How we interpret signs reveal more than the sign itself Practically, I view “signs” as reminders. Or they could be symbols that are associated with other ideas. What we should be mindful of are not necessarily the “sign” itself, for ultimately they are just representations. The value is in reviewing how we think or interpret […]
Martha my dear Pardon the reference to a McCartney Beatles song! Haha. Martha is such a relatable character in this gospel. Trying to be as hospitable as possible, Martha almost misses the point of her hospitality: to spend a more intimate time with her Guest. Sometimes, we spend doing jobs for the sake of appearing […]
Help others help you There are times when we are willing to help, but others are not willing to receive help. Or it could be us; we reject help when others are willing to help us. Sometimes it’s because of pride. Or a misperception of the situation. The reality is: help is available. But do […]
Inheriting traditions and building on them The tragedy is when we think of traditions and rituals as givens that we have to comply with. We only look at the surface – what actions to be done, what formulas to be recited. When I was younger and more naive, “breaking tradition” seemed to be sexier, fitting […]
The harmony of work and rest I just watched one of Rick Beato’s videos on what makes songs great, and he talked about one of his guests mentioning the importance of surprises and dynamics. Indeed, beautiful music is about the tasteful exchange between sound and rest. If we are to use songs as metaphors for […]
Do authentic learners and children have a difference? I think what makes children blessed is their “innocent curiosity”. In a way, children seeks answers not to verify preordained narratives, but to satisfy their natural desire to learn more about the world. Sometimes, people who claim to be intelligent or learned give up innocence in exchange […]
Woe awaits those unwilling to change If people and organizations are always in the state of becoming, i.e., journeying towards flourishing, then it is only appropriate that we accept and facilitate change. However, there is a degree of convenience and comfort to be found in routines and fixed activities. It is inconvenient and discomforting to […]
The crosses we bear are not supposed to be excuses We have the natural tendency to assign blame to external factors. This is understandable because it is discomforting to take the blame when things go wrong. It is easier to fool ourselves with an excuse rather than to take a sober look at ourselves and […]
Labels and brands Professions and society train us to ascribe labels or brands on ourselves and others, be it through our socioeconomic status, job, race, gender, or nationality. If the goal is to describe, perhaps labels are harmless; but if we let them influence our biases, then we are doing our society a disservice – […]
Killing the soul is a greater murder It is admirable that we are now paying more attention to mental health and holistic well-being beyond the physical. Indeed, when Rizal quoted Edward Bulwer-Lutton, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” our words and ideas can be more violent than punches, slashes, or gunfire. (Not to diminish […]