Opportunities in Crisis

We feel people's fear. This pandemic teaches us to be sensitive to different kinds of emotions. Anxiety, panic, boredom, anger, irritability, and depression are some of our common reactions. People may not say it, but we sense the negative vibe of people's lower emotions. 

We all share this sense of fear, a collective consciousness that has detected a new threat to our humanity. It's a feeling that's average and expected, a part of our shared experience, a bond that unites us in these uncertain times.

But how can we escape this threat? How long shall we feel fear? How can we go back to living our everyday lives?

During these times, education experts say we live in 3 different crisis zones.

Fear Zone. This is our initial tendency to threaten. It's normal! Feel the fear. Acknowledge this feeling and not be in denial. Our physical expression can't mask our feelings deep within for one main reason: we are all together. We are wired to feel for each other.

Learning Zone. This is an excellent opportunity in times of crisis. We make use of the time we are in isolation. Most people might still be stuck in a fear zone, but learning shouldn't stop us. Students, working professionals, parents, young kids, and even old retirees can learn something new during this time. New knowledge and skills are our weapons as we return to living a 'new normal' during and post-pandemic.

Growth Zone. This is about taking control of our emotions and mind.
When we achieve a certain level of self-mastery, we grow and transform into a more fantastic version of ourselves. We succeed because we refuse to remain a victim of circumstance and prisoners of fate.

So, in what zone are we now?

From the 'fear zone' during the first few weeks of quarantine, where I was consumed by worry and uncertainty, I gradually transitioned to the 'learning zone.' I started attending webinars, reading educational articles, and listening to podcasts. These activities not only kept me occupied but also filled me with a sense of positivity and personal empowerment. 

For instance, I have attended several webinars offered by local and international organizations and learned from Thought leaders about different subjects of expertise. These could be excellent opportunities to delve into a new field or deepen your knowledge in your current area of interest.

I listen to educational podcasts and read valuable insights from online articles. I continue to learn and audit existing knowledge and beliefs, pondering and updating obsolete information that hinders growth.

There's growth in learning.

Soulful Sunday, a concept I've embraced, is an excellent opportunity to not get stuck but to learn to adapt and engage in new interests and habits. It's a day dedicated to self-care, learning, and personal growth. On this day, I set aside time for activities that nourish my soul, such as reading, meditation, and engaging in hobbies. It's a practice that has brought a sense of balance and joy to my life, and it's something you can easily incorporate into your routine.

Farming has been a great activity for us even before the pandemic, and we continue to plant seeds for a bounty harvest in this uncertain time. It's about growing food and nurturing a sense of responsibility, patience, and resilience. These are all essential aspects of personal growth that I've experienced firsthand through farming. It's also an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the simple things in life.

This is an opportunity to cultivate, develop, and create sustainable living. Organic farming practices are what we need for a healthier body and immunity to fight the unseen enemy.

Life in the countryside will always be exciting. It's just a matter of changing our mental state and the definition of success. There's a lot of learning and an opportunity to live a more comfortable and healthier life. 

As we journey forward, we'll understand that fear can sabotage and take control of our destiny. But we have an antidote, a potent dose of learning that can help us bounce back, stronger and more vital than ever. The future is not just a possibility; it's a promise of a better, brighter tomorrow that we can all look forward to.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Positivity in Uncertainty

Energy follows thoughts and intentions. This means that the energy we put into our thoughts and the intentions we set with those thoughts directly impact our lives. It's one of the most essential pieces of wisdom I have learned and adopted for years.

By harnessing the power of our thoughts and embracing optimism, we hold the key to making the seemingly impossible, possible. Our minds have the incredible ability to shape our reality.

But how can we stay positive in a world full of negativity? With the recent global crisis due to the pandemic, people are scared and anxious about what lies ahead of our uncertain future—the coming days and years.

We are all at risk, but at this time, somebody must be ahead of us. Someone must not be as scared as we are. They are our elders, our parents, and our grandparents.

Their resilience is a testament to the power of positivity in overcoming life's challenges.

Yes, they may be the most vulnerable but have the most positive spirit through these times.

They are not the weakest but the strongest because of their faith in the highest Divine power. Their religious or spiritual affiliations and activities make them truly alive. This faith gives them a sense of purpose and a belief that they are part of something greater, which, in turn, strengthens their resilience and positivity.

My Soulful Sunday is spent at the farm, and on this day, my parents show us how to live and survive this crisis.

The striking statement I have heard from them is that extensive farmland only serves its purpose if cultivated for sustainable farming. That's why they put their energy into it.

When I visit the farm after a week of home quarantine, I am glad to see the vegetable farm, where they have spent most of their time and energy.

They may never know what tomorrow will bring but know how to survive and thrive. There are no excuses, only developing habits and a positive mindset.

Our goal is to fortify our immune systems, starting with the nourishing food on our table. Fresh produce from our farm is our recipe for better health and stronger immunity.

