"Given the chance to do something different in my life, what would i choose?"
Last April 1, 2008 at The Tuesday Inner Work Circle we reflected and shared on the guide question above. The intimate group was able to exchange rich and more in-depth personal sharing during the whole session.
I was interesting to note that although each person shared something unique to choose to do differently from their varied lives, there was something in common among all these-- that is: each one wanted to do something with a higher purpose that would benefit other people, instead of choosing something solely for one's self. Whether aspiring to accumulate enough wealth or to study science, math and the chaos theory, or still dreaming of becoming a medical doctor -- a deeper sharing of the context of choosing these paths reveal noble intentions of serving the greater whole and that these are not merely selfish fantasies.
Next session (April 8 - Tuesday) we will continue reflecting on this line but with another guide question for the week, which is:
What are the things that i do best? Am i doing now something (if not all) of what i do best? What do i feel are my unique gifts and capacities?
P.S. We wish to thank Babes (now known as Rays) who brought some healthy-yummy food and drinks to share from her own recipes-- malunggay-pineapple-mango juice and buttered camote (sweet potatoe) with cola. Hope she can bring more often! Thanks, Mother Rays!
Significance of Easter (In-House Open Evening with Xaverian Missionary brothers - Mar.25, 2008)
Last March 25, 2008 (last Tuesday of the month) a special session of the Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) at the Peacemakers' Circle was held. It was an In-house Open Evening led by our beloved Xaverian Missionary brothers from Congo, Valentin Shukuru and Aime' Mitengezo, who shared on "The Significance of Easter."
Our seminarian brothers, presented their sharing on Easter from the point of view of the Catholic Christian tradition from which they belong. They shared their reflections and some excerpts from the message of Pope Benedict XVI addressed to the church last Holy Saturday (Mar.22).
After their presentation the rest of the group shared their personal insights and comments on the theme. The other Christians in the circle shared on what easter means to them and its significance to how and why they consider themselves as Christians. Non-Christians also shared how they relate to the theme of easter, death and resurrection or rebirth.
Next Tuesday (April 1) we shall resume with our sessions of interfaith sharings and reflections on the theme of the week and the guide question is:
"If I were given a chance to do something different in my life, what would i choose to do?"
Everyone ready to do some self-reflection, listening to others' reflections and/or sharing your own-- see you then at the Inner Work circle!
Our seminarian brothers, presented their sharing on Easter from the point of view of the Catholic Christian tradition from which they belong. They shared their reflections and some excerpts from the message of Pope Benedict XVI addressed to the church last Holy Saturday (Mar.22).
After their presentation the rest of the group shared their personal insights and comments on the theme. The other Christians in the circle shared on what easter means to them and its significance to how and why they consider themselves as Christians. Non-Christians also shared how they relate to the theme of easter, death and resurrection or rebirth.
Next Tuesday (April 1) we shall resume with our sessions of interfaith sharings and reflections on the theme of the week and the guide question is:
"If I were given a chance to do something different in my life, what would i choose to do?"
Everyone ready to do some self-reflection, listening to others' reflections and/or sharing your own-- see you then at the Inner Work circle!
Peacemakers Open Evening visit to Universal Wisdom Fdn (TIWC-OE 02-26-08)
“If you have time to be mindful, you have time to meditate.” – Ven.Ajahn Chah
Last Tuesday (Feb. 26) the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) held an Open Evening (On-Site) session – visiting the Universal Wisdom Foundation, Inc. (UWFI)
At the UWFI center the group was met by Mr. Mon Rivera, one of the staff members who was also the facilitator for the evening’s session. Checking out the books from their library and availing of some which were for free distribution, the group was received at the center’s office and library before proceeding to the meditation room.
How do I feel about myself where I am now? (TIWC 02-12-08)
How do I feel about myself where I am now? What makes me feel alive? What recent experiences make me feel this way?
When the attendees of the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) were asked these questions last February 12, 2008 there was a long pause. As usual the self-reflection guide questions has prompted each one to look within from the depths of the self and review one’s life journey in order to find the answers.
