i find and feel beauty all around me.

Lesson: If funds are available, explore the world.  It is a very interesting place, especially the people in it.

With the fare a gift from my son, I left the Philippines on June 11th for the U. S. A.  It has been an interesting travel. So why “flowers on my feet?”  This phrase has been coming to me because of the beauty of my travels; so I might as well put it to great use. Before the ideas leave my mind to give room for others, I have decided to sit down and take time to share my notes about this incredible travel. I am listing them down below for ease of reading, using the present tense as much as possible. I had posted one or two in my Facebook page, which I will not repeat here–with one exception.

1. Most importantly, my son has been extra generous to me, taking care of my material needs and expenses of my other travels within the U. S. A. One extreme example of such generosity is his suggestion that I get a pedicure and manicure to be paid by him.  Aside from the manicure, I got what the salon calls, spa pedicure, where my feet and legs were massaged and pampered.  Seeing that my walking shoes do not look comfortable for the walking that I do, he buys me a comfortable pair of shoes, along with socks.  (My!  I am speechless.  I think we have reversed our roles.)  Needless to say, I am extremely grateful and feel blessed to the nth power. This is my son, who just keeps on giving to his mom.

2. Having stayed in the Philippines for more than a year and speaking the Filipino national language, Tagalog, and the dialect, “Kapampangan,” I find it strange to be speaking English again! Before I left the Philippines, one of my Filipino friends commented when I first arrived in the the land of my birth, I was speaking English most of the time.  Then I got used to speaking the national language and the Kapampangan dialect.  And now back to English! That must be confusing for my tongue!

3. During the first early days of driving and walking in New York City, I marvel at the skin colors of people walking around–whites, brown, and black.  I ride the subway and hear different languages spoken.  Indeed, the city is a melting pot.  One Sunday that I walk around, with the sun shining after months of snow, it seems to me that the whole working force of the city is out enjoying the day–in the big Central Park, in restaurants, or just walking around. 

4. Adjusting to the new time zone is very strange.  Since it is nighttime in the Philippines when it is daytime in the U. S., my body gets mixed up when to sleep and when to wake up.  For a while, I am like an owl prowling through the night. Then daytime is for sleeping.  I get confused what day it is and whether or not I have had lunch, or breakfast, or dinner.  Funny! Of course, after almost a week, my body gets adjusted and goes back to the normal hours of sleeping and waking up.

5. Having seen how hard life is for the average Filipinos–a term used for citizens of the Philippines–I find it comforting and admirable that there is middle class in America.  A class that has good jobs that pay enough to be able to live comfortable lives.  The average American with a good job can afford to have his/her own house and car and live in a nice neighborhood. I see this most especially in the city of Providence of Rhode Island. This is contrary to the Filipino way where many Filipinos get out of the country and go somewhere else to work in jobs that pay adequate enough for them to be able to support their families.  Last I heard, there are about 10 million Filipinos abroad, called Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), working in many countries of the world. The pay for the Filipinos working in the Philippines leaves much to be desired.

 6. Driving around in my son’s car, with him driving, has been a source of comfort.  Compare this to the way I travel in the Philippines–taking the buses or jeepneys or tricycles–which sometimes take as long as three hours, in my visits to my loved ones.  Driving in America is easy due to the courteous and respectful drivers  and the roads that are respectable in conditions.  The drive from New York city to Providence, Rhode Island takes us more than two hours.  We do not mind the long drive because the scenery is beautiful and the roads are in good shape. Even riding the subways in New York City is a pleasant experience.  The trains are clean and quiet, with no radios blurting loud music. They are also efficient and can bring you anywhere in the city. 

7.  In every city I visit, I find parks.  In the places I visit in New York, there are two parks–Central Park and the Riverside Park.  These are regularly maintained and offer different kinds of facilities for the residents to enjoy. ( In Providence, Rhode Island, there is a place where people can go walking or running.)  There are plenty of trees, plants, and flowers for the enjoyment of everyone.  This shows me that America takes care of its citizens.

