Welcoming Both The Darkness and The Light

When there is darkness, only light. That's one statement from a soulful prayer to St. Francis of Assisi.

Today, the world is full of darkness. Humanity is suffering from the worst of God's wrath. We all suffer the good ones and the bad ones.

We may ask ourselves, why does God allow us to suffer? Why does God put us into the darkness? If God is the world's light, why does He allow the destruction of humanity and the world?

The good and the bad that's opposing qualities we possess and experience in our lifetime. Hence, bad things happen to good people, and bad people continue to live to spread the darkness of the soul.

We are good in nature, but God allows us to experience the dark side to decipher the truth and appreciate the light. If there is no darkness, there could be no light. Same as saying we are good because we refuse to be wrong and embrace the light.

In our lives, we can't say we are perfect. We commit a mistake or sin in our thoughts, words, and actions. Subsconsciously, we harm others with our intentions. We have the tendency to harm other living beings and disobey Higher beings.

That's our human nature. As long as we live, we continue to dwell on the darkness and the light. But, in the end, we choose to stay in the lightness of our being - - of our soul and spirit.

We choose the light because we already know how it is to be in the dark. We choose to be good rather than becoming evil because we don't want to be trapped in a world of endless suffering.

Whatever we suffer at the present time is only temporary. The light is at the end of the tunnel, and we are heading in that direction.

We experience the dark night of the soul. This time, no one is spared. Our collective experience is history to the darkness of humanity until we learn and get out of the dark.

Your suffering is my suffering. Your darkness is my darkness. That's what we are in the spiritual world. We are physically distant but spiritually connected.

This Palm Sunday, we welcome the coming of Christ. We welcome his Divine presence in our hearts. He gives us darkness and can take it away from us. Then, we live to be the light in the world. We continue to be enlightened beings in this world.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Healthcare Frontliner's Fight and Flight

We are all fighting an invisible enemy. This has caused us fear and panic due to our vulnerability and uncertainty.

The COVID-19 pandemic is something to be scared of. While we are being optimistic in general, it still doesn't remove the anxiety we experience. It is spreading faster, and many people are getting infected and dying daily.

The young and the old, celebrities and ordinary people, the rich and the poor suffer. No one seems spared. We are affected physically, mentally, socially, politically, and economically.

Our physical movement is restricted due to isolation and strict home quarantine directive by the Government, thus causing discomfort, irritability, confusion, and anger. The Government assures their people of food relief and financial aid to those affected by community lockdown. 

Some people are anxious about their financial instability, thinking about how they will be able to survive the crisis. The ripple of untoward effects and the worst-case scenario is evident. 

For the general public, one thing being told to follow is to 'stay at home to prevent getting infected. This is already a heroic act that we can contribute to the epidemic to be contained.

Some people may not be able to fully understand the call for home quarantine and physical or social distancing protocol. The reason why our medical frontliners are calling our attention with the message 'I stay at work for you, please stay at home for us' seems like a straightforward message, but with a heartfelt plea to us.

Some of us may defy that simple yet meaningful message of our Healthcare frontliners, which is why we lost some of them. They keep on fighting for our precious lives and, more so, the lives of those under their care already. They are risking their lives whenever they treat a positive COVID-19 patient.

Several doctors globally have passed away while doing the heroic act of saving lives. Although they are already exhausted and stressed, more nurses and hospital personnel are not giving up. They keep fighting and having the will to live to protect us and save as many lives as possible.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to serve the frontline health workers of 'The Medical City Iloilo,' where I managed the frontliners in several units like Patient Education, Information, and Customer Service. I have worked with Doctors, Nurses, and Non-medical support staff regarding Patient Partnership Experience.

I am grateful for the opportunity to impart "Transforming Patient Partnership" with the Clinical Supervisors and Head Nurses of the Medical City Iloilo. As the healthcare institution is moving forward, we have aimed to develop high-performing teams capable of working in a highly challenging situations.

