Are you stressed?

"Are you stressed?", this is the question my colonics therapists asked me every single time I go to their clinic. I've had 11 sessions with different therapists doing the procedure and each one of them asked me the same question.

Apparently, by looking at the fluid being excreted, they can detect the acidity in the body.  Yellow color indicates high acidity and therefore stress.

I refused to believe them.  I always answered with a gentle, "No, I'm not stressed.  I meditate daily.  How can I be stressed?"

Then, I would go on and explain, "In physics, stress is equal to pressure over resilience.  Meditation allows me to increase my resilience so I can handle the pressure."

"I cannot be stressed.", I reassured them.

But, I was so stressed that I wasn't able to fly to India for my annual retreat last year.  I was not acknowledging the pressure that was building up inside me (the resilience I stored was not enough to handle it).  Plus, I was sweeping all my pent up emotions under the rug.

It happens to most of us.  So many things are happening that we don't put in the time to sort out our issues, feelings, and capacity to handle the demands of life and work.  We keep on hustling and bustling around- completing tasks, meeting deadlines and taking care of other people that we forget to take care of ourselves.

Then, we can't be as effficient or as creative or as nurturing.

I saw a note which reads:

All too often, we just need to be reminded. :)

What do you think?

They're all dead

All 100 of their kind.  I thought I would see them during this visit but they did not make it.  They weren't able to stand the heat, so they bid adieu to the earth.

I was looking forward to naming each one of the 100 coffee trees we planted 2 months ago.  You see, a friend recently gave me 2 mulberry trees for planting.  Before we parted, she told me to please call the 2 trees, "Anak ng Diyos" (Child of God).  I'm not kidding, I swear.

So, on my way to the farm, I'm thinking that if I'm going to call the 2 trees Anak ng Diyos, Sr. and Anak ng Diyos, Jr, I have to give names to the 100 coffee trees we planted, as well.  

"How will I remember all their names?, I asked myself.  "Will I etch it on their trunk? But that might hurt them.  Using white paint might be the better solution.  But, what names will I give?  Will they each have a different name or just a generic name like Karen and i'll just add in a number.  So, I have Karen1, Karen2 until Karen100." These thoughts ran on my mind as I travel.

I arrived at the farm to see that I have no coffee tree to name.  I asked my father, "How come?".  

"It's too hot lately", he answered.  

I sought a second opinion from my godmother who has a farm in the same village.  She gave the same advice and added, "It's best that you plant when it's raining."

I remembered what my 80 year old friend said when she was convincing me to try farming,  "You will learn to respect the seasons and understand nature.".  

Back in Manila, I hear people complain that it's too hot.  In the boondocks, however, the weather's not merely inconvenient.  It also affects their livelihood but the farmers are simply telling me, "Just plant again when it rains".

Hence, from this day forward, I resolved not to complain or be pulled down by the heat.  

The world is old and so the weather's going haywire- too hot, too cold, too rainy.  I guess, I just have to respect that it's the reality now.

Goodbyes Karens 1-100.  It's ok.  I'll just plant again.

Dearest Mother

"Why do you worry?", I asked my mom.

"Let me worry.  I'm your mother.  It's my job to worry!", she snapped.

I tortured my youngest sister once by making her sit and wait in a corner until she finishes counting to 100.  I knew that my mom is in the other room so I am free to bully her.

She must have bionic ears and super speed because she rescued my little sister from my evil plan before she even counts to 10.

She did punish me once for a grave mistake I can no longer remember.

I was made to kneel down on a winnowing basket (bilao) of mung beans with my two arms outstretched and a glass full of water on each hand (talk about corporal punishment). My siblings would tease me that I've become Miss goody two-shoes after that incident.

But, she's very supportive of  any project which will allow me to grow.

She flew with me out of the country once and took care of all the expenses to simply accompany me to take a test.  I was already working at that time and I can pretty much take care of myself but she insisted (so why not?).

Even if I turn 60, I think I will always be your little girl and you'll always worry about me (and my other siblings) so you should try meditation, mom.

Kidding, I don't want to give you another unsolicited advice.  What I really want to say is,  I now understand that you do what you do because you love me.

Even when we don't see eye to eye at times, please know that I love you too!


P.S.  This is my post Mother's Day greeting.  Sorry, I am 2 days late.  We've just finished the exhibit.  I know you would understand, as always.  I love you, mama!



    

On the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight

image from http://www.telegraph.co.uk

She's the most unlikely Pacquiao fan.  She is way past her 60's, with hair always kept in a tight bun. Think of the quintessential principal stereotype, then you have a picture of her.  Wait, she is a principal!

"I love his determination!", she quips while she watches a Pacquiao-Mayweather promotional video.

De La Hoya, in the clip says, "He is a fighter who never stops throwing punches".

A Filipino-American relates, "Manny Pacquiao is our national hero this time around."

"What makes him a hero?", I ask.

Manny Pacquiao answers my question during his conference prior to this Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, "I came from nothing...".  However, at present, he is hailed as a boxing superstar and an icon recognized the world over.

His story is that of a poor boy from a small province who pushed himself to the top by winning one boxing match after another.  His tale is an inspiration to many, especially to most of his countrymen who live in dire poverty.

I watched his fight today and marvelled how he can take so many punches and yet remain standing.  I saw too how quickly he throws powerful punches and combinations with his hands and how he danced with his feet in the ring.  His why was definitely bigger than his opponent.  "I'm fighting for my country.", says his song.

Today, I learn about the heart of a hero.  A hero is one who fights the good fight.  One who can inspire others by simply being true to who he really is.  A hero gives his all for something bigger than himself.

"Pacquiao is my winner.", says the unlikely Pacquiao fan.  Ask anyone from the Philippines and I think you'll get the same response despite his lost today.

My question now is, how many people can call you their hero?

Ok, let's simplify it a bit, can you call yourself a hero?


P.S.  Please know that when I say 'you', I'm addressing myself, too.