8.  Speaking of America’s taking care of its citizens, my son and I go to Thursday evenings’ outdoor movie, free of charge.  People bring their snacks and blankets to sit on.  My son brings two folding chairs for us to use.  We all bring food to partake.  There is also a Saturday mart where business people set up stalls to sell their wares.  In the midst of these, there is a group of musicians that entertains the visitors to the market place. Some people dance to the music.  Then there is the big waterfire festival, with accompanying music, held in the city of Providence, attended by thousands of people.  It seems to me the whole town is out for this evening event. I know that there are even people from out of town who come for this.  It is held every Saturday evening during the summer months.  Not too far away, there is a place for musicians to play their music and a big area for people to dance.  Indeed, this is America, the land of the free and the happy!

9.  Oftentimes in the morning, I sit down to meditate and read a spiritual book.  I feel peace and contentment enveloping my whole being.  I am at peace.  I am peace!  Thank you, God.

This is all for now.  Until the next post about my travels.

Our thanks go to a grand lady, Viring.

Lesson:  Let us all take time to honor the people in our midst who contribute to the betterment of humanity.

On June 10, 2012, the people in Viring’s midst did this. For her 75th birthday, she was feted with warm praises, thanksgiving, and a sumptous meal for herself and the guests.

With this author’s practice of what she calls “the praise principle,” she thought she has seen it all as far as the goodness of men and women is concerned.  But no, there is one more–and another one, and another one.  And the list is endless.

In the meantime, let us concentrate on Viring. She is an unmarried 75-year old lady who received accolades from the people–along with their friends–she had helped.  What kind of help?  Listen to this.  She sent to college seven people.  All of them finished their studies and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor (and that of Viring): the good life.  One of these individuals even called from Singapore where he now works. Wow! Can anybody beat this?  This author sent only one person to school who is now an established professional–and helped others through loans.  But seven?  What a great soul it is to have sacrificed a lot to accomplish her desire to help. 

Viring deserves our praise and thanks.  She serves as an inspiration for all of us–to focus on the goal of helping others live the better life, regardless of the cost.

Peace and Quiet Joy. Image from a Facebook post by Rev. Judy V.

 Lesson:  Every now and then, let us be aware of our feelings.

As I am about to leave after more than a year’s stay in the land of my birth, I feel at peace and my inner joy quietly bubbles forth. 

Why?  Borrowing the words of a famous poet, let me count the ways:

1.  I love, and I am loved.  After an absence of at least four decades, I came and had to start from scratch as far as friendships and family love are concerned.  As indicated in an earlier post, I am leaving with the love of a family intact.  I have also met and gained some beautiful friends who inspire me and lift me up. Thank you, everyone.

2.  Many miracles have come my way. 

a.  One of them is the benefits of being a senior citizen in the city where I live–mid-year monetary bonus, discounted purchases and meals, free movies any time and any day, and free consultations in a barangay medical and dental clinic.  There are also many activities which I will join when I come back.

b.  My ability to go here and there is due to my son’s generosity.

c.  And many, many more, for which I am grateful.  I carry these miracles and this peace and quiet joy with me as I travel on.

"My Heart Sings" by Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado to be Published Soon

 Lesson:  Within all of us is a fount of ideas that can inspire and encourage–and even entertain–people around us.  So let’s start sharing!

As I may have shared in this blog, I have been writing through the years.  There were times when I shared my writings with people, and they like what they read.  Many suggested my publishing my writings.  For a very long time, I resisted the idea.  I finally saw that I can reach more people if I publish my ideas in a book.  So the first book, “Whispers of the Soul” was born.  Now comes the portion on love, especially the intimate one.  The book, “My Heart Sings” is conceived and is very much still in the womb, with me waiting for the publisher to submit another galley or proof of the manuscript. 

The statement, “Do it now,” has guided me in pursuing the publication of the book.  Despite various physical discomforts and other challenges that had been in the way, I have persevered.  I have tapped into divine inspiration to keep on moving towards publication. 

 Now I am just waiting to hear from the publisher.  One more round of edit, and publication will be a reality.  Praise God!

