Being with One

cartoon from http://one.brahmakumaris.org

"I've touched the face of God", said choreographer Douglas Nierras.  

That one sentence encapsulates my experience of The Love Of One event I recently attended.  

The ballroom was full and I came in with a friend but I felt that I was in a one-on-one meeting with my CEO.  "Chief Encouragement Officer", as described by Jonathan Batangan, a corporate executive.  Then I had a chit-chat with my friend, a bonding moment with my mother thereafter, then time with my beloved and consultation with my guide afterwards.  

It was like peering into the many faces of God through the experiences of different people.  The meditation which punctuated each sharing allowed me to experiment with the relationship discussed.
  
There were more time for introspection than time to listen to talks.  In fact, the eight speakers shared for only 2 minutes but their monologues were very  honest and personal.  University Professor Rina Corpus said she has been exposed to brilliant minds but in front of God, she's a perennial student.  Newspaper editor Emmie Velarde admitted it is so easy to get swamped by work but when she feels like drowning God is only a thought away. TOWNS awardee Deannie Ocampo marvelled at how precious God sees her that He calls her a diamond in His hand.  NGO head Belle Manapat enjoyed charging with The Source while Senior Meditation Teacher Becky Ortega called Him The Benevolent One.  Former Senator Leticia Shahani disclosed that for her God is both a father and a mother.

Each one of them call Him in different names and relate to Him differently but I feel that they're talking about the same God.  More than ever, I am convinced that there's just The One. 

                                           video from www.youtube.com

Have you found The One?

It was lunch time and the conversation turned a little serious.

"I am an atheist", admitted a young colleague.

"But I'm not one of the staunch ones who thinks there is no God.  I just couldn't find Him."

No one said a word, allowing him to speak his mind.  "I've been reading books, searching the net and talking to gurus..."

I responded, "I was like you when I was in my 20's.  I was devouring books on spirituality and studying all sorts scriptures.  I didn't find God there, either."

"You have to experience God.  It's like swimming, you see.  You can read all the literature in the world about it but unless you go into the water, you'll never learn."

I advised  him to not simply talk to the imams and the buddhists but to enter the mosque or try meditating.

As for me, I found God in silence.

P.S.  You are warmly invited to be extremely quiet while powerfully connected to The Source on September 21 wherever you are in the globe.  This event will be celebrated in 135 countries, look for a center near you at http://one.brahmakumaris.org/time-with-one/

Follow your heart

We've seen each other during retreats and meditation classes, but we've never really sat down and talked.  We've only exchanged smiles until this day.

We had lunch together at the center in Tagaytay.  As usual, she came in sans make-up and the celebrity status.  "I'm really a quiet person", she opened up.  I wanted to retort back, "I am too. So, bye I'll leave you with your thoughts".

The Interview

But something held me back, instead I asked a question then another and another until I got to know her story.

"I always hear sing from the soul. I don't really know what that means until I learn to meditate.  Before, when I sing it's only the body which sings but now every fabric of my being sings", she shared.

You see, in raja yoga meditation, the first concept taught is that of  "om" (I am a soul).  I am a being of peace, power, purity, love and bliss.  I am here in this world to simply express and experience these qualities. However, as we go through life's journey we forget who we really are.  Meditation teaches us to simply go back to who I really am (a soul).

She then related that pursuing what she loves was a difficult process.  "I was raised and trained to be a business person.  I finished business school.  Afterwards, I worked in the corporate world for five years.  But, it was not a world I want to be in.  In my heart, I am an artist."

The Move

How did you move from corporate to showbiz?, I queried.

"There was a year when I withdrew from everything.  I didn't speak at all and would only use sign language to communicate.  I kept on working on the family business but in my head I was planning my career.  I was dreaming and building everything in my mind"

Anthea Church, author of Inner Space had a similar experience.  She called it digesting time.  She wrote, "It cleared my mind so that when my moment came, I could hear clearly"

The same moment came to Timmy Cruz when she clearly knew that she had to follow her passion.  She had to run away from home though.  Without her family's support,  little savings and fierce determination she carved a name for herself in only a year and a half.

It was not easy though.  To make sure that she survives until the next gig she would only spend P50 a day on herself and save everything else.  As much as she can,  she would eat at the event where she is performing so she saves on food.  And, she never revealed her age.  In an industry which worships youth, admitting that she is already 26 years old when she started her career is suicide.

The Secret

How did you make it?, I asked.  I really wanted to know her route- step by step (just so i know but trust me I'm not planning on being a celebrity)  

"I simply followed my heart", was her short reply.

I guess, it is true what they say when the why is big enough the how is easy.