Refreshingly, there were a number of new faces in the circle who were warmly welcomed. It was once again a colorful and diverse group formed as it composed of Christians, Hindus, Muslims, indigenous or unaffiliated – coming from Congo (Africa), India and Indonesia (aside from the locals from the different regions of the Philippines). It would have been more interesting if the regular Japanese and Korean members were able to make it then!
As if the diversity of faith traditions, nationality and culture were not enough – the age range, field of work, social background and the life stories (later on shared ) were wide and richly varied!
Not all among the 13 participants were able to share their reflections and insights as the privilege to speak first was given to the fresh new faces in the circle whom everyone wanted to hear from and get to know. True enough, their sharings were all rich and inspiring that the rest contented themselves to just listening to their life journeys.
From a martial arts instructor who has been a runaway and lived in the sewers and parks once in his life as a child; to a preschool teacher who affirms that she has been learning lessons more from her pupils rather than the other way around; to a foreign priest with a fueling passion for interfaith dialogue who is starting to explore the world outside the academe; to an amiable jetsetter Muslim family man who has breezed through his doctorate degree in Japan—who not be awe-inspired by their stories?
In the sessions to come we hope to see more of our new found co-journeyers on this path towards self awareness, transformation and growth as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Next week (Feb. 19) we continue with the sharing on the same theme to hear from the others who were not able to share and focus on the latter guide question: What gives me the feeling of being truly alive and well? What experience lately made me feel that way?
See you then!
When the attendees of the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) were asked these questions last February 12, 2008 there was a long pause. As usual the self-reflection guide questions has prompted each one to look within from the depths of the self and review one’s life journey in order to find the answers.
Refreshingly, there were a number of new faces in the circle who were warmly welcomed. It was once again a colorful and diverse group formed as it composed of Christians, Hindus, Muslims, indigenous or unaffiliated – coming from Congo (Africa), India and Indonesia (aside from the locals from the different regions of the Philippines). It would have been more interesting if the regular Japanese and Korean members were able to make it then!
As if the diversity of faith traditions, nationality and culture were not enough – the age range, field of work, social background and the life stories (later on shared ) were wide and richly varied!
Not all among the 13 participants were able to share their reflections and insights as the privilege to speak first was given to the fresh new faces in the circle whom everyone wanted to hear from and get to know. True enough, their sharings were all rich and inspiring that the rest contented themselves to just listening to their life journeys.
From a martial arts instructor who has been a runaway and lived in the sewers and parks once in his life as a child; to a preschool teacher who affirms that she has been learning lessons more from her pupils rather than the other way around; to a foreign priest with a fueling passion for interfaith dialogue who is starting to explore the world outside the academe; to an amiable jetsetter Muslim family man who has breezed through his doctorate degree in Japan—who not be awe-inspired by their stories?
In the sessions to come we hope to see more of our new found co-journeyers on this path towards self awareness, transformation and growth as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Next week (Feb. 19) we continue with the sharing on the same theme to hear from the others who were not able to share and focus on the latter guide question: What gives me the feeling of being truly alive and well? What experience lately made me feel that way?
See you then!
How do I feel about my present occupation? (TIWC 02-05-08)
What is my present occupation? How do I feel about what I am doing now? Given the choice, would I stay on this path? Why or why not?
This were the guide questions reflected on at the first Inner Work Circle (TIWC) session in February held last Tuesday (Feb. 5) at the Peacemakers’ Circle. The group welcomed 2 newcomers to the circle.
After body relaxation exercises, the participants proceeded with kamustahan or touching-base with each other--sharing their highlight experiences within the past week. This was followed by a short silencing of the mind and praying for the world, before proceeding to the sharing of reflections on the theme.
The first sharing (from the most senior among the group) was about an unfailing passion for education and writing – two classic fields of endeavor through which he has creatively and unconventionally interwoven and crafted into his unique style of work as he sought to respond to the need for innovation and change in the existing social knowledge systems. Although passing through a transitional phase, he has found this to be a most purposeful path on which he will stay for the rest of his life.
