The Garden I Want For Christmas

Christmas is a time for decorating ideas. It is about transforming the home to become bright and glittering with a Christmas tree full of lights. It makes people happy as they accomplish their desired theme for Christmas.

But this time, I thought of doing a different thing. I have improved the landscape of our indoor garden. Several months ago, I had it on my mind and have made the desired transformation. 

Most of the time, we usually serve our meals in this place since it is an open space with good air ventilation and a relaxing ambiance.

It is unique because it becomes a sanctuary for Eurasian  Sparrow birds that serenade us with their chirping sounds in the morning for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. That's a soulful serenade from nature.

This garden is also a source of nutrition for the family since there is a malunggay tree and a papaya tree where birds would shelter happily. And to make it more pleasing, I added some tropical plants and a palm tree. It's now a tropical indoor garden. 

Gardening is a fulfilling activity with many benefits for health and well-being. We bring a piece of nature at home as we celebrate Christmas's soulful and meaningful spirit.

© 2019 Del Cusay

What I Love About December

What excites you about Christmas? Is it about family gatherings? Endless year-end parties? Gifts? Or is it about the highly anticipated coming of the New Year?

At some point, we have all experienced the Christmas mania that December brings. This is the time to mark on a calendar the most important event of sharing good times with the most important people. 

Some may have been planning themed Christmas parties, while others are looking forward to a holiday shopping spree; for gift-giving or buying a gift for oneself.

That's a fun-filled activity for the commercial side of the festivity. Perhaps the most expensive season, but one of the most memorable for whatever reason. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st of December, is about welcoming a merry and joyous season of love and peace. A heartfelt season to hug and kiss. 

I will spend the Holiday season in my hometown with my family. This is the best place to contemplate the year that was or year-end, breathing out of what is unwanted and what is to be renewed. 

This Soulful Sunday, the 1st day of December, brings calm wind and drizzle, setting the mood for the coming days before Christmas. The wind blows gently with a natural melody; the trees are swaying; the birds are chirping; the people are singing —Christmas in our hearts is coming. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

A Moment of Contemplation

Have you ever been to a place where you frowned the first time you saw it? Have you thought such a place is far from development and almost impossible to transform? to make it wonderful and habitable?

At times we may be like that. We see places and things as too much underdeveloped and tagged as ugly until someone transforms them into beautiful sanctuaries.

In December 2013, I was invited to beach camping on the Island of Guimaras. From the drop-off point along the road, we hiked for almost 30 minutes, and I never thought of walking on a narrow and hilly road while carrying my backpack and some camping stuff in one hand. That hiking gave me the impression that the place would be better due to the bad road experience.

However, to my surprise, when we got near and overlooked the sea, I was mesmerized by the beautiful and relaxing view from afar. I was wrong to give a negative first impression, and I have learned that a beautiful day is waiting on a road full of suffering,' and this is a good life lesson worth remembering.

That was one of many times I judged a place that turned out to be a fantastic and great experience.

In my hometown, my parents have made a little sanctuary. A place for a retreat and to contemplate life and what lies ahead. At first, it was like a wilderness, but later it was developed to be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and potential livelihood.

While swaying through a hammock, I enjoyed the environment's serenity and the chirping birds' natural music. The gentle wind makes the trees sway, giving off 'Prana,' a vital life force.

As I contemplate, I couldn't be more grateful for a beautiful life and for the blessings that come. It was just a fantasy, but now a living reality. I used to dream of having our retreat sanctuary; full of flowers and trees and doing meditation and spiritual work.

Now, we have our little farmhouse where we can spend a weekend getaway or a Soulful Sunday -- from not a faraway place from home.

This little sanctuary, a peaceful haven, is about a 10-minute drive away from home, from the town center. It is in a highland village with a beautiful natural landscape and a unique view of the mountains.

Soulful Sunday would be the most uplifting activity I will ever have. It's a time of a blissful moment with the Divine and higher consciousness. It's a time of higher connections and renewal of being. This time, not in a sea or a beach, but in a highlands full of love and serenity. 

© 2019 Del Cusay