [Other](https://camzhu.com/category/other/)
- [Scenic](https://camzhu.com/category/scenic/)
- [Thinking Big](https://camzhu.com/category/thinking-big/)
- [Digital Collage](https://camzhu.com/category/digital-collage/)
- [Simple](https://camzhu.com/category/simple/)
- [Mandalas](https://camzhu.com/category/mandalas/)
- [Writing](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/)
- [Philosophy](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/philosophy/)
- [Opinion](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/opinion/)
- [Creativity](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/creativity/)
- [Productivity](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/productivity/)
- [Mindfulness](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/mindfulness/)
- [Parenting](https://camzhu.com/category/writing/parenting/)

## Tags

- [character](https://camzhu.com/tag/character/)
- [Chinese](https://camzhu.com/tag/chinese/)
- [idea](https://camzhu.com/tag/idea/)
- [Mandala](https://camzhu.com/tag/mandala/)
- [inspiration](https://camzhu.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [motivation](https://camzhu.com/tag/motivation/)
- [advice](https://camzhu.com/tag/advice/)
- [Spirituality](https://camzhu.com/tag/spirituality/)
- [Development](https://camzhu.com/tag/development/)
- [journal](https://camzhu.com/tag/journal/)
- [reflection](https://camzhu.com/tag/reflection/)
- [China](https://camzhu.com/tag/china/)
- [philosophy](https://camzhu.com/tag/philosophy/)
- [personal development](https://camzhu.com/tag/personal-development/)
- [internet](https://camzhu.com/tag/internet/)
- [society](https://camzhu.com/tag/society/)
- [change](https://camzhu.com/tag/change/)
- [opinion](https://camzhu.com/tag/opinion/)
- [productivity](https://camzhu.com/tag/productivity/)
- [mindfulness](https://camzhu.com/tag/mindfulness/)
- [Buddhism](https://camzhu.com/tag/buddhism/)
- [Buddhist](https://camzhu.com/tag/buddhist/)
- [mental health](https://camzhu.com/tag/mental-health/)
- [mental suffering](https://camzhu.com/tag/mental-suffering/)
- [mind](https://camzhu.com/tag/mind/)
- [soul](https://camzhu.com/tag/soul/)
- [no-self](https://camzhu.com/tag/no-self/)
- [Laos](https://camzhu.com/tag/laos/)
- [nostalgia](https://camzhu.com/tag/nostalgia/)
- [emotion](https://camzhu.com/tag/emotion/)
- [emotions](https://camzhu.com/tag/emotions/)
- [mental strength](https://camzhu.com/tag/mental-strength/)
- [hope](https://camzhu.com/tag/hope/)
- [tough times](https://camzhu.com/tag/tough-times/)
- [persistence](https://camzhu.com/tag/persistence/)
- [postivity](https://camzhu.com/tag/postivity/)
- [travel](https://camzhu.com/tag/travel/)
- [books](https://camzhu.com/tag/books/)
- [writing](https://camzhu.com/tag/writing/)
- [balance](https://camzhu.com/tag/balance/)
- [breathing](https://camzhu.com/tag/breathing/)
- [relaxing](https://camzhu.com/tag/relaxing/)
- [calm](https://camzhu.com/tag/calm/)
- [techniques](https://camzhu.com/tag/techniques/)
- [creativity](https://camzhu.com/tag/creativity/)
- [technology](https://camzhu.com/tag/technology/)
- [peace](https://camzhu.com/tag/peace/)
- [old testament](https://camzhu.com/tag/old-testament/)
- [genesis](https://camzhu.com/tag/genesis/)
- [selling](https://camzhu.com/tag/selling/)