We also strengthened our Patient Partnership intervention through Effective Communications in Healthcare, Personal Development in Healthcare, Stress Management Program, and Conflict Resolution and Management Program, which are essential in delivering frontline healthcare services.

As a nurse myself, I have experienced a stressful environment in a healthcare setting. Thus I have imparted programs that I believed would help deal with day-to-day operations and whenever needed in times of future crisis.

The Medical frontliners globally are well trained to handle difficult situations even in times of health crisis like the pandemic issue. They are equipped with the essential gears of knowledge, skills, and wisdom. They are ready for the battle anytime they are tested or challenged.

They are put on the frontline because they have the most willpower, are the bravest, and are ready to die in service for us.

The medical frontliners are our modern-day heroes. In this health crisis, they defend us all against unseen invaders. They fight for our survival, and they die for us to live. That's the most heroic deed they can do for us. 

We honor and salute our medical frontliners for their utmost dedication and service. Like us, they deserve to survive this battle, and they also deserve to live their best life. Let's protect them by doing our share. Let's help them stay and live. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

You Are Not Alone

Wherever you are right now, you may need help! Just like the billion people on earth who are quarantined at home. It may be the worst feeling ever. You are restricted and controlled. You can't travel at a far distance, and you have to follow a certain social distance.

People are getting anxious and may start losing their sanity at a certain point. Boredom kills, and uncertainty is getting into their consciousness. What's happening? Who's the enemy? When will this suffering end?

You are not alone! We are all in this together. Your inconvenience and suffering are also what I am experiencing. We are together in this fight against the unseen forces that are a global threat to our health and well-being.

How are we going to survive this battle? Yes! This is a matter of survival skills. Either we continue to live, or we die! That's our reality at this moment of crisis.

This Soulful Sunday, I got some energy from a sun salutation exercise. I needed some stretching and sun exposure to boost my vitality and immunity. That's my latest craze just before the beginning of the home quarantine period. And then it's true that we get energy from a distance, a more powerful source.

Contemplating from our backyard at the farmhouse, I glimpse the uncertain future. The future is brighter despite the present-day darkness.

I realized that we can sometimes be socially distant but never feel alone or lonely. We are still emotionally and mentally connected to our loved ones, community, country, and world.

Our individual and personal suffering is also the suffering of our entire family. The sorrow of families is also the sorrow of the entire community. The morale of communities is also the morale of the country. And the downfall of nations is also the downfall of the world.

We are all connected in spirit, and we are what we think and feel. But one thing that can set us apart is our way of thinking; our mindset. Some may think of suffering, while others may think of opportunities. It's now about suffering versus surviving. Or we survived our battle and hell.

And this, too, shall pass. This will end. And when the time comes that we survive this threat to life, we will be living well in the Glory of God - - our Saviour whom we prayed for.

As I lay down on the hammock, I realized that you and I are not alone! We are not alone because we continue fighting to live and defeat the unseen. We will learn some lessons about victory and defeat. We will again rise up and be truly alive!

You are not alone because you will realize that you have a family who loves you. You are not alone because you belong in a community that shows care and concern. You are not alone because you are part of a country of strong-willed people. And you are not alone because you are a resident of a global community of freedom fighters.

We are the fighters, and we are the world. We keep on believing. We keep on surviving. And we keep on living.

© 2020 Del Cusay

When Faith is Bigger Than Our Fears

Fear can be defeated when there's a light from within. When we are suffering in this time of global health crisis,

we can learn to fight back stronger and live healthier.

In these times of brutal challenge, we are called to remain calm and be in stillness. Although it may not be accessible at times, we still tune in to the Highest Divine power- - the life-giver.

Our Soulful Sunday moment makes us feel the Divine love and light. When we feel anxious and uncertain, we feel the warmth wrap around our bodies and soul. It comforts us that someone is in control of our being and fate.

Whatever is happening in today's world is part of a Divine plan. Whatever we give in this world is what comes back to us. When we give suffering to others, we might experience even the worst kind of suffering. Hence, when we give love, it begets love and understanding.

