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!
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!
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