There is a lot of positivity for today. There are a lot of flashbacks and realizations. These moments of reflection have brought me a deeper understanding of life and a renewed appreciation for the strength of the human spirit. There is a lot of energy, but there is also positivity in uncertainty.

© 2020 Del Cusay

A Hopeful Easter

In the absence of fear, we live with courage and hope. This happening in this world, where we live with uncertainty, is a test of faith and our humanity.

The holy week that we celebrated was a profound spiritual journey, a new world experience that transcended the physical plane of existence. It was a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal, a journey that took us to a different dimension of our faith.

Even during lockdown and quarantine, we are blessed to have the means to express our faith digitally. The online world has allowed us to celebrate the Holy Mass through streaming and live broadcasts, connecting us with different parishes in the Philippines and the Holy See in the Vatican.

Our Parish Priests, Bishops, and the Pope sent us a message of hope in these times of global crisis. We are not alone, and God is with us in all these trials. 

God may not show his wrath, but we are tested with perseverance, endurance, the will to abide faithfully, and the will to survive.

We learn to return to what is essential for our survival. We connect with nature and live in a natural world without too much noise, stress, and fast-paced living.

Take it slow. Recognize the wonderful nature around you. Touch the soil. Go barefoot outdoors. Take a deep breath. Watch the sunrise and the sunset. Have a glimpse of stars and the galaxy. Listen to the sound of silence. Meditate. These are the messages I received and the fulfillment of my heart's desire. 

Each of us receives different messages from the Divine. In times of solitude, we can open our hearts to these messages, finding reassurance and hope in them. 

As we continue to learn how to live in this new world, a world reshaped by the global crisis, Easter gives us a message of hope. We hope we will adapt to the recent changes in the earth. We hope to be protected and healed. We hope for a better world. By God's will and grace, we will hold on. Not to surrender, and never to give up. For our hope is more significant than our worldly desires. For our hope is beyond physical. It is eternal.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Holy Week 2020: Faith in Uncertain Times

In observance of Holy Week, we focus our energies and strength on the solemnity of Christ's passion, death, and coming resurrection. 

We leave our worries behind. That's the most respectful thing we can do since we live by Christ's promises. GOD is in control, and we put our trust and faith in Him.

This year's Lenten season and Holy Week hold a unique significance. It's a time we haven't experienced in decades, a time when we are confined to our homes and celebrate masses through live TV broadcasts. We can't partake in the Good Friday procession or celebrate Easter with the usual freedom of expression. Yet, these limitations offer us a chance to find new ways to express our love and gratitude.

During this Lenten season, families celebrate Sunday Holy Mass at home, we do the virtual Visita Iglesia online, and we get to kneel on our Holy Altar at home.

This year, we can't go to places on a pilgrimage. We can't show our love through hugs and kisses, but we offer a different kind of love in the distance. To show love to people, we need to keep our distance. A tough love.

Despite the uncertainties we face, we find comfort in the love shared by the religious leaders of God. Our Pope, Bishops, and Priests are there, ensuring our spiritual needs are met and reminding us of God's enduring love.

We can gather with our family at home and listen to God's words. We can also light a candle and offer a prayer. 

As I make my Holy Week retreat in our sky garden, I can see, hear, and feel God's Holiness and loving presence through His natural creations and masterpieces. We have been blessed to live in a natural sanctuary of solemnity and solitude to experience God's Divinity.

He is not absent; He is there with us in the comfort of our homes, wrapped in His loving arms. He is forever in our hearts and transforms our lives.

Yes, we may be living in this time of uncertainty, but we are learning to slow down, to live in stillness, and to notice and appreciate even the little things that matter in our lives.

On this Good Friday, we continue to pray and observe the Holy Burial through the Holy image of the Santo Entierro. We believe that Christ has died to save humanity. Its significance lies in our personal experience and journey when He reveals His Holiness to us.

May this silence and solitude of Holy Week be a time for us to pause and reflect. It's an opportunity to realign our hopes and dreams, to reassess what truly matters and holds value in our lives. This is a crucial moment to listen to our inner voice and steer our lives towards a more meaningful path.

© 2020 Del Cusay

Related Post:

👉 Holy Week 2019: Our Personal Journey to Calvary

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

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 are 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. This is the same as saying we are good because we refuse to be wrong and embrace the light.

We can't say we are perfect in our lives. We make mistakes or sins 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 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—the lightness 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 evil because we don't want to be trapped in a world of endless suffering.

Remember, 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. This too shall pass.

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. Remember, your suffering is my suffering, and your darkness is mine. We are all together, spiritually connected in our shared human experience.

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

This Palm Sunday, we welcome Christ's coming and 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 in this together, fighting an invisible enemy. Our shared vulnerability and uncertainty have caused us to feel fear and panic, a natural response to such a global crisis.

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 the government's strict home quarantine directive, which is causing discomfort, irritability, confusion, and anger. The Government assures its people of food relief and financial aid to those affected by the community lockdown. 

