Holy Week 2017: Leading The Way

Holy Week is a tradition that unites generations of devoted Christians, from Christian ancestors like Peter to the present descendant, His Holiness Pope Francis. It's a time when Christians worldwide come together to celebrate Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, who promised humanity's salvation through the Holy Cross, where he suffered and died and became a symbol of our Christian faith.

We have a unique and rich 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. These unique traditions, deeply rooted in our culture, are ways of showing piety and devotion to Christ, to be passed on to the next generations of faithful Christians.

Good Friday at Manila Cathedral

Good Friday symbolizes our suffering, a poignant reflection of Christ's passion on the cross. Christians carry our crosses and strive to overcome life's challenges. Our lives gain profound meaning as we remember the sufferings we shared with Christ at the center of our lives. Our savior will always be Christ, our guiding light, no matter what obstacles we face; the light of the universe and the light of all.

The negativity of the world reflects individual thoughts toward humanity. Conflicts and wars resulting in the destruction of life are significant sources of stress and devastated self. Inhumane treatment of others results from 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 souls. 

We give out peace, and in return, we receive peace of mind. It's a powerful reminder that the holy week is about transcending the personal sufferings we have created. Our troubled minds can manifest into the sickness of our soul and physical body. But to escape from this internal turmoil, we must understand the cause and the path to peace.

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 at the 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 is impossible in a world that is preoccupied with the present and future living. What life may appear in ten or fifteen years or beyond? What plan will I 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, it is not a punitive reaction but to awaken from a deep slumber of an impossible dream or maybe a worst nightmare. Reflecting on the past and future is a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding.

A 'big bang' once changed my life like a poke in the head. That was intense and painful beyond the physical level- 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 the fiery place, it was a significant 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; inspiring them to make wise decisions without guilt and take bold actions that are mighty. No matter what life hits us, it always depends on how we react and accept that we are vulnerable to untoward decisions resulting from faulty thoughts.

Going back in time, one realizes one's potential and lives his most extraordinary life because of the right choices and no blockages. As smooth as it flows, life has moved as fast and furious as 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 lesson not really to follow a 'fast but sure' policy, but one's own pace of living.

Back in the days when life seemed rough, it gave me the courage to become braver and live in the present time. This is the moment in time that is more realistic, providing 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 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, learning from each experience.

The circle of life is a fantastic journey of giving in and giving up. Giving in to right thinking and decisions and giving up to unwanted thoughts and impulsive actions. By returning 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, it becomes a linear direction one has to go through. Reliving memories creates a nostalgic experience; in those times, we learn to grow and become better than ever. The circle of life is terrific, and the experience of turning back time is 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 will find its place to regain its self and follow the guiding light, a journey that holds the transformative power of self-discovery.

Although the lost chapters may be out of sight, those darkest moments find a way to escape, leading to a brighter and more fulfilling journey. Through deeper self-reflection, one has to find the right path and live with one's soul purpose—the so-called dharma, which is the inherent nature of an individual, the duty or righteous path one must follow in life.

The darkest moments in life are the unheard hopes and aspirations, the endless sufferings, and the blockages to living a better life. Being redirected down 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 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 will become a master of your life—your thoughts and emotions.

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

The initiation into the path brought significant change not only to self but also to the greater world. Being called to serve humanity and the world revealed the spiritual powers vested in me, and it became a way of life, a source of profound fulfillment and inspiration.  

Understanding the nature of humanity requires certain values one must learn to live. It was then that I learned to unleash the innate love and compassion that is 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 given it away, fostering a deep sense of empathy and connection with others.

Truly, humanitarian service is the most significant expression of love and compassion. To regain me is to continue the lost journey. It will be challenging, but it will be rewarding.

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

© 2017 Del Cusay