A year of good things

Ihaven’t written in so long it’s been about two months now and so much has happened, on the personal level and at the professional level.

Before I left for the US for my yearly retreat, I was in a lot of pain, particularly in my cervical spine area. When the doctor looked at the MRI he was dismayed and mentioned if it didn’t improve I might even need surgery. Some of my discs had compressed so I was feeling nerve pain in my spine.

So first I fractured my ankle, and then this; it was very frustrating considering the work that needed to be done. I went to the retreat anyway, and tolerated the pain. Interestingly the sessions would start with excruciating pain; I would sit through it, but invariably, by the end of the session the pain would lift.

Two weeks into the retreat, the pain went away totally. I was amazed! I informed Samuel my meditation teacher about what had happened. He said that due to the intensities connected with the Pasig River Project, forces had created pressure such that eventually my spine was affected. This made sense to me.

I know without a doubt that the physical world is just one dimension of the total reality that exists. I also know that most physical ailments have their origin in emotional or mental states.

Samuel told me that he lifted the forces that were putting pressure on my spine and strengthened the ability of my “subtle bodies” to take the stress. What I know for sure is this: I went to the intensive handicapped by crippling pain... and now I am totally okay, and hacking the increasing stress and pressure of work with ease. I even joined the five-kilometer Pasig River Run on 10.10.10 and I can now take my regular workout routine.

The Pasig River Project is moving along steadily. I love the current administration. The Cabinet ministers under P-Noy are so totally supportive I am feeling very upbeat. On this page and the next are some before-and-after shots.

Paco Osmena before and as it looks today

I need to mention that the transformation is the result of everyone working together: MMDA, DPWH, City of Manila, Maynilad, Manila Water, DENR, the contractors, the donor companies and the River Warriors.

The challenge remains in Bayanijuan sa Calauan. If I were to rethink this whole thing, I would not do a relocation of families so far away from their accustomed place of residency. It’s like putting up a city. Relocation is not just houses; it’s education, health, garbage, security, and there are all these complexities that come with dealing with so many people. Maybe medium-rise housing in the city is more expensive but at the end it ends up much, much cheaper because the cost of having to provide social services is minimal.

Hmmm... I was going to start mentioning the key institutions that have helped and then realized I would just get into deep water because there are so many so suffice to say that the private sector, particularly Habitat For Humanity and the government, have been exemplary in their support. I ask only for a little bit of patience as we endeavor to cross the valley on the way to the mountaintop of our dreams.

Iam very excited about an exhibit I attended with “green designs” of architects from all over the world. I am thrilled that the current leadership of NHA and HUDCC is open to the possibility of implementing these designs at key areas in the esteros. I met the United Architects of the Philippines last week and I was so inspired by their forward thinking and willingness to help.

This really is an amazing country. When I read comments in the newspapers about how lightweight this current administration is, my reaction was: “Huh?” I love the openness and the commitment to integrity of everyone I have dealt with so far.

No baggage no egos or complexities just a desire to go. “A” is my grade for P-Noy’s first year.

The Paco tenement before and how it is today

I love the openness and willingness of the private sector and the NGO community to help to do and act and I am awestruck by the level of Filipino ingenuity and creativity. People just keep coming out of the woodwork with ideas. The other day I met this Filipino a very humble, unassuming chap who showed me a powder. He said the powder could remove the smell from esteros. So we went to a really smelly part, and in about a minute the smell went away! Wow! He even said it was good for fish, for agriculture.

How can our country possibly be poor with this wealth of human resources and ingenuity?

I am confident without the slightest doubt that the only way for our country to go is up, and ending the year I would like to thank everyone: the people, institutions, government, including the beneficiaries and barangay captains who have added meaning to my life. And I look forward to 2011. From my heart, I can see brightness on the horizon. My life feels blessed.

My final reflection? My “goodness” life is intense. But the strength to weather a chaotic situation that sometimes feels chaotic inside as well leads to growth. In each situation of life there is an obstacle to be crossed, choices to be made. The need is to be able to see oneself with humility and clarity: to see the situation objectively, separate from the buttons that are being pushed, and then to decide fearlessly the right step forward. In the midst of chaos, you know what’s kept me positive? A discovery of the child in me; it is a space that is simple and uncomplicated as opposed to the space of worry, or the space of wanting to control. When I enter this space, I can regroup, restock, and move forward and not feel too worried about anything.

So my wish for all of you for the coming year is to discover the child within. It is a space that feels wonder and awe, a space of simplicity and purity, a space of positivity. It has great resonance with our angels and the divine. It is a space which can feel God and can give unconditionally. In the midst of worry and tension, go to nature and feel the child within.

May the incoming year give you much joy and inner growth.