- [content](https://camzhu.com/tag/content/)
- [goals](https://camzhu.com/tag/goals/)
- [goal](https://camzhu.com/tag/goal/)
- [life](https://camzhu.com/tag/life/)
- [hitching](https://camzhu.com/tag/hitching/)
- [hitchhiking](https://camzhu.com/tag/hitchhiking/)
- [adventure](https://camzhu.com/tag/adventure/)
- [lifestyle](https://camzhu.com/tag/lifestyle/)
- [solo travel](https://camzhu.com/tag/solo-travel/)
- [van life](https://camzhu.com/tag/van-life/)
- [travelling](https://camzhu.com/tag/travelling/)
- [parenting](https://camzhu.com/tag/parenting/)
- [holiday](https://camzhu.com/tag/holiday/)
- [children](https://camzhu.com/tag/children/)
- [child](https://camzhu.com/tag/child/)
- [loneliness](https://camzhu.com/tag/loneliness/)
- [social media](https://camzhu.com/tag/social-media/)
- [self help](https://camzhu.com/tag/self-help/)
- [art](https://camzhu.com/tag/art/)
- [artwork](https://camzhu.com/tag/artwork/)
- [digital art](https://camzhu.com/tag/digital-art/)
- [RedBubble](https://camzhu.com/tag/redbubble/)
- [creative](https://camzhu.com/tag/creative/)
- [new parent](https://camzhu.com/tag/new-parent/)
- [Parenthood](https://camzhu.com/tag/parenthood/)
- [coincidence](https://camzhu.com/tag/coincidence/)
- [symbols](https://camzhu.com/tag/symbols/)
- [meaning](https://camzhu.com/tag/meaning/)
- [Liverpool FC](https://camzhu.com/tag/liverpool-fc/)
- [planning](https://camzhu.com/tag/planning/)
- [plan](https://camzhu.com/tag/plan/)
- [self](https://camzhu.com/tag/self/)
- [future](https://camzhu.com/tag/future/)
- [selfauthoring](https://camzhu.com/tag/selfauthoring/)
- [Trello](https://camzhu.com/tag/trello/)
- [organisation](https://camzhu.com/tag/organisation/)
- [responsibility](https://camzhu.com/tag/responsibility/)
- [fatherhood](https://camzhu.com/tag/fatherhood/)
- [father](https://camzhu.com/tag/father/)
- [prodigy](https://camzhu.com/tag/prodigy/)
- [parent](https://camzhu.com/tag/parent/)
- [childhood](https://camzhu.com/tag/childhood/)
- [fathering](https://camzhu.com/tag/fathering/)
- [symbol](https://camzhu.com/tag/symbol/)
- [football](https://camzhu.com/tag/football/)
- [letters](https://camzhu.com/tag/letters/)
- [sugar](https://camzhu.com/tag/sugar/)
- [dentist](https://camzhu.com/tag/dentist/)
- [pain](https://camzhu.com/tag/pain/)
- [toothache](https://camzhu.com/tag/toothache/)
- [tooth](https://camzhu.com/tag/tooth/)
- [teeth](https://camzhu.com/tag/teeth/)
- [Brexit](https://camzhu.com/tag/brexit/)
- [EU](https://camzhu.com/tag/eu/)
- [politics](https://camzhu.com/tag/politics/)
- [political](https://camzhu.com/tag/political/)
- [Britain](https://camzhu.com/tag/britain/)
- [UK](https://camzhu.com/tag/uk/)
- [United Kingdom](https://camzhu.com/tag/united-kingdom/)
- [European Union](https://camzhu.com/tag/european-union/)
- [meditation](https://camzhu.com/tag/meditation/)
- [Waking Up](https://camzhu.com/tag/waking-up/)
- [Sam Harris](https://camzhu.com/tag/sam-harris/)
- [Freedom](https://camzhu.com/tag/freedom/)
- [Women](https://camzhu.com/tag/women/)
- [Equality](https://camzhu.com/tag/equality/)
- [suffragette](https://camzhu.com/tag/suffragette/)
- [Facebook](https://camzhu.com/tag/facebook/)
- [Twitter](https://camzhu.com/tag/twitter/)
- [Cambridge Analytica](https://camzhu.com/tag/cambridge-analytica/)