The global health threat creates fear resulting in the hoarding of food and stuff. It causes massive chaos between nations. It causes misunderstanding, blame games, and discrimination. 

The hysteria is absolute. But the world isn't new to this pandemic. We may only be more critical, cautious, and alert than ever before, and that's a positive sign of a changing time.

But with all these untoward events, the antidote is to have faith and not to fear. To believe that we can survive this battle and not fear things that are unreal.

God's will is absolute, as humans have the choice; the will to be healed and the will to survive. So if things are within our control, we must also have faith in something beyond our control. 
Be fearless and have faith. 

© 2020 Del Cusay


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Transfiguration in the Eyes of A Child

The child grows fast from birth to a toddler. From the time they opened their eyes until they started walking alone. A physical transformation that makes us delighted. A child was born and is yet to live a great life. 

This Soulful Sunday, we spent a good time at the farm, and we brought our little one to explore the world that is new to him. The last time we got him to the farm was on new year's day, 2020, when he was just learning how to walk.

On New year's day 2020, when he was 1 year and 1 month old, we saw his curiosity to explore his environment. Although he couldn't speak and express his emotion of joyfulness, it can be seen in his smiles and actions.

Now at 13 months, he can walk by himself and is very playful. He can show different emotions. He laughs when feeling happy and cries when feeling uncomfortable.

A child is living in a different world. It is within our world, but they see things differently, as if they have their own. Whenever we don't feel like smiling, a child is there to give us a smile. Whenever we feel tired, a child lifts us up and gives us energy. A child has lots of powerful energy to change her mood and emotion. A child so small can change how we see the world.

Sometimes we may feel like having enough, yet a child can be happier and more excited. We may feel tired or bored with what we already have, but a child can have endless fun in exploration. A child starts to experience how to live, get hurt, fall down, rise up again, and give his biggest smile.

This 2nd Sunday of Lent talks about the transfiguration of Jesus at Mount Tabor, which was witnessed by his chosen Disciples. Jesus transformed into a bright human being just before the eyes of the Disciples.

Here on Earth, our God may show up in many ways through experiences of lavish living and even suffering. However, we may become blind in our faith and not see the bright side of life.

Unlike the child, he sees more beyond what we grown-ups can see. A child can remind us how to see the world with the most profound sense and gratitude.

 Our Quest for Personal Transfiguration begins as we emulate the innocence of a little child, giving us a radiant glow as we live life with happiness, joy, and peace.

When we no longer see ourselves shining so brightly, we see the transfiguration of Jesus in the eyes of a child. Because it is in their eyes that we see the greatest hope to learn how to live fully and see the world brighter again.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Quantum Leap of Faith in the Summit

You didn't believe it until a leap of faith brought you to where you are; your present life. Your current state doesn't define your whole life, and your pause is like a slingshot ready to launch you to what you have imagined.

Timeless energy is more than a fantasy, just like our state of consciousness that creates our reality. And so if you believe that thoughts are energy, whatever you think, you become - - the becoming of who you are or who I am.

What makes this year special is another leap to complete the cycle. Another day is added to make it whole. And that's the essence of a leap year; to wait for the right time to make it full and complete.

We are once incomplete or broken at some point in our existence. And it took us days and months, and years to finally fix or fill in what is missing.

When we have found an answer to 'who am I?', we dare to take a quantum leap of faith. We move forward and say, 'what's next?' what is there waiting for us that needs to unveil. 

Who is the person of our dreams? What's the kind of life that lies ahead? What does the future bring? These are tough questions we must uncover, not instantly but intuitively. Not something we figured out, but it just came to our higher consciousness.

The quantum leap of faith is like a leap year. We believe that time will heal and, in time, will make us complete. We could wait for years for someone to come along. That's a new beginning. A new milestone to move on.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Windows' Wind Blows

Waking up early morning staring at the window. That's a great feeling when witnessing the timelapse from dawn to sunrise! The purple skies at dawn and the silhouette of the trees are a soulful morning greeting— an experience worth living.