On the other hand, another set of sharings heard touched on the challenges of reality and practicality vis-à-vis staying on the path of social service. Whether teaching pre-school kids or engaging in developmental work, such mission-oriented occupations are often inversely-proportional to financial stability (most especially in this country). The perpetual dilemma of “staying to serve in your beloved country versus working abroad to secure your future” came about. As pondering continues and reflections stay open ended on these personal issues one insight came out to address the fears of those concerned: “Even as details on your path change (as they are bound to), the essence of your mission can stay the same.”
Further sharing then gave emphasis to such “openness to change” and the wisdom of living in the present moment and being aware of one’s state of being (i.e. “being peaceful now”).
One participant shared how he appreciated receiving the guide question at this particular time of the year which was significant to him personally in relation to past experiences of pondering and questioning. It provided him with renewed energy and inspiration to move forward amidst doubts and difficulties clouding his path as he was reminded and made aware again that his answer/decision remains the same.
Whatever decisions we make in life, as long as we are open to whether the Higher Will is attuned to it or has other plans for us, and that we are aware of the true essence of it all, then it should turn out to be a worthwhile journey.
Next week (Feb. 12) we continue with the main theme of “Where Am I?” and our guide questions for the week are:
“How do I feel about myself being where I am? What gives me the feeling of being truly alive and well? What experience lately made me feel that way?
See you then!
OPEN EVENING: Stillness in Movement (TIWC Open Evening 01-29-08)
Infinite Peace!
Last Jan.29 was the last Tuesday of the month and so the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) held its Open Evening session (in-house). The Peacemakers’ Circle’s very own staff member and Information & Communications Officer-- Orlan Tiu de Guzman, Jr.--was the featured speaker/facilitator for the evening.
After the kamustahan and touching-base with one other by sharing each one’s highlight experiences of week, Orlan took over the session with his sharing on The Body-Mind Healing Art of T’aiChi-QiGong.
With a short introduction on the history, basic principles and how significant it is to his personal life, everyone was engaged in the actual exercises. Although this has been a regular part of the TIWC sessions as a 10-minute relaxation to prepare and silence the body, the participants eagerly engaged in the exercises which were given emphasis and more thorough instruction and demonstration. It was even relaxing enough just seeing everyone gliding slowly as they performed the meditative movements with grace and full awareness.
Introducing only five simple Qi-Gong movements, Orlan guided the participants in a way that they easily learned and memorized the exercises so that they can practice these on their own. The instructional session include hand-outs distributed for everyone.
"It was a moving experience!" exclaimed one participant (pun intended). Indeed, it was a refreshing session for everyone to not be heavily reflecting, thinking, talking, and using just the mind. For a change, it was the body that made more reflecting and “talking”. It is hoped this has reminded everyone to take time to have this regular “dialogue” between the mind and the body. For as they say: “Peace begins with the self, and peace within yourself begins when you make peace with your body.”
Next week (Feb.5) the first Tuesday of the month we begin the Inner Work reflection program 2008 with the theme: Where Am I Now? And the guide questions for the week ask: “What is my main occupation? How do I feel about what I am doing? If I had the choice, would I remain in this occupation? Why or why not?
See you then!
Last Jan.29 was the last Tuesday of the month and so the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) held its Open Evening session (in-house). The Peacemakers’ Circle’s very own staff member and Information & Communications Officer-- Orlan Tiu de Guzman, Jr.--was the featured speaker/facilitator for the evening.
After the kamustahan and touching-base with one other by sharing each one’s highlight experiences of week, Orlan took over the session with his sharing on The Body-Mind Healing Art of T’aiChi-QiGong.
With a short introduction on the history, basic principles and how significant it is to his personal life, everyone was engaged in the actual exercises. Although this has been a regular part of the TIWC sessions as a 10-minute relaxation to prepare and silence the body, the participants eagerly engaged in the exercises which were given emphasis and more thorough instruction and demonstration. It was even relaxing enough just seeing everyone gliding slowly as they performed the meditative movements with grace and full awareness.