- [Democracy](https://camzhu.com/tag/democracy/)
- [the great hack](https://camzhu.com/tag/the-great-hack/)
- [digital rights](https://camzhu.com/tag/digital-rights/)
- [bots](https://camzhu.com/tag/bots/)
- [captcha](https://camzhu.com/tag/captcha/)
- [blogarama](https://camzhu.com/tag/blogarama/)
- [web crawlers](https://camzhu.com/tag/web-crawlers/)
- [failures](https://camzhu.com/tag/failures/)
- [problem](https://camzhu.com/tag/problem/)
- [problem solving](https://camzhu.com/tag/problem-solving/)
- [individual](https://camzhu.com/tag/individual/)
- [community](https://camzhu.com/tag/community/)
- [procastination](https://camzhu.com/tag/procastination/)
- [gumption](https://camzhu.com/tag/gumption/)
- [gumptionade](https://camzhu.com/tag/gumptionade/)
- [courage](https://camzhu.com/tag/courage/)
- [common sense](https://camzhu.com/tag/common-sense/)
- [control](https://camzhu.com/tag/control/)
- [structure](https://camzhu.com/tag/structure/)
- [ambition](https://camzhu.com/tag/ambition/)
- [narrative](https://camzhu.com/tag/narrative/)
- [luck](https://camzhu.com/tag/luck/)
- [fate](https://camzhu.com/tag/fate/)
- [fortune](https://camzhu.com/tag/fortune/)
- [secrets](https://camzhu.com/tag/secrets/)
- [gratitude](https://camzhu.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [soft power](https://camzhu.com/tag/soft-power/)
- [SWOT](https://camzhu.com/tag/swot/)
- [technique](https://camzhu.com/tag/technique/)
- [productive](https://camzhu.com/tag/productive/)
- [project](https://camzhu.com/tag/project/)
- [projects](https://camzhu.com/tag/projects/)
- [nonjudgmental](https://camzhu.com/tag/nonjudgmental/)
- [focused](https://camzhu.com/tag/focused/)
- [present](https://camzhu.com/tag/present/)
- [music](https://camzhu.com/tag/music/)
- [block](https://camzhu.com/tag/block/)
- [mental block](https://camzhu.com/tag/mental-block/)
- [creative block](https://camzhu.com/tag/creative-block/)
- [wrtiers block](https://camzhu.com/tag/wrtiers-block/)
- [how to](https://camzhu.com/tag/how-to/)
- [rise of china](https://camzhu.com/tag/rise-of-china/)
- [international](https://camzhu.com/tag/international/)
- [thoughts](https://camzhu.com/tag/thoughts/)
- [thinking](https://camzhu.com/tag/thinking/)
- [communist](https://camzhu.com/tag/communist/)
- [communism](https://camzhu.com/tag/communism/)
- [personal](https://camzhu.com/tag/personal/)
- [feelings](https://camzhu.com/tag/feelings/)
- [dreams](https://camzhu.com/tag/dreams/)
- [dream](https://camzhu.com/tag/dream/)
- [diary](https://camzhu.com/tag/diary/)
- [exploring](https://camzhu.com/tag/exploring/)
- [tao te ching](https://camzhu.com/tag/tao-te-ching/)
- [ideas](https://camzhu.com/tag/ideas/)
- [creation](https://camzhu.com/tag/creation/)
- [journey](https://camzhu.com/tag/journey/)
- [religious](https://camzhu.com/tag/religious/)
- [religion](https://camzhu.com/tag/religion/)
- [way](https://camzhu.com/tag/way/)
- [the way](https://camzhu.com/tag/the-way/)
- [motivational](https://camzhu.com/tag/motivational/)
- [drive](https://camzhu.com/tag/drive/)
- [ambitious](https://camzhu.com/tag/ambitious/)
- [feeling](https://camzhu.com/tag/feeling/)
- [past](https://camzhu.com/tag/past/)
- [plans](https://camzhu.com/tag/plans/)
- [ancient](https://camzhu.com/tag/ancient/)