In my hometown, the second half of February is the coolest day to remember. The cool wind and the foggy morning are perfect for a cup of hot coffee.

A rainy day is a perfect time to hibernate and spend some pure thinking over a cup of hot beverage. It's all coffee... coffee and unlimited coffee!

So many thoughts coming in, just like the non-stop pouring of the rain. And when it's time to contemplate, it has to be the finest frequency of tuning in. Only the best frequency for healing the body, mind, and soul.

What makes us feel heavy at times is when we tune in to so many frequencies simultaneously. Whenever our thoughts are in the past, it gives us certain anxiety about whether we did our best. When we tune in to the future, it worries us about what lies ahead. And then, we forget to live in the present moment.

As I stared out the window, I could tell the taste of my coffee, hear the birds chirping, and feel the gentle wind blowing. That's how I tune in to the present, and it's just a wonderful thing.

While tuning in at present, I couldn't let it pass to tune in to one of the finest frequencies of the recent past. A heavenly frequency of a great climb to remember.

That's a selective tuning-in for a Soulful Sunday moment. It brings back not just pleasant memories but also relives heartfelt moments.

The wind blows of February will be missed. The foggy mornings will soon be over, and the rainy days will quickly end. But the memories will stay forever and be tuned in to be an excellent frequency for all seasons. 

The next time I stare out the window, it will never be the same again until the same season comes again. But I have learned to tune in to a healing frequency even when it is raining and when the sun is not shining.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Ruins and the Love Story

The Taj Mahal of the Philippines. That's why 'The Ruins' of Negros is known not only in the country but also has gained prestige and recognition globally.

Half a decade ago, in 2015, I finally appreciated the Italian-inspired mansion that was the talk of the town and is gaining popularity among tourists locally and from different parts of the world.

Seeing it for the first time from a distance was a nostalgic experience about its glorious past and the story behind the mansion built with tremendous and profound love.

That's one of the finest architectural masterpieces shared with the world. And the ruins stand out to last over the following centuries if the legacy is preserved for the love story to be relayed to the next generations. 

What makes the ruins of Negros so special is a sad yet beautiful story with a heartfelt dedication of a mourning man to his lost wife. Just like The Taj Mahal of India, when a mourning emperor built the structure in memory of his missing wife.

That's quite a similar story about immortalizing the memory of a loved one that was lost. And so the Philippines has its own version of the great Taj Mahal of India— the Ruins of Negros.

That's the greatest love. Building a lasting memory and legacy for something that is lost yet remains forever in one's heart.

Not everyone could do that, and so that piece of a historical masterpiece is to remind us of our greatness in our own ways.

We may not be as great as the builders of the Taj Mahal of India and the Ruins of Negros, but one thing that we can learn is that we can build great things out of the greatest love when we are crushed in spirit and in the deepest pain.

On this heart's month, we celebrate people's love stories and our own. We look forward to building a significant and lasting memory to share with our loved ones and even the world.

Love can be challenging, but it moves people. It forces us mysteriously. We are reminded that when we are brokenhearted, we can always pick up the pieces to make it whole again. We must be complete to experience and live the greatest love we deserve.

© 2020 Del Cusay

The Sacred Heart on a Hilltop

Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, is so huge and tall; a famous symbol of faith among Christians in that part of the world and is also known to most Christians worldwide as a pilgrimage destination worth visiting.

That's a thousand miles away from the Philippines, my home country and home to millions of the Catholic faithful. I may not be able to visit Brazil and see the famous statue, but in my hometown, we have a similar figure known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The uphill road to the summit may be rough, but it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Roxas City in the Western Visayas region. On the top of the mountain is the 132 ft statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, constructed at the beginning of the decade in 2010 and finished in 2015.

Since then, the statue visible on the lowland highway of the newly constructed business district has become a famous pilgrimage site and is considered the tallest statue of Christ in the Philippines.