Introducing only five simple Qi-Gong movements, Orlan guided the participants in a way that they easily learned and memorized the exercises so that they can practice these on their own. The instructional session include hand-outs distributed for everyone.
"It was a moving experience!" exclaimed one participant (pun intended). Indeed, it was a refreshing session for everyone to not be heavily reflecting, thinking, talking, and using just the mind. For a change, it was the body that made more reflecting and “talking”. It is hoped this has reminded everyone to take time to have this regular “dialogue” between the mind and the body. For as they say: “Peace begins with the self, and peace within yourself begins when you make peace with your body.”
Next week (Feb.5) the first Tuesday of the month we begin the Inner Work reflection program 2008 with the theme: Where Am I Now? And the guide questions for the week ask: “What is my main occupation? How do I feel about what I am doing? If I had the choice, would I remain in this occupation? Why or why not?
See you then!
What am I being called to do? (TIWC 01/22/08)
Infinite Peace!
Last Jan.22 at the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) a group of 10 gathered for a session of reflections and sharing.
Starting with kamustahan or touching-base with each other, the participants shared their highlight experiences within the past week. Some extra time were given here as we listened to an old-time peacemaker friend who came to reconnect with the circle and to “re-energize” herself by re-joining.
After a short silencing of the mind and praying for the self and the world, the circle then proceeded to the sharing of reflections on the theme: “What am I being called to do? Where am I being led to?”
There were two main kinds of responses to the topic, each from the two main generations to which the participants belong. The first batch of sharing came from the “more mature” generation whose common response to the guide question is the act of “slowing down”. Finding themselves resonating with each other’s sharing, we heard the general theme of “taking a sabbatical”, “doing less with the body and more of the spirit”, “giving less and receiving more”, “do more by sitting down and letting others (the younger ones) do more of the standing/marching around”.
On the other hand, the younger generation had a different – yet equally insightful and rich –set of responses to the same question. Although not having already established in a particular field of work nor having fully forged paths along clearly envisioned life missions, the younger minds spoke of bright hopes and fiery passion waiting to unfold and to be unleashed. This was evident from the words of wisdom they quoted as they shared their reflections:
“A single tree falling makes more noise than a whole forest growing.”
“It is not enough to stare at the stairs and know where you are going—you must step up the stairs and get there!”
Truly, wisdom it is not in the number of years or in the range of experiences, but in our ability to reflect on/ “listen to” these experiences; be aware and learn the lessons from them; and walk the talk (or even just sit the talk, eventually!) and apply what is learned at any level of existence.
Next week (Jan.29) is the last Tuesday of the month which usually means that it is time for the TIWC Open Evening for the month.
Our first Open Evening (in-house) for the year will feature “Stillness in Movement” a sharing on T’ai Chi, Qi-Gong and other Oriental Healing Arts by Orlan de Guzman, Jr.
See you then!
Last Jan.22 at the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) a group of 10 gathered for a session of reflections and sharing.
Starting with kamustahan or touching-base with each other, the participants shared their highlight experiences within the past week. Some extra time were given here as we listened to an old-time peacemaker friend who came to reconnect with the circle and to “re-energize” herself by re-joining.
After a short silencing of the mind and praying for the self and the world, the circle then proceeded to the sharing of reflections on the theme: “What am I being called to do? Where am I being led to?”
There were two main kinds of responses to the topic, each from the two main generations to which the participants belong. The first batch of sharing came from the “more mature” generation whose common response to the guide question is the act of “slowing down”. Finding themselves resonating with each other’s sharing, we heard the general theme of “taking a sabbatical”, “doing less with the body and more of the spirit”, “giving less and receiving more”, “do more by sitting down and letting others (the younger ones) do more of the standing/marching around”.