I met a fairy

image from http://knoledge.org

She watches the wind

Dance around the trees

At the height of the storm

And giggles while everybody else panics

She sleeps under the clouds and talks to it

The clouds answer her back

While the rest of the world stares 

At their own black box

She sings

and the birds chirp

Later, the crickets join in

It's the most beautiful of concerts, she says

She tells me about the Gardener

Who cares for 

And looks after

All of us flowers

Each one is different, she says

The lotus thrives in the mud

The bamboo lives near the water

The orchid loves air

And the Gardener knows 

Each and every single flower

and knows exactly where to put it

In His vast manicured lawn

The fairy taught me to trust the Gardener

He knows my heart

And places me where I can grow best

I am exactly where I should be

I met a prince

cartoon from petit prince gallerie

He was wearing a long cape, a brown cowboy hat, sando, shorts and slippers- nothing like a prince's wardrobe but he assured me that he is a prince.  "My dad is a  king!", he boasted.  I saw past his strange outfit and gave him a curtsy. 


His nanny cautioned me that arguing with him is pointless because he is so convinced that he is a prince.  He would sneak out the towel with a hood he is using as a cape from the laundry area even when it's soiled.  He told all his friends that the hat he's wearing is really a crown and he refused to remove it (and the cape) even when he was sweating profusely while playing dodgeball outdoors.  His friends rewarded his persistence by calling him Prince Mateo.  His lady friend even volunteered to be his princess (even without courtship or dowry!).


I smiled as I watch the scene unfold.  Look at this young boy of four, all he had really was a strong belief and the whole of his universe connived to fulfill it.  In his mind, he was a prince so he acted like one.  Hence, even without demanding the title, subjects or princess he was able to attract everything to himself.


Belief is such a powerful potion.  We use it as children but we forget it as we grow up.  More often than not, that's the only thing we need to turn our dreams into reality.  Thank you, Prince Mateo for reminding me!  

My lucky month has ended, now what?

image from http://paulasponderings.files.wordpress.com

A feng shui expert who also happens to be a good friend told me that June is my luckiest month this year.  "This is the best time to run after your goals", she advised.

I  noted it down, but since I'm still conserving energy at this point, I decided not to pursue anything.  Even when I was told that the elements will conspire to make whatever I want to happen happen,   I did not budge.  Instead,  I simply increased my me-time and inner work (meditation and introspection).  

Just now, I realized that my lucky month has passed.  Briefly,  I made an inventory of what has transpired:

• moved-in to a nicer box
• stayed at my happy place on weekends (as much as I can)
• did not see my doctor (cause I don't need to)
• landed a facilitating gig 
• starting a new project for the NGO 
• still working in lala land (cause i feel as though I can sing lalalala the whole day at work)

Wow!  She's right, so far June is my best month ever for 2014!  I don't think my stars or physical effort has anything to do with it though.

Firstly, I did not follow my friend's advice (I didn't seek out the gig or the project).  Moreso,  I didn't put in more hours at work, at the non-profit organization or even at finding a new place.  Instead, I took time to nurture myself.  I saw to it that I have a clear head and a light heart.  And just like magic, opportunities came knocking.  

Now, I understand that if I take really good care of myself (what I'm thinking and feeling), luck will find me!

Not thinking works!

photo from Special Achievers

                                                   
It's true what my monk friends admonish, whatever is your right will come to you.

The same day I posted that article I receive a call to help facilitate a team building session for a pharmaceutical company.  My mind says I am not qualified but my instinct says go for it.

Since I've been practicing 'not thinking' lately, I said yes.  I am glad I did.

On our way to the event, we fetched the owner of the company at the airport.  She was a classmate in meditation but we never really got the chance to sit down and talk prior to this meeting.  She was very warm and showed interest in the non-profit organization for persons with disability I co-founded with  3 other colleagues.

"I received the orange bag as a gift and  I love it!" she exclaimed. 

She then asked about our artists, how they discovered their gifts and how focusing on their strengths help them.

By the end of our conversation, she had a brilliant idea, "How about we showcase 18 artworks of children with disability in the company's calendar which will be distributed to doctors all over the Philippines and meditation students across the globe". 

"I want to see angels, flowers, even abstract designs", she excitedly shared.  "Let them paint or draw whatever they want to".

"My theme for this project is from thorns to flowers.  Until now, some people still could not embrace those who are different.  Let us emphasize their greatness!  They are flowers not thorns.  Let's show the world what these special children can do."

I wanted to jump up and down in the moving car right there and then.  You see, our organization can only afford to feature 2 special achievers a year and she's giving us an opportunity to put a spotlight on the creativity and artistry of 18 kids this year!  Moreover, the company would take care of the production and distribution.   

Thank you very much, PROSEL for this beautiful collaboration.

I'm so glad, I trusted my guts and did not over think.


Postscript:  If you have a disability or know someone with special needs who has a portfolio of artworks, please feel free to send at least 3 pictures (or more) of his/her masterpieces at Differently Special Achievers Movement with a short description of the artist and his/her talent on or before July 16, 2014. Thank you.          

'Whatever is your right will come to you'

image from http://barakadefoto.com

I enjoy hanging out with monks.  They have a very simple yet profound take on things.