I haven't been to the summit to see the statue for quite a long time since it was opened to the public, and we just glimpse it from afar whenever we pass by the vicinity. But in my heart, I would love to see it closer and appreciate the holiness of the place on top of the mountain.

At last! I was able to see it at the beginning of the decade 2020 in January, and for the second time, I was able to bring my parents back to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in February. That was a soulful journey on the summit and the best way to celebrate the month of love.

The physical structure of the statue symbolizes our most profound faith in the Christ who watches over us and protects us. When we feel abandoned and uncared for, one powerful Divine is a being who embraces and loves us for who we are.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of the holiness of our hearts no matter how unlawful and wicked we may have become. We are born to be good in nature, and our own sacred heart is our guide to touch the lives of others as inspired by the Sacred Heart of Jesus; the way, the truth, and the life. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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The Mighty and The Candle in The Wind

So many untoward events for January 2020! From natural disasters to pandemic health issues, we have experienced a crisis, a threat to our health and well-being. This, however, continues and is within our control.

The start of the year may not be good, but it gives us tough lessons to ponder about our strengths and weaknesses — our vulnerabilities as human beings.

We can not be sure about what is next, but one thing that can help us survive is faith in things beyond our control. That a higher and Supreme being is in charge.

We feel mighty at times, feeling powerful. However, there are moments when we are crushed in spirit.

When we are weak and feeling helpless and powerless, our Divine master is there to rescue us. And when the road is rough and the surrounding is dark, we seek the Divine light.

When we feel blessed and grateful, we always see the guiding light. And so, in bad times and good times, we need the Divine light. We never stop to follow and seeking the truth and life.

Today, the 2nd of February is the Feast day of Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria, or the Our Lady of the Candles. Known as the Patroness of the entire Western Visayas, Philippines.

The Holy image canonically crowned in 1981 by now St. John Paul II brought miracles, healings, and blessings to the people in the Region and the entire country when flocks of the faithful from every place visit the blessed Marian image and pray to God for Her intercession.

Back in 2016, when I lived and worked in Iloilo, I always felt the serenity of the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Candles. I had celebrated Sunday masses and the Holy week, which was brought to light when I was a Candle in the wind and weak and vulnerable.

The devotion started in recent years and in the late 90s when our dear mother brought us to celebrate the feast day mass. And years after knowing its miracles, I visit to offer a prayer and thanksgiving. That is faith. To continue the devotion for years and for a lifetime.

The Our Lady of the Candles is just one of the many Marian titles given to the Mother of Christ. We always pray for her intercession for all our wishes and whatever our heart desires.

And for the happenings in the world today, we go beyond our personal intentions and petitions. We pray for our people, our country, and the world. That healing will take place, and peace will reign in the world and our hearts forever. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Moment of Solitude

You need some time to be alone. That's an addition to our basic physiologic needs. A time when you can be yourself and know yourself better and more profoundly.

I have always been enjoying a moment of solitude since I discovered its healing powers. Nature does healing wonders for those who walk alone and seek life and truth. There are moments of self-discovery of who we are and what we can do—  our purpose of living.

With the sound of silence, we go through the deafening stage until we get used to it. There is a miracle in silence, and being in a state of solitude, we can hear our voice out loud from deep within. We are quiet and in stillness. We listen and respond to our being. That's a fundamental truth of our soulful desires of being.

There are always great things about having some moment of solitude. Our 'me time' reminds us that we need to heal ourselves as we return to the present reality of dealing with the most important people. That's what really matters. 

For many years I have been living in solitude. Although not entirely, I find meaning in silence, just being alone. And when I share my precious moment with people, I glow and show what is hidden in me. A soulful time spent connecting, expressing, being heard, and understanding.

Each day as we wake up, we have personal moments of reflection. We listen to our inner voice and to the Divine's voice. We get back to our goals of what we are supposed to achieve. Our dreams... Ambitions... Wishful desires.

