Holy Week 2017: Leading The Way

Holy week has been a tradition passed from generations of devoted Christians, from Christian ancestors like Peter until the present descendant, His Holiness Pope Francis. Christians are celebrating the passion, death, and resurrection of the Christ who promised the salvation of humanity through the Holy Cross, where he suffered and died and became a symbol of our Christian faith.

We have a great tradition of commemorating the Holy Week in the Philippines. It's all about Christ, the center of our faith. Our devotion is directed to Him as he saved us from sins. Like most Filipinos, we honor Christ in many ways. Some would show their faith in deeper self-infliction, similar to the suffering of Christ. Others would celebrate at home in a deeper self-reflection and meditation. We have ways of showing piety and devotion to Christ, which is the culture to be passed on to the next generations of faithful Christians.

Good Friday at Manila Cathedral

The Good Friday is a symbol of our personal suffering as a reflection of the passion of Christ on the cross. As Christians, we have our cross to carry and overcome the challenges. Life has been meaningful as we remember the sufferings we embraced with Christ at the center of our life. Our savior will always be Christ as our guiding light no matter what obstacles we are going through; the light of the universe and the light of all.

The negativity of the world is a reflection of individual thoughts toward humanity. Conflicts and wars resulting in the destruction of life are significant source of stress and devastated self. Inhumane treatment of others is a result of selfishness and greed. The world has never been peaceful, even at the early age of time, but the greatest gift we can offer to the world is a little peace inside our hearts and soul. 

We give out peace, and we receive peace of mind in return. It's always good to be reminded that the holy week is about getting out of our personal sufferings that we have created. Our sick mind could manifest into the sickness of our soul and physical body. To escape from hell is understanding the cause and way out of suffering.

On this Holy week

, we hit the negativity that haunts us, even those closest to us. We repel the dark light and replace it with pure light from the Divine. People will poke us for our misdeeds and be our guide Leading us to Jesus, our most significant source of strength in our lowest moment in time. We take the path we have chosen, and we have to understand and accept the Divine power, love, and light bestowed on us.

 © 2017 Del Cusay

The Circle of Life: Turning Back Time

Time travel seem to be impossible in a world that is preoccupied with the present and future living. What life may seem to be in ten or fifteen years or even beyond? What's the plan I will execute today that will change the compass of life? Clueless of what's going on enables one to reminisce and daydream forward. Going back or beyond the present time gives a glimpse of a meaningful journey of existence. When life's ups and downs knock you out is not a punitive reaction, but to awaken from a deep slumber of an impossible dream or maybe a worst nightmare.

A 'big bang' once change my life that's like a poke on the head. That was intense and painful beyond the physical level -- that was a different spiritual awakening ever! I couldn't resist, but to follow the inner compass -- a trusted barometer of life's goal and a future self. As I was saved from fiery place is a great redirection like an instant decision without a doubt. The 'big bang' that saved me no matter how painful it has been, may also be the 'big bang' that will help transform others in their own ways; wise decisions without guilt and bold actions that is mighty. No matter what life hits us, always depend on how we react and accept that we are vulnerable to untoward decisions resulting from faulty thoughts.

Going back in time, one has realized his potential and lived his greatest life because of right choices; no blockages along the way. As smooth as it flows, life has moved as fast and furious like there's no way of turning back. It was the best way of reaching ahead as fast as possible -- no distractions and defying limitations. Reaching the peak has some valleys that are tricky to navigate. Lost along the way may be challenging, but regaining oneself gave a hard-hit lesson not really to follow 'fast but sure' policy, but ones' own pace of living.

Back to the days when life seems rough gives courage to become braver to live in the present time. This is the  moment in time that is more realistic giving less stress than dwelling on the past and a future dream that is overwhelming. As I turn back time, it creates either wonderful or sorrowful memories that may be carried over a merit to the present and the future. The past may be ignored, however it could be the key to understanding the present reality. Having been somewhere doesn't mean the end of further exploration of what more it has to offer. One has to come back numerous times and enjoy a different perspective of living.

The circle of life is an amazing journey of giving in and giving up. Giving in to right thinking and decisions and giving up to unwanted thoughts and impulsive actions. By turning back time, I recall the good and the bad days where I learned and persevered. Keeping the challenge helps to correct and improve the knots; when untangled becomes a linear direction one has to go through. Reliving memories creates a nostalgic experience and it is in those times that we learn to grow and become better than ever. The circle of life is wonderful and the experience of turning back time is even meaningful and blissful not only in the present, but for a lifetime.

© 2017 Del Cusay

Heart's Desire: Living A Humanitarian Life

This day marks the beginning of a new journey to life; the start of a soulful experience of a higher self beyond the physical realm of existence. This day also marks the re-discovery of the true self beyond ego and lower emotions. When the lost soul wanders, it surely will find its place to regain self and follow the guiding light.

The lost chapters may be out of sight, however, those darkest moments find a way to escape leading to a brighter and more fulfilling journey. Through a deeper self-reflection, one has to find the right path and live with its soul purpose -- the so-called dharma.

The darkest moments in life are the unheard hopes and aspirations; the endless sufferings and blockages towards living a better life. Being redirected on a long tunnel is to experience the reality of the negative side of the physical world. To experience not just the good but also the unfavorable things beyond personal control. 

To be human is to experience suffering. Learn from it and continue to seek for the answer; find the truth and be the guiding light to those who wander. When you've been there, it will be easy to relate to the suffering one is dealing with and you become a master of your life -- your thoughts and emotions.

Those years when I started to discover another dimension of life, was a great spiritual experience and of personal transformation. It wasn't easy at the beginning. You have to undergo self-restraint and a sense of control in thoughts and emotions. It was only then, lower emotions are defeated through the enlightenment of the nature of man's suffering -- endless suffering.

The initiation towards the path brought significant change not only to self but to a greater world. Being called to serve humanity and the world revealed the spiritual powers vested on me and it became a way of living.  

Understanding the nature of humanity requires certain values one must learn to live.  It was then I've learned to unleash love and compassion that is innate and the core of our being. I couldn't have given it to people without a deeper understanding and love of myself. I have loved myself and had given it away.

Truly, humanitarian service is the greatest expression of love and compassion. To regain me is to continue the lost journey. It will be a challenging task, but hopefully will be a rewarding journey ahead.

 Following Our Heart's Desire serves as a guide to living one's purpose and for me, service to humanity through education and personal development is the path -- the soul purpose to live and master not only today but for a lifetime.

© 2017 Del Cusay