Simple Delights

“God made the world for the delight of human beings-- if we could see His goodness everywhere, His concern for us, His awareness of our needs: the phone call we've waited for, the ride we are offered, the letter in the mail, just the little things He does for us throughout the day. As we remember and notice His love for us, we just begin to fall in love with Him because He is so busy with us -- you just can't resist Him. I believe there's no such thing as luck in life, it's God's love, it's His.” 

-Mother Teresa, A Simple Path: Mother Teresa

How can anyone not be inspired by Mother Teresa. She had such a deep, deep, deep sense of the goodness of God that translated into the goodness she has done for the world. Truly, as i appropriate her perspective --- goodness is everywhere. 

I  close my February days with gratitude for the grace accorded me: the gift of life, family, friends, the good and not-so-good days, a safe trip, the white wall with green flower cutouts, and a cup of tea.

Serenity is a Choice

Here's a photo of lovely Taal Volcano. Taking it from what is actually its rim, i am mesmerized. There are just some sights that draw you over and over --- even if you had seen it a thousand times. What is so special is that this volcano is actually active and yet shows itself to be a source of peace and quiet especially at dusk. Of course, the place is abuzz with local tourists hanging out, not to mention a lady near me who was in the midst of some argument over her mobile phone. That didn't matter. I had my perfect little spot behind this burger and pizza joint. With something like this to behold, i was able to compartmentalize the noise and enjoy what was before me. I realize that i can choose what to focus on: the chatter of excitable college kids, the on-going stressed out conversation behind me, or this work of wonder right before my eyes.

Truly, in the midst of our day-to-day chaos, we can choose serenity.

Be Still

I love this photo. Took it just this weekend at some hideaway place. It speaks of an elusive simplicity of heart -- that of being still, that of being surrendered. No judgments. Taking everything -- both the dark, and the light -- just as they are.

Be still and know that i am God.

Be still and know that i am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Labor of Love

Hand-made, crafted, any thing or project that had to have heart and sweat to bear upon it --- that is a labor of love --- even with all its imperfections. It could be a very simple meal, a card made by a child, a garden that took months, and even years to grow, a tapestry, a quilt... i could go on and on. To me these are far more precious than any expensive designer bag or any other over-the-counter purchase. The latter is easy if money were not an object. 

But that which had been fashioned, hammered, stitched, drawn by someone's hands --- that's big heart. 

But let's look to the great Lover who labors to prepare the soil, sow seeds, waters, and makes grow, blossom and bear fruit. For He loves much that whoever may behold his creations remembers and gets in  touch with things sublime.

Flourish with Hope

Prices of flowers have skyrocketed again. We all know why. Yes, it is that time of year when bouquets are splurged on  that the object of our affections may feel special. It is an opportune time, a good excuse, to be amorous. 

Trite as it may be Valentines Day does pull at the loving strands in one's heart...or at least in one's mind. Your would-be recipient need not be someone you are romantically  involved with. It could be a friend, a sibling, your parent, or even your children. Make the world flourish with joy. Surprise the people in your life with flowers. Or treat yourself to some.

Azucena

Made a new friend yesterday. Our second time to meet. The first --- the usual hi-hello routine. That was all. She, i decided, was out of my league. Rich girl: old rich, grew up in Forbes, with a famous family name included in history). 

But in our second meeting which was at the workshop yesterday, downtime, we were able to connect past the obligatory small talk and just show our bare selves, i.e. reveal patches of our personal lives. Serious stuff. Here she is, born with a silver spoon, left her high-paying corporate career to get into counselling and be far deep in the trenches of life --- entering a totally different world which of course shocked her the first time (getting in with women, families raised on all sorts of abuse, prostitution, poverty and squalor). Hitching with us, she requested we stop for some flowers if we chance upon a street vendor -- so that we could get them cheaper. It was late and so the only available flowers were those found in flower stalls by the roadside. I got myself blue purple statice because they last long and retain their beautiful tint even when dry. She, on the other hand, was enjoying her purchase of her favorite bundle of white long stemmed fragrant flowers. She kept on telling us how sweet they were. Because she forgot what they were we had to ask the vendor and learned they were azucenas. 

The azucena or tuberose is from the Amaryllis family. Its smell is similar to that of jasmine ---  heady, fragrant, distinct. 

"The legend of the tuberose in France warns that young girls should not breathe in its fragrance after dark for fear that it would put them in a romantic mood. In India, tuberose is known as rat ki rani, [The Mistress of the Night] for similar reasons. In Ayurvedic medicine, attars are held in high esteem not only for their exquisite fragrance, but their healing properties. Tuberose is known to improve one's capacity for emotional depth. By opening the crown chakra it improves psychic powers. Tuberose also amplifies artistic inspiration as it stimulates the creative right side of the brain.  And it brings serenity to the mind and heart."

Because she had been great company I decided right there to get myself some of those sweet-smelling ones. Aside from making a new friend, i now have come to appreciate a new flower  that i will always associate with her.