In our busy day and for those living in bigger cities and dealing with so much noise and distractions, there is time to walk away and experience absolute solitude. Some would live in the more relaxed countryside. Others would have a weekend getaway on the mountains and the beach to contemplate. A homecoming holiday vacation even once a year. Such a thing contributes to soulful healing. 

A moment of solitude is what we all need to keep us alive and always living in the present. It improves our ability to focus and increases our awareness and consciousness. And from that moment of solitude, we can stand still and walk straight, knowing who we are and our self-worth.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Journey of Love

Staring at the first full moon of 2020 was a great homecoming welcome after long-distance travel.

Meeting families, sharing love stories, a sumptuous meal, beautiful conversations, and heartfelt dedications. That was a fantastic and romantic day. A day of smiles, laughter, and tears. A memory that will last for a lifetime.

Lying in bed at night, I was amazed by the moon's greater illumination on the balcony as seen through the glass door. I rushed to get up and saw the full moon shining so brightly. A Romantic scene of saying, "I love you to the moon and back." That was a great day and a fantastic night to remember.

Then comes Soulful Sunday, a moment of breathing in and out at sea. Watching the gentle waves, looking at the horizon, and enjoying the moment of soulful conversation.

An incredible journey ahead starts with a grateful heart. We are blessed with the people who are there to be with us and counsel us.

As we move on to the next level, the journey of love will grow and be strengthened by faith. Just like the grand illumination of the moon, it will shine brighter and fuller.

Until next, we will continue the shining moment and the journey of love, always living in the present moment. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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The Highlands of Bucari

The holiday continues! It's the first week of 2020 and the first week of the new decade, but the joyful and soulful moment never ends.

The new year 2020 was welcomed with enthusiasm and a positive spirit. It was the most straightforward, fun, and memorable celebration. 

The holiday rush and noise are over, and we are returning to a normal vibe. We missed the playful kids, the laughter, and the great conversations. We have learned some life lessons and have higher hopes to accomplish.

Today, the first Sunday of the year, is a memorable one. It's the first Soulful Sunday moment. This time it was experienced away from home but in a nearby province of Iloilo in the Municipality of Leon. 

This is my first visit, and on my bucket list is to see and experience the highlands of Bucari. I was accompanied by a beautiful person who is adventurous and also a lover of nature. This was our first time visiting the so-called Summer capital of Iloilo, and we had an incredible journey on the road. What a blissful experience I will never forget!

The road to Bucari is a beautiful experience riding a motorcycle while enjoying the magnificent view of the mountains covered with trees. As we approached the higher elevation and the curvy road, we were greeted by the cool mist and the foggy scenery. I was not in Tagaytay or Baguio, but Bucari has almost the same view.

After half an hour of a motorcycle ride, I was amazed at the development when we entered the camping site where cottages and tents were built and set up. I never thought of the development and the crowd of people who visit to experience the place. Visitors are cheerful and seem excited to explore what the area offers. We explored and saw it with ourselves. No regrets! 

We have climbed the highest peak and have passed by the 14 stations of the cross. That was hundreds of steps, and to reach the final station, we climbed the rock formation. We have conquered our fears, and we have reached the summit. No fears! 

That was a fantastic view. Perhaps one of the best I've ever seen. The peak offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Municipality of Leon and other towns of Iloilo. We were on cloud nine! And literally, the surrounding is covered with clouds until it has disappeared momentarily and offer a clear view of the mountains and the small villages from afar.

The majestic view from the top was a perfect moment to appreciate nature and have good conversations about future travel and adventures. This is just the beginning, and hoping for the best journey. 

Before we ended our short trip, we dropped by the chapel and had a final glimpse of the mountains. I suddenly reminisce about my soulful moment in the highlands of Dharamsala in India, quite similar to the view of the mountains that seem closer.

What a great adventure! And a great start to the year. Again that was another breathing out and a way to calm down despite the adrenaline rush. We did it! We made it! 

That was an incredible Soulful Sunday moment. Living well and at the present moment. 

© 2020 Del Cusay

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