- [mental](https://camzhu.com/tag/mental/)
- [learnings](https://camzhu.com/tag/learnings/)
- [new dad](https://camzhu.com/tag/new-dad/)
- [content strategy](https://camzhu.com/tag/content-strategy/)
- [strategy](https://camzhu.com/tag/strategy/)
- [update](https://camzhu.com/tag/update/)
- [marketing](https://camzhu.com/tag/marketing/)
- [email](https://camzhu.com/tag/email/)
- [social](https://camzhu.com/tag/social/)
- [schedule](https://camzhu.com/tag/schedule/)
- [help](https://camzhu.com/tag/help/)
- [dads-to-be](https://camzhu.com/tag/dads-to-be/)
- [dad](https://camzhu.com/tag/dad/)
- [dads](https://camzhu.com/tag/dads/)
- [kid](https://camzhu.com/tag/kid/)
- [babies](https://camzhu.com/tag/babies/)
- [babydaddy](https://camzhu.com/tag/babydaddy/)
- [dad-to-be](https://camzhu.com/tag/dad-to-be/)
- [2020](https://camzhu.com/tag/2020/)
- [decade](https://camzhu.com/tag/decade/)
- [tweets](https://camzhu.com/tag/tweets/)
- [philosophical](https://camzhu.com/tag/philosophical/)
- [consciousness](https://camzhu.com/tag/consciousness/)
- [network](https://camzhu.com/tag/network/)
- [marriage](https://camzhu.com/tag/marriage/)
- [family](https://camzhu.com/tag/family/)
- [new father](https://camzhu.com/tag/new-father/)
- [Instagram](https://camzhu.com/tag/instagram/)
- [WhatsApp](https://camzhu.com/tag/whatsapp/)
- [digital footprint](https://camzhu.com/tag/digital-footprint/)
- [digital media](https://camzhu.com/tag/digital-media/)
- [digital](https://camzhu.com/tag/digital/)
- [Google](https://camzhu.com/tag/google/)
- [Facebook free](https://camzhu.com/tag/facebook-free/)
- [musings](https://camzhu.com/tag/musings/)
- [why to live](https://camzhu.com/tag/why-to-live/)
- [Asda](https://camzhu.com/tag/asda/)
- [British](https://camzhu.com/tag/british/)
- [queue](https://camzhu.com/tag/queue/)
- [modernity](https://camzhu.com/tag/modernity/)
- [modern society](https://camzhu.com/tag/modern-society/)
- [God](https://camzhu.com/tag/god/)
- [death](https://camzhu.com/tag/death/)
- [death clock](https://camzhu.com/tag/death-clock/)
- [conscious](https://camzhu.com/tag/conscious/)
- [time](https://camzhu.com/tag/time/)
- [David Pearce](https://camzhu.com/tag/david-pearce/)
- [Pearce](https://camzhu.com/tag/pearce/)
- [Abolitionist Project](https://camzhu.com/tag/abolitionist-project/)
- [transhumanism](https://camzhu.com/tag/transhumanism/)
- [biohacking](https://camzhu.com/tag/biohacking/)
- [belief](https://camzhu.com/tag/belief/)
- [science](https://camzhu.com/tag/science/)
- [faith](https://camzhu.com/tag/faith/)
- [goal-oriented](https://camzhu.com/tag/goal-oriented/)
- [Covid-19](https://camzhu.com/tag/covid-19/)
- [Lockdown](https://camzhu.com/tag/lockdown/)
- [Pandemic](https://camzhu.com/tag/pandemic/)
- [Isolation](https://camzhu.com/tag/isolation/)
- [prayer](https://camzhu.com/tag/prayer/)
- [Metta](https://camzhu.com/tag/metta/)
- [psychology](https://camzhu.com/tag/psychology/)
- [boredom](https://camzhu.com/tag/boredom/)
- [Eden](https://camzhu.com/tag/eden/)
- [poetry](https://camzhu.com/tag/poetry/)
- [poem](https://camzhu.com/tag/poem/)
- [haiku](https://camzhu.com/tag/haiku/)
- [Black Lives Matter](https://camzhu.com/tag/black-lives-matter/)
- [surveillance](https://camzhu.com/tag/surveillance/)
- [modern](https://camzhu.com/tag/modern/)