"How will I know the right path for me?", I asked Sister Sushila, the coordinator of the retreat center I volunteer in during my weekends.  She gave me a one-liner , "Choose that one which makes you happy".

I was waiting for a long lecture but she didn't say anything else.

My heart tells me that it is the right thing to do but my left brain wants to get to the how-to's.

So, I  posed the same query to Sister Natalie (the same one I had a chit chat with the other time).  Her reply was shorter, "Do not think."

These monks are driving me crazy.  I went to them for answers but I end up asking more questions, such as "How do you do that?!"

"Just flow", she said.  "Just as the water from the river follows the jagged path until it reaches the ocean".

For a week, I've been pondering about the idea of 'not thinking' until Sister Agnes, the resident in the meditation center in Manila unknowingly blurted out the magic words.  In her usual upbeat voice and smiling face (sometimes, I mistake her for a clown) she enthusiastically related, "Karen, whatever is your right will come to you!".

In that instant, all the puzzle pieces fit.

I don't have to split my head thinking about the future because if I'm ready the next track will present itself.  I always hear the line "When the student is ready the teacher will appear".  In the same way, if I am happy with where I am at the moment, the right path will surface.  It is best to accept how things are (a.k.a. flow).  Overthinking and discontentment serve as a fog which covers the roads I have to choose from.  When it has dissipated then it is easy to make the right decision because I can clearly see which road truly makes me happy.

My monk friends are right, it doesn't take rocket science.  I simply have to just be and 'whatever is my right will come to me'.

Dearest Papa

I seriously doubt you'll read this

You never go online 

Still, I want to tell the world 

How awesome you are

So here goes...

Thank you for teaching me 

How to find joy in the simplest of things.  

I bought you a toothbrush once

Couldn't forget how you showed it off to mama

As though you received a gold watch  

And, you've always believed in my ideas

No matter how crazy it may seem

When I told you about yogic agriculture

In an instant you said, "I'll have a nipa hut built for you"

"So, you can meditate in the middle of the farm"

When I was into organic stuff

You drove for me until we reached the mountain

Where the natives live and process their produce

The whole family thought it's something I'll start but never finish

But,  you simply allowed me to go through this phase

And you support me, inspite of my absurdities 

When I told you that I want to be a monk

You didn't say anything

Instead, you gave me a land title

And said I can get my share

I've never heard "it can't be done" from you

You always let me dream

And you will accompany me even to the ends of the earth to pursue it

You always tell me that I'm great

Even when I can't see it

Whenever, I go home you'll always be at the pier to pick me up

And when I'm down and out, you say "It'll pass"

I must have done something right to deserve a dad as wonderful as you

I will forever thank God for putting you in my life

To my number one fan, Happy Father's Day! 

Chit-Chat with a Monk

How does one become like you?, I asked a monk. 

Simple, do not have any desires, she answered back.

How do you do that?!, I exclaimed (what I really meant was, Is that even possible?)

My disbelief did not ruffle her calm countenance at all.  In a soft and gentle voice, she replied.  I ask myself, what is important in this life?  For me, this is the time to give back all the attainments that I receive from God so I serve.

What attainments?, I queried.

Happiness, contentment, security. 

How about financial security?, I followed up.

Yes, I think of that too, sometimes.  You know the organization does not take care of my personal needs (or even medical bills).  But, I do not worry because whenever I need something, it comes without me asking.

She is a big lady, still quite young- probably in her early forties.  She is wearing faded jeans and over-sized shirt at the time of the (informal) interview.  She does not look like a nwassi (center resident) of a spiritual community but her face betrays her.  She has a huge smile plastered on her face, an aura of both wisdom and humility and a distinct twinkle in her eyes.    

Wherever you are, whatever you do, what's important is you're happy.  That goes for everyone- regardless of gender, age, position, or race., she continued.

The only thing I give here is my skill in baking and cooking- that's all.  I'm very happy to do that.

I commented, I tried to cook in the center once. (as you might have known, I am a monk wannabe)  It's not easy because I have to pay close attention to my thoughts.  I know that whatever I'm thinking and feeling will go into the food and will affect those who will eat it. What you do is not at all simple.

If I think, I'm responsible every time I go inside the kitchen that will create tension.  I choose to think that I'm simply the sous chef and God is the master chef.  (Hence, she's not the one in-charge. He is.)

Also, when you say this has to be done in a certain way, there's some force in it.  You mold yourself according to a certain standard.  It's better to be natural about it.  

I didn't know that I am some kind of a constipated jerk until I heard that.  I want to be like this. I want to do that.  Yes, material possessions do not tag me but to-do lists and plans still pull me.

Sensing that I'm berating myself, she advised.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  Just continue to be who you are wherever you are.  She reiterated, Be natural.

We both travel the same path to self-enlightenment.  She's definitely eons ahead of me.  

I continued our Q & A. What about the future?

What about the future?, she answered back.  

I've heard that monks are distant from the world. Today, I just experienced it.