When people ask me what I do I tell them, "I play with children". I make sure though that they learn skills which they need in school and at home while they're at it. Often, I learn a lot from them too! Last week, I was in a school conducting an evaluation with preschoolers. I asked a 3 year old, "Where are your eyes?". She stood up from her seat and went to the nearby table. Before I could stop her she came back with a bowl and pointed to what's inside, "Ice!", she answered. "That's correct too.", I laughed. At that time, I was wringing my brain for ideas for a program I'm working on. That incident made me think that there's no one way of doing things. There are a million and one answers. Thank you kiddo for reminding me!
"You see, when one travels the spiritual path, it's not always bright and sunny. It is inevitable that one's monsters will come out."
"More often than not, it takes time to deal with one's beasts.", I explained.
After several days, I thought about my critique's opinion. I reconsidered it. I do miss my light side. So today, I thought of sharing with you an inspiring incident I encountered this week.
The Old Woman and her Old Bike Seat
I have a 60 year old friend who loves to tell me how her day transpired. Like most senior citizens though, she often forgets that she has told me a particular story for the nth time. I often remind her when I have heard what she's telling me about and most of the time she says, "Just listen to me. Why are you young people so disrespectful?!"
One day she excitedly told me, "You couldn't guess what happened to me today."
"I went to have the seat of my bike changed. A customer of the shop offered to buy my old seat for P20 ($ 0.43) but I don't feel like parting with the seat for such a small amount. So, I opted to bring it home with me. When I arrived at the gate, it was also time for the students to go home from school." (She lives near a public elementary school.)
My attention was caught by an old man fetching his grandchild. I noticed that his bike seat is made up of old clothes and rags sewn together. I approached him and offered my old seat.
He was hesitant to receive it saying, "I might have to pay for it."
I told him, "Don't think about it. I just got a new bike seat."
"You know, his face beamed when I handed him the seat. The happiness in that man's face could not be compared to the P20($ 0.43) I could have gotten if I sold the seat.", she joyfully recalled.
I listened attentively and did not interrupt her at any point of her story.
"I did tell you the story before, didn't I?", she said.
I simply nodded and flashed a knowing smile. I figured, why not listen to her story again? So, what if I lost 5 minutes of my time when in turn I gave 5 minutes of happiness to an old friend.
He stopped trucks
From hauling loads of stones
Out of the river
Using his super voice
He told the bad guys
"Stop this!
Or else I will tell ENRO (Environment & Natural Resources Office)
That you are quarrying without permit"
The villains blasted him with a barangay permit
"The barangay captain and the council support this"
They haughtily reasoned
"Still, you don't have the ENRO's permit", he punched back
He then flew to the barangay hall to confirm the news
He saw the council feasting on pansit (fried noodles with vegetables)
Sent by the adversary to keep their mouths shut
"So, it's true! You sold the river for a free snack!", he confronted
Before they mobbed him
He used his super speed to run to the office of the mayor
"We cannot do anything if the barangay agreed to the quarrying"
The city administrator advised
"They did not consult the community"
He retorted back
"Then, file a petition against the quarrying"
The office of the mayor challenged
He readily flew back to the village
For days, he knocked on every door
Talked to every person he meets along the road
Until he got hundreds of villagers on his side
Superman created allies
And together they defended the river
The petition was their weapon
Against the mighty tyrants
With the signed petition
And the majority on his side
ENRO and the Office of the Mayor
Had no choice but to send a force field to protect the river
The quarrying is now put on hold
The barangay officials are currently being audited
The young and old who pass by the river daily are now safe
Because of one man who chose to lead the fight
How do I know all this, you ask?
I was superman's sidekick during this whole ordeal
To be honest, he's a simple farmer without a cape
But he has super strength because of his heart of steel
"I eat my feelings", said a friend. I tried that but it didn't work for me. I would pig out when I'm happy or sad and everything else in between but it only made me bloat. I also attempted to keep it all in so nobody will see it. After awhile though, it exploded right in front of my face. I was so hurt I could not readily stand up. Then, there was the talking it out cure. I confided to friends but even though I've sorted things out, some of them were still stuck in the situation. At times too, they would be angrier or sadder than me. Now, I just write my feelings just so I can see exactly where I am. I am learning (albeit slowly) not to dwell on it too much or let it control my choices. They are as fickle as the weather and as unreliable as an outdated map. I'm teaching myself not to be swayed by the pendulum of my positive and negative reactions. Of late, I constantly remind myself, "Stay in the middle- at zero. That's the point of balance."
