Friday, January 1, 2016

New Year 2016: A New Beginning


What an incredible year 2015. This might be the most straightforward statement of what I've been through for the previous year. There were ups and downs, but still able to conquer challenges and reach another milestone in life. 2015 brought me to another chapter of extraordinary living where I stretched myself beyond my limits.

It was a fascinating journey when I've been to places where my thoughts brought me. It was indeed a law of attraction that works whenever I need it. Years ago, when I started to believe that we become what we think, I learned to practice and incorporate it regularly to achieve whatever goals I desire. 

If I have done it before, I could attract things that will work for me. This year I have accomplished several goals while others are in the process and turning them into a reality. Life has never become as magical as it may seem, but with creativity and passion, there has been an unimaginable turning point. 

Some tough decisions would have changed circumstances, yet it was something fulfilling. For a long time in service, now is the time for a new adventure with awesome people full of energy and confidence in reaching a certain level of success. 

The previous chapter has always been challenging, hence full of challenges that made me a better person. I've been polished like a gem -- a precious one that illuminates and sparkles. It is a product of enlightenment to a certain level and my deepest gratitude to the master of life that I once knew. 

Everything learned will always be carried over to the next chapter, and then it goes on. Everything has significance and will be of merit when done with honor and dignity. Being grateful for past success will help create more abundance and blessings, which is what I know for sure. 

However, it's only sometimes about the peak of happiness and success. There may have been untoward circumstances beyond our control, and that teaches us a lesson to be resilient and move forward. Life may throw a hard rock, but it can become a polished and refined stone after that, depending on how we deal with things and accept the challenges. 

It's genuinely fantastic to face obstacles toward success. It takes passion, courage, and desire to make it. Along the way are rough roads and intersections that will eventually lead in the right direction. It may seem like a very challenging year take, but with perseverance, I surpass the trials that will launch a newer, more extraordinary version. 

© 2015 Del Cusay

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas in Our Hearts 2015: A Blissful Journey


Christmas is the most awaited season and the most beautiful time of the year. This is an excellent time to spend joyful memories with our friends and loved ones, to share smiles and laughter with others, or perhaps grief and sorrow with some.

The past Christmas celebrations were joyous and unforgettable. I may have missed Christmas in my home country, yet I always felt connected and loved. Nothing beats a festival like the way we Filipinos do. It may be a simple celebration, but the spirit of Christmas is genuinely felt and remains in our hearts forever.

It was exactly four years ago when I shared thoughts about the holiday season. I have witnessed a different culture, and how they celebrate Christmas is wonderful. Christmas in Our Hearts 2011 brought good memories with those I've been with. It was like having fun in a wonderland, and it felt like there was no tomorrow.

Christmas 2012 was meaningful since I celebrated it with my family. Since I missed the 2011 celebration, I cherished our time together. I may not be home for Christmas in 2013, so this is worth reminiscing about. Christmas in Our Hearts 2012 was full of fun and excitement. Spending time together with my family is bliss.

Christmas celebration in Tagaytay City

Christmas 2013 was a simple celebration; I was away from home. It doesn't matter how far the distance is, as long as I never feel alone and still carry the smile and happiness it brings. It was a nice feeling to have shared Christmas traditions and stories which I cherish 

Christmas 2014 was celebrated in my hometown together with my family. It was one of the happiest moments since we didn't get the chance to celebrate together every year. It was not as extravagant as previous years' celebrations, but the simplicity and essence of Christmas are remarkable.

This year 2015, I am with my family for Christmas. There's nothing much excitement like the past years' celebration, yet it is beautiful. What matters is the presence of loved ones and sharing moments with them.

I hope that before the year ends, we'll all be healed from old wounds and unpleasant memories. We want to deserve the good things in life and work together towards a common goal; to achieve success, fulfillment, and experience everlasting bliss and peace in our hearts.