On the other hand, the younger generation had a different – yet equally insightful and rich –set of responses to the same question. Although not having already established in a particular field of work nor having fully forged paths along clearly envisioned life missions, the younger minds spoke of bright hopes and fiery passion waiting to unfold and to be unleashed. This was evident from the words of wisdom they quoted as they shared their reflections:
“A single tree falling makes more noise than a whole forest growing.”
“It is not enough to stare at the stairs and know where you are going—you must step up the stairs and get there!”
Truly, wisdom it is not in the number of years or in the range of experiences, but in our ability to reflect on/ “listen to” these experiences; be aware and learn the lessons from them; and walk the talk (or even just sit the talk, eventually!) and apply what is learned at any level of existence.
Next week (Jan.29) is the last Tuesday of the month which usually means that it is time for the TIWC Open Evening for the month.
Our first Open Evening (in-house) for the year will feature “Stillness in Movement” a sharing on T’ai Chi, Qi-Gong and other Oriental Healing Arts by Orlan de Guzman, Jr.
See you then!
Reorientation to the Inner Work Program 2008 (TIWC 01/15/08)
Infinite Peace!
Last Jan. 15, 2008, the second session of the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) for this New Year took place with the participation of 16 old and new friends.
After returning to the regular format of starting with body-silencing (through relaxation exercises led by Orlan), the group was engaged by Ms. Marites Africa into touching-base with each other through individual sharing on the highlights of each one's experiences in the past week. This once again prepared each one to connect with the others by breaking the ice and engaging the participants in the exercise of expressing one's self and listening to others.
Following the guided silencing of the mind facilitated by Ms. Marites, the group proceeded to the evening’s program which was a continuation of the reorientation to the Inner Work program 2008 of The Peacemakers’ Circle.
Ms Shakun Vaswani gave a preview to the forthcoming themes and the guide questions for the Inner Work program for the year. She explained that in each month three Tuesdays will be assigned to a particular guiding theme for reflection (for a total of 34 weekly themes for the whole year), and one Tuesday in a month will be an Open Evening session. An Open Evening is when an assigned or invited speaker has the whole session to speak about his/her particular topic/theme or subject matter (usually a particular faith tradition). An Open Evening can either be in-house conducted at The Peacemakers’ Circle, or on-site – which is when the whole group goes on a “field trip” to visit a particular place of worship and experience first-hand the faith celebrations/ religious service/lecture.
The orientation was capped off by reading aloud the Preamble, Purpose, and Principles of the United Religions Initiative (URI-PPP) whereby each one around the circle read aloud a line from the Charter one after the other.
Ms Shakun then invited everyone to become members of the Peacemakers' Circle and read out the guidelines for membership and distributed application forms.
Next Tuesday (Jan.22), as we continue discussing/finalizi ng the Inner Work program 2008, we will be sharing our reflections and insights based on the following guide questions:
1) ”Where am I led to do? What do I find myself doing best? Where am I good at?"
2) “How can I contribute in my own way/capacity to the peacebuilding programs of The Peacemakers’ Circle?”
See you then!
Last Jan. 15, 2008, the second session of the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) for this New Year took place with the participation of 16 old and new friends.
After returning to the regular format of starting with body-silencing (through relaxation exercises led by Orlan), the group was engaged by Ms. Marites Africa into touching-base with each other through individual sharing on the highlights of each one's experiences in the past week. This once again prepared each one to connect with the others by breaking the ice and engaging the participants in the exercise of expressing one's self and listening to others.
Following the guided silencing of the mind facilitated by Ms. Marites, the group proceeded to the evening’s program which was a continuation of the reorientation to the Inner Work program 2008 of The Peacemakers’ Circle.
Ms Shakun Vaswani gave a preview to the forthcoming themes and the guide questions for the Inner Work program for the year. She explained that in each month three Tuesdays will be assigned to a particular guiding theme for reflection (for a total of 34 weekly themes for the whole year), and one Tuesday in a month will be an Open Evening session. An Open Evening is when an assigned or invited speaker has the whole session to speak about his/her particular topic/theme or subject matter (usually a particular faith tradition). An Open Evening can either be in-house conducted at The Peacemakers’ Circle, or on-site – which is when the whole group goes on a “field trip” to visit a particular place of worship and experience first-hand the faith celebrations/ religious service/lecture.
