Lately I have been asking myself this question – “Who am I?”
I have realized that I have actually been identifying my existence with my position in society, my friends and family, the needs and desires of my body, and the emotional and intellectual expressions of my mind. But I have not been taking the time to contemplate the real nature of my existence; to ask myself the question, “Who am I?”
Let’s face it; we all have the feeling of existence; of “I EXIST”. That “I AM” feeling dictates our thoughts, our feelings, our memories and our actions. It defines who we are as individuals. It is our “identity” of our mind with our body and with the world around us. If we just take the time and the effort to look deeper into our “I AM” feeling we would find a deeper sense of being: a deeper “self”. The realization of that particular experience is not merely one of “I am”, but the more profound experience of “I know that I am”. That “I” of “I know” is the essence of our existence which is pure consciousness. And the realization of that consciousness of our inner self is called self-realization.
Whether we are aware of this or not, we all want to attain self-realization, because only by attaining it can we attain what we really want at the core of our being: perfect peace; infinite and eternal happiness – BLISS. Meditation is the key. Meditation is the core technique of doing the method that is called spiritual practice.
I have been teaching myself how to meditate in the past few weeks because I am practicing yoga for beginners. Meditation has greatly influenced the feeling of satisfaction, joy and peace that I am feeling these past few days. I encourage everyone to practice meditation as well. I will post guidelines on how to meditate in my next blog posts.
For the past few weeks I have been researching and practicing yoga for beginners. I have been looking for a yogi to teach me here in Iloilo but unfortunately I have not found anyone yet. But guess what – Facebook has solved my dilemma. A friend contacted me and introduced me to Ananda Marga Wellness Center. But before I get into more detail about Ananda Marga let me explain what “yoga” really is first to diminish the misconceptions about it. First of all, yoga is not a religion – it is a way of life, a lifestyle. Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit which is the language of ancient India where yoga originated, and it refers to the union between mind, body and spirit. Yoga practice involves physical postures or poses that involves stretching and creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. Each pose has specific physical benefits and can be done quickly in succession, heating up the body or more slowly to increase stamina and allow concentration on the alignment of the pose. Although the approach to each pose can vary depending on the type of yoga practiced, the poses remain the same. The benefits of yoga start with general well-being. It takes a broad holistic approach that teaches people a new lifestyle, way of thinking and way of being in the world.
The Ananda Marga Yoga Association is a non-sectarian lifestyle movement and the largest yoga organization in the world. They have been teaching yoga in the Philippines since 1967. Founded in India in 1955 by Shri Shri Anandamurti (aka Shri PR Sarkar), it is registered as a non-government organization (NGO) with the United Nations and is present in over 150 countries. Ananda Marga is unique in giving equal importance to both self-development and social service.
The physical yoga exercises (asanas) of Ananda Marga are ancient time-tested methods for improving and healing the body. Their techniques are classical and non-commercial, uncomplicated and non-competitive. Ananda Marga Yoga is practiced slowly without any pain, stress or dizziness. Exercises are prescribed individually according to one’s own needs relating to the body’s hormones, nerves, internal organs, blood circulation, general vitality, and specific diseases. Everyone has the capacity to do yoga. Even people in wheelchairs have appropriate exercises. Ananda Marga yoga is being practiced by people of various religious and belief systems all over the world. But meditation is even more important than physical yoga. If practiced regularly, one begins to experience its benefits in a matter of two to three weeks or less.
The positive changes vary from person to person like overcoming stress, emotional weaknesses, sleep disturbances, addictions, bad habits. It may also develop concentration, creativity, intuition, personal relations, will-power, and ability to adhere to one’s conscience. And ultimately it directly leads to self-realization.
My friend said he will help me connect with their yogi missionary who will teach me the basics of yoga. I am looking forward to him coming here in Iloilo and I will also be encouraging my friends to join me. Living a stress-free life is my goal right now. I know practicing yoga will provide positive changes in my life. I am also planning to go to Ananda Marga’s Wellness Center in Cebu on or before December and I will bring my Mamang with me. This will be a great retreat for her. To those who are also interested to come to their wellness center you can find their contact details here.
Ananda Marga’s mission is to help everybody to bring to the path of bliss. ANANDA MARGA.
I bought one of Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling books today. The book is the Power of Now. I have heard so many good reviews about it. I’ve just finished reading the introduction. I will let you know what I think of it after I finish reading the entire book!
Nonoy Tim went home so I had the day to bond with Monicay again. Went to Spa Riviera for a back scrub and body massage. Then I met up with Monicay at SM Delgado. Went to SM City, had lunch at KFC and Monica got her hair trimmed. Then Mimay was there! Weeee! Of course gurl talk commenced but Mimay had to go because she was with her sister and nephew. So Nicay and I went to B’Code to try out their crepes and pizza. The place had a great ambiance, it was actually relaxing and the view was nice. Maybe because it was a Sunday and no teenagers were around. Haha! The food was satisfactory. The crepes were so-so but the pizza was awesome! The prices were reasonable and affordable. And the waiter who served us was really nice and accommodating so we’re definitely going back there again. I will bring Tim there because I know that he’ll like the pizza with it’s green toppings.
Happy Anniversary Noy! Hindi na ko mag-cheesy diri ah ky you know na why. Basta kabalo ka na ah.
Happiness has been your gift to me
All these years of melody and pain,
Pleasure, hardship, wanton rhapsody,
Pure delight and hard, wind-driven rain.
Years do not add up to love and glory:
All things rest on non-things far more true.
No note is so sustained throughout our story;
Nothing but your love, and mine for you.
In our lives must always be confusion:
Very little lost in Time is clear.
Even so, the whirlwind’s an illusion
Regarding the few things we hold most dear.
So you have chosen me, and in that choice
Alone I find my refuge and my voice.
Reality is made by our own will:
You made my world and hold me in it still.
Fall in love or fall in hate.
Get inspired or be depressed.
Ace a test or flunk a class.
Make babies or make art.
Speak the truth or lie and cheat.
Dance on tables or sit in the corner.
LIFE IS DIVINE CHAOS. Embrace it.
Forgive yourself. Breathe.
AND ENJOY THE RIDE…
Why do I love SpongeBob? Because he’s the epitome of a true optimist! He shows his love of others with his overeagerness to do good and help people. If anything is true about SpongeBob, it is that he loves everyone around him, even if they don’t exactly love him back. So I don’t care if you think SpongeBob is gay. I love SpongeBob!
I know some people are not really too happy about my “extra-curricular” activities. They don’t approve of my traveling and the other stuffs I’m doing. But you know what, I don’t really care what they say (if you know me well enough then you must know that already.)
You know what I tell everyone who asks why I am being or acting the way I am right now? I just say: Leave me along because unlike you I am living my life to the fullest. I’m just making the most out of my life, enjoying the moment and savoring the fruits of my hard work. I deserve to be happy. and I have learned not too long ago that life is really short. We’ll never know when our time is going to be. But I know that when that time comes there won’t be too much regret inside my heart because I have lived my life to the fullest!
So please just let me live my life. And please get a life of your own while you’re at it!
PS.
I am gradually practicing frugality. Yes I really am, believe it or not.
I bought one of Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling books today. The book is the Power of Now. I have heard so many good reviews about it. I’ve just finished reading the introduction. I will let you know what I think of it after I finish reading the entire book!