© 2015 Del Cusay

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Kathmandu: The gems and the lost Treasures



On my journey to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, I fell in love with its beautiful landscape and met wonderful people who were friendly and kind-hearted.

In August 2013, in an uncertain moment, I traveled to Kathmandu and cherished the 6-day trip. It was one of the most beautiful experiences in my life to learn about the Nepalese people's culture and traditions.

From the first day of my trip, I have imagined the glorious past of the place as I pass around the narrow streets with modern and centuries-old architecture--evidence of Nepal's rich heritage and culture. I have roamed around and bought Kurtas (traditional Nepalese clothe) from different shops, and at the same time, I was able to stop by coffee shops to awaken my senses and continue the journey.

I was amazed by the view of the Kathmandu valley from the hotel where I stayed, as one can see the mountains surrounding the city and the crowded houses and buildings made of stones and bricks.

On a beautiful morning, as I walk in the old streets, I witness the businesses of the people. It is so simple, yet full of spiritual practices to start the day. They pray and chant to their Gods, using aromatic incense to drive off evil spirits or any form of negativity. I used to burn incense of different scents for my daily prayers and intentions.

On a sunny afternoon, as I walked into the downtown area, I saw the simple living of the people. They are not into buying luxurious things. In fact, they only have a few malls that sell bargain products. There's a huge football field and park with a tall observatory tower where one can see the panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley.

As I walked down the streets, I saw beautiful natural scenery and some that were man-made. I spent a few hours walking and rejuvenating at the famous lake in the central business area. Beside the lake are food stalls in the street selling coffee, tea, and bread; I have tasted them to get some energy for a long walk.

Kathmandu is such a peaceful place, and I felt the people's spirituality. There are temples everywhere for them to pray and glorify their Gods. They offer food and burn incense, and there's something more than their religious practices. They care and love people regardless of race and creed. They have happy faces, and they even look like Filipinos. I have witnessed their friendliness and hospitality to tourists. They are very conversant about Nepal's history and heritage and helpful in any way.

Kathmandu is rich in heritage sites that are recognized and protected by UNESCO. A day before I left, I could grab the offer for a day tour of 4 out of 7 UNESCO world heritage sites. 

I have meditated in the mountainous places of Swayambunath and Pashupatinath, where huge stupas can be seen as the center of attraction. I visited the ancient city and Durbar Square in Patan, and it was in that place where I felt that I was on time travel. I sensed that I was transported several centuries back, although I can see and interact with modern people--the locals and foreign tourists in their everyday clothing, ways, and actions.

On April 25, 2015, it was a tragic moment when the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal was reported to suffer a strong magnitude earthquake. Kathmandu and its nearby town, including northern India (Bihar state) and southern China (Tibet region), were heavily devastated and lost thousands of people, including locals and foreigners. The Kathmandu valley was destroyed with thousands of houses and buildings that collapsed, a thousand families became homeless, and a thousand lives were killed.

It saddened me to hear the news as I recalled the beautiful memories I had with the Nepalese people I met and interacted with on the road. I remember when I enjoyed their heritage sites and everything Kathmandu offers. I have learned many things about them and am grateful for the joyful experience.


Now that almost everything was lost, how could they recover from the tragedy? How many of those people I met have died, and how many have survived? How are those playful kids I have interacted with at the park? Life could be unpredictable and bad things could happen to good people.

At the present time, it is about survival, but a sad fate to innocent lives. You may have met wonderful people, but tomorrow they might be gone. You may have seen impressive structures, but they may have been out of sight tomorrow. Survival is not about religion or spirituality. It is now a way of life.

From the magnificent peak of Mount Everest; the serenity of Pokhara; and the architectural heritage of Kathmandu, Nepal is a gem I have found, but now it is a lost treasure. It will take work. Hence it will take time to stand up and face the world again. They need our help in any way, and once they are well and ready, they will stand up and build up their soulful heritage.

© 2015 Del Cusay

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