- [privacy](https://camzhu.com/tag/privacy/)
- [data](https://camzhu.com/tag/data/)
- [security](https://camzhu.com/tag/security/)
- [zen](https://camzhu.com/tag/zen/)
- [positive thinking](https://camzhu.com/tag/positive-thinking/)
- [optimism](https://camzhu.com/tag/optimism/)
- [stoicism](https://camzhu.com/tag/stoicism/)
- [Josephine Baker](https://camzhu.com/tag/josephine-baker/)
- [humanity](https://camzhu.com/tag/humanity/)
- [human spirit](https://camzhu.com/tag/human-spirit/)
- [Climate](https://camzhu.com/tag/climate/)
- [environment](https://camzhu.com/tag/environment/)
- [climate change](https://camzhu.com/tag/climate-change/)
- [energy](https://camzhu.com/tag/energy/)
- [money](https://camzhu.com/tag/money/)
- [tech](https://camzhu.com/tag/tech/)
- [note](https://camzhu.com/tag/note/)
- [self-improvement](https://camzhu.com/tag/self-improvement/)
- [Birthdays](https://camzhu.com/tag/birthdays/)
- [anecdote](https://camzhu.com/tag/anecdote/)
- [smiling](https://camzhu.com/tag/smiling/)
- [delivery](https://camzhu.com/tag/delivery/)
- [attitude](https://camzhu.com/tag/attitude/)
- [upbeat](https://camzhu.com/tag/upbeat/)
- [Insulate Britain](https://camzhu.com/tag/insulate-britain/)
- [catastrophe](https://camzhu.com/tag/catastrophe/)
- [global warming](https://camzhu.com/tag/global-warming/)
- [modern life](https://camzhu.com/tag/modern-life/)
- [protest](https://camzhu.com/tag/protest/)
- [perspective](https://camzhu.com/tag/perspective/)
- [perception](https://camzhu.com/tag/perception/)
- [Queen](https://camzhu.com/tag/queen/)
- [resolutions](https://camzhu.com/tag/resolutions/)
- [playful attitude](https://camzhu.com/tag/playful-attitude/)
- [beginners mind](https://camzhu.com/tag/beginners-mind/)
- [review](https://camzhu.com/tag/review/)
- [Ukraine](https://camzhu.com/tag/ukraine/)
- [racism](https://camzhu.com/tag/racism/)
- [bullying](https://camzhu.com/tag/bullying/)
- [relationships](https://camzhu.com/tag/relationships/)
- [fashion](https://camzhu.com/tag/fashion/)
- [design](https://camzhu.com/tag/design/)
- [climate crisis](https://camzhu.com/tag/climate-crisis/)
- [storytelling](https://camzhu.com/tag/storytelling/)
- [watches](https://camzhu.com/tag/watches/)
- [war](https://camzhu.com/tag/war/)
- [bullet journal](https://camzhu.com/tag/bullet-journal/)
- [kaizen](https://camzhu.com/tag/kaizen/)
- [journaling](https://camzhu.com/tag/journaling/)
- [positivity](https://camzhu.com/tag/positivity/)
- [migration](https://camzhu.com/tag/migration/)
- [immigration](https://camzhu.com/tag/immigration/)
- [Geopolitics](https://camzhu.com/tag/geopolitics/)
- [UK society](https://camzhu.com/tag/uk-society/)
- [realization](https://camzhu.com/tag/realization/)
- [Resistance](https://camzhu.com/tag/resistance/)
- [kickboxing](https://camzhu.com/tag/kickboxing/)
- [vibequiz](https://camzhu.com/tag/vibequiz/)

## Download Categories

- [CamZhu Artwork](https://camzhu.com/sdm_categories/camzhu-artwork/)

## Download Tags

- [Buddhism](https://camzhu.com/sdm_tags/buddhism/)
- [Digital Art](https://camzhu.com/sdm_tags/digital-art/)
- [Adobe Illustrator](https://camzhu.com/sdm_tags/adobe-illustrator/)
- [Multifaith](https://camzhu.com/sdm_tags/multifaith/)
- [Esoteric](https://camzhu.com/sdm_tags/esoteric/)