Basketball and life

I was going downstairs and I heard a scream. What? That’s not possible! So I went to the multimedia room to find my 19-year-old son watching the NBA. It was Dallas versus