Some people are anxious about their financial instability, thinking about how they will survive the crisis. The ripple of untoward effects and the worst-case scenario are 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 Medical City Iloilo. As the healthcare institution moves forward, we have aimed to develop high-performing teams capable of working in 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 imparted programs that I believed would help 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 during health crises like the pandemic. 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 not because they have to, but because they choose to. They are the bravest, with the most willpower, and they are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice 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. They are not just fighting for us, they are fighting for their own survival too. They deserve to live their best life, just like us. 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 united in this fight against the unseen forces that are a global threat to our health and well-being. Our shared experience binds us, making us stronger in the face of adversity.

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. Despite the present-day darkness, the future is brighter.

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. However, one thing that can set us apart is our way of thinking and 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 for us to survive this life threat, we will live 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. In this struggle, we will learn valuable lessons about victory and defeat. We will rise up, stronger and wiser, ready to embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

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 stand together, a united front against the challenges we face.

We are the fighters, and we are the world. We keep on believing, surviving, and 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 still. It may seem difficult, but we can always tune in to the Highest Divine power—the life-giver, to find our center and regain control.

Our Soulful Sunday moments are a reminder of the Divine love and light that surrounds us. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, we can feel this warmth wrap around our bodies and souls, providing us with the comfort that someone greater 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, misunderstandings, 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 amidst these untoward events, the antidote is to have unwavering faith and not succumb to fear. We must believe in our resilience and our ability to overcome this battle, and not let fear cloud our judgment.

God's will is absolute, as humans have the choice: the will to be healed or the will to survive. This means that [insert explanation of 'God's will' here]. 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

Transfiguration in the Eyes of A Child

The child grows fast from birth to toddler, from the time they open their eyes until they start walking alone. This physical transformation delights us. A child was born and is yet to live a great life. 

This past Sunday, a day we often refer to as 'Soulful Sunday, 'we had a wonderful time at the farm. We brought our little one to explore a new world, just as we had done on New Year's Day, 2020, when he was just learning to walk. This Sunday also marked the second Sunday of Lent, a time of reflection and spiritual growth in the Christian tradition.

On New Year's Day 2020, when he was one year and one month old, we saw his curiosity to explore his environment. Although he couldn't speak or express his joyfulness, it could be seen in his smiles and actions.

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 lives in a different world, within our own but seen through a unique lens. They have the remarkable ability to influence our emotions. A child's laughter can brighten our day when we don't feel like smiling. When we feel tired, a child's energy can lift us up. Their powerful energy can transform our moods and emotions, showing us a different side of the world.

There are times when we may feel we've had enough, yet a child can find happiness and excitement in the simplest of things. We may feel weary or bored with our routine, but a child's endless curiosity and resilience can bring a sense of rejuvenation and hope. A child's journey of learning, falling, getting up, and smiling again is a testament to their endless fun and resilience.

This second Sunday of Lent discusses Jesus's transfiguration at Mount Tabor, which was witnessed by his chosen Disciples. Jesus transformed into a bright human being just before the disciples' eyes.

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

Unlike us, children see the world with a depth and gratitude that we often overlook. They remind us to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. A child's perspective can be a source of enlightenment, teaching us to see the world with a profound sense of 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 can find inspiration in a child's innocence and joy. In their eyes, we can see a reflection of Jesus's transfiguration, a reminder of the hope and potential for renewal that comes with learning to see the world through a child's eyes.

© 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. Embracing change is the key to unlocking your potential and staying motivated on this journey of self-discovery.

Timeless energy is more than a fantasy; it drives our personal growth and transformation. It is 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, months, and years to finally fix or fill in what was missing.

When we have found an answer to 'Who am I?', we dare to take a quantum leap of faith. This leap is not just a step forward but a significant, transformative change in our lives. We move forward and ask, ' What's next?' What is waiting for us that needs to be unveiled? 

Who is the person of our dreams? What kind of life lies ahead? What does the future bring? These are tough questions we must uncover, not instantly but intuitively. Our intuition, a powerful guide, helps us navigate these questions that come to our higher consciousness.

The quantum leap of faith is like a leap year. Just as a leap year adds an extra day to our calendar, this leap of faith adds an extra opportunity for growth and change in our lives. 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 in the morning and 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 most incredible day to remember. The calm wind and the foggy morning are perfect for hot coffee.

A rainy day is a perfect time to hibernate and do 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.

Tuning in to so many frequencies simultaneously can make us feel heavy at times. Whenever our thoughts are in the past, we feel anxious about whether we did our best. We worry about what lies ahead when we tune in to the future. And then, we forget to live in the present moment.

As I stared out the window, I could smell 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 help but 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. However, I have learned to tune in to a healing frequency even when it is raining and 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.

The Ruins of Negros, a timeless architectural masterpiece, stands as a testament to the power of love. Its legacy, if preserved, will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come. 

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.

What truly stands out about The Ruins of Negros is the enduring love and legacy it represents. It's a testament to the fact that even in loss, we can create something that lasts forever.

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