How do we grow through trauma and find clarity in the midst of chaos? In this heartfelt and honest episode, Hary Ho opens up about his journey through childhood trauma, depression, and a life-changing medical condition that forced him to confront impermanence head-on. His story is a powerful reminder that healing isn't linear—but it is possible. Tune in for raw reflections, unexpected insights, and gentle encouragement for anyone navigating darkness.
🔹 From Abuse to Awakening – Hary shares how childhood trauma shaped his worldview and his eventual path to inner freedom 🕊️
🔹 Facing Illness and Impermanence – A serious medical condition became a turning point for reflection and transformation 🏥
🔹 Letting Go and Letting Be – Insights on acceptance and finding peace in the present moment 🌿
#MentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #FacingImpermanence #HealingJourney #BuddhistWisdom
About the Speaker:
👤 Haryono (Hary) is currently Senior Director in P&G, he has 14 years of experience working across APAC markets and lived across Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines. He had a near-death experience, having a coma during his teenage life and now living with type 1 diabetes. Buddhism has helped him understand that there is always peace in whatever suffering and unhappiness with regards to mind and body and it's up to us on how to make sense of it.
Transcript: https://bit.ly/hol-ep-59
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Introducing Hary and today’s topic
(01:12) – Hary’s childhood
(02:16) – Events that started to unfold after Hary’s move to Singapore
(04:16) – Deep depression and suicidal thoughts
(05:38) – Turning to Buddhism and spiritual inquiry
(06:57) – Starting his journey with meditation
(08:01) – Letting go of expectations and control
(10:15) – How did meditation help with his diabetes management
(13:09) – Watching the heart
(14:10) – The equation of suffering
(18:38) – Be kind to yourself
(19:50) – What is a meaningful life?
(22:49) – Challenges faced in letting go
(26:22) – Closing reflections and message to others
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Buddhist Youth Network, Lim Soon Kiat, Alvin Chan, Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee Hoon, Geraldine Tay, Venerable You Guang, Wilson Ng, Diga, Joyce, Tan Jia Yee, Joanne, Suñña, Shuo Mei, Arif, Bernice, Wee Teck, Andrew Yam, Kan Rong Hui, Wei Li Quek, Shirley Shen, Ezra, Joanne Chan, Hsien Li Siaw, Gillian Ang, Wang Shiow Mei, Ong Chye Chye, Melvin, Yoke Kuen, Nai Kai Lee, Amelia Toh, Hannah Law, Shin Hui Chong
Sponsor us here: https://handfulofleaves.life/support/
Editor and Transcriber of this episode: Hong Jiayi, Cheryl Cheah, Tan Si Jing, Bernice Bay
Visual and Sound Effects: Anton Thorne, Tan Pei Shan, Ang You Shan