I leave you with one of my quotes that appears in the book: “As I make a daily commitment to love, I glide into new heights of wonder and delight.”

The love in our hearts for the land of our birth will always be alive and well.

 Lesson:  Our place of our birth will always be home, no matter how far and wide we travel and regardless of how many decades we are away.

At the core of my being, I believe the truth of the above lesson.  I was away from the land of my birth for many decades.  Through the years, there has always been a desire to come home; and after many obstacles on the road, I am finally home.  Now, I am leaving again for a brief period.

What has been my experience during my more than a year’s stay in the land of my birth?  For ease of reading, I will enumerate such experiences–the positive and the not so positive ones–below.

1.  During the early months, I was very hungry for family.  Then two deaths happened in those months.  This set me thinking that I came home too late.  Some of my loved ones are either long gone, in ill health or dead.  What good is it to come home to an empty house? 

2. Some of my western, positive, and forthright ways did not sit well with certain individuals in my space.  Needless to say, I lost some of these individuals.

3. I found myself alone during important days of the 2011 December holidays.  The benefit of this is that I created my own fun, sometimes in the company of people and sometimes alone.  I learned to enjoy my own company. Practising to be a good friend to one’s self? What an enlightening exercise!

4. My son’s advice, “Mom, create your own family,” has stayed with me.  After trying to fit with certain families, I finally have a family I can consider my very own–the Aretas.  I am leaving with my heart filled to the brim with love and joy. I love them, and they love me. Ah, such joy!  Such love!

5.  I am able to connect with friends of long ago.  And I have gained new ones.  I am continually amazed how some friends get out of their way to express love and kindness not only to me but to others as well.  I am truly blessed. They continually remind me to be loving and kind to people in my space.

Do you know that Filipinos are extremely hospitable?  You can visit them in their homes; and they feed you!  They share whatever it is in their plate, so to speak!

6.  Not having a car, I normally take the bus, jeepney, or taxi when I go somewhere.  Thus, I always wear rubber shoes, hat, and sunglasses to make it easier for me to travel.  Sometimes, it takes me at least two hours to get to where I want to go. 

When I first came, I found it challenging for my physical abilities to go anywhere. But I am getting tired of the discomforts of these travels.  When I come back, I pray that they be changed.  How?  Who knows!

7.  I am often disturbed by the lack of discipline that I sometimes see around me.  This sets me thinking that I need to hold classes to help change this.  And I will.

8. I have a personal assistant who attends to my house and physical needs.  I have spoken about her in one of my Facebook posts.

9. Most importantly, through a number of classes/workshops I have facilitated, I believe that I have touched some hearts, souls, and minds because of the ideas I shared.   I plan to do more when I come back–at the right time and at the right place.

10.  It breaks my heart to see much poverty in this rich land.  The sacred scriptures saying, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” comes to mind as I write about this abject poverty, which the media brings to the attention of people.

Yes, indeed!  I am glad I have this privilege of coming home after decades of absence.  Just like any other place, there are positives and not so positives present in this land of my birth.  And I choose to say, “Praise be to God,” preferring to emphasize the positive and do something about the not-so-positive ones. 

There is hope for the Philippines. Image from photobucket.

 Lesson:  In every human heart, hope springs forth–forever and ever.

After more than a year’s stay in the Philippines, this writer is leaving, momentarily, with grin in her soul.  Why?  Because of the recent events in the Filipino way of life.  Previously, she has been dismayed by news of corruption–right and left–of politicians and government officials. She has come to the conclusion that without the squandering of Philippine money by such individuals, life will be better for the Filipinos.  The money can be put to good use in making life easier for the everyone, especially for the poor.  With the current president’s goal to get lessen, if not totally get rid, of corruption that seems pervasive in the very fabric of the Filipino society, there is hope for the fatherland. 

This writer has been watching the news about the ousted chief justice of the Supreme Court, Renato Corona.  The sincerity that she felt and heard from the senator judges who convicted him left her with hope.  Yes, indeed!  There are still politicians and government officials who still want and still do something for the benefit of the people they serve.

There is hope for the Philippines.  Thank you, God.