The orientation was capped off by reading aloud the Preamble, Purpose, and Principles of the United Religions Initiative (URI-PPP) whereby each one around the circle read aloud a line from the Charter one after the other.
Ms Shakun then invited everyone to become members of the Peacemakers' Circle and read out the guidelines for membership and distributed application forms.
Next Tuesday (Jan.22), as we continue discussing/finalizi ng the Inner Work program 2008, we will be sharing our reflections and insights based on the following guide questions:
1) ”Where am I led to do? What do I find myself doing best? Where am I good at?"
2) “How can I contribute in my own way/capacity to the peacebuilding programs of The Peacemakers’ Circle?”
See you then!
Welcoming the New Year with (TIWC 01/08/08)
Infinite Peace!
Last Tuesday, January 8, 2008, The Peacemakers’ Circle had its first session of the Tuesday Inner Work Circle for the new year. The 14 of us gathered in the circle eagerly exchanged kamustahan – not having seen each other for weeks since the group took a break for the holidays.
Since it was the first session of the year, the group started its session with interfaith prayers, reflections, affirmations and/or words of inspiration from each one as we offered gratitude for the previous year and welcomed the new one. It was a simple yet very solemn and powerful ceremony that jumpstarted the program in the new year with renewed inspiration and energy.
The opening silence and prayers was followed by a few words from Shakun who leveled off the knowledge of the group on The Peacemakers’ Circle as a founding “member organization” or Cooperation Circle (CC) of the United Religions Initiative (URI).
This was followed by the viewing of some short video clips from the URI which gave more visual orientation, information and understanding about the global interfaith network which The Peacemakers’ Circle is actively a part of.
The participants were then invited to renew and reaffirm their involvement in the circle by formally registering their membership (a separate email will be circulated to open the invitation and announce the mechanics of this membership).
The group then exchanged reflections and insights on what they saw in the videos and this led to a lively discussion about interfaith dialogue and “religiously motivated” violence. This fueled more passion for the participants to continue engaging in dialogue– through the circle-- to foster understanding, respect and acceptance of the differences in each other’s beliefs and perspectives. Some topics for the open evening lectures for the year where suggested.
Next Tuesday (Jan.15) we will be discussing in more detail the new format, the themes and the mechanics for the Inner Work program 2008.
See you then!
Last Tuesday, January 8, 2008, The Peacemakers’ Circle had its first session of the Tuesday Inner Work Circle for the new year. The 14 of us gathered in the circle eagerly exchanged kamustahan – not having seen each other for weeks since the group took a break for the holidays.
Since it was the first session of the year, the group started its session with interfaith prayers, reflections, affirmations and/or words of inspiration from each one as we offered gratitude for the previous year and welcomed the new one. It was a simple yet very solemn and powerful ceremony that jumpstarted the program in the new year with renewed inspiration and energy.
The opening silence and prayers was followed by a few words from Shakun who leveled off the knowledge of the group on The Peacemakers’ Circle as a founding “member organization” or Cooperation Circle (CC) of the United Religions Initiative (URI).
This was followed by the viewing of some short video clips from the URI which gave more visual orientation, information and understanding about the global interfaith network which The Peacemakers’ Circle is actively a part of.
The participants were then invited to renew and reaffirm their involvement in the circle by formally registering their membership (a separate email will be circulated to open the invitation and announce the mechanics of this membership).
The group then exchanged reflections and insights on what they saw in the videos and this led to a lively discussion about interfaith dialogue and “religiously motivated” violence. This fueled more passion for the participants to continue engaging in dialogue– through the circle-- to foster understanding, respect and acceptance of the differences in each other’s beliefs and perspectives. Some topics for the open evening lectures for the year where suggested.
Next Tuesday (Jan.15) we will be discussing in more detail the new format, the themes and the mechanics for the Inner Work program 2008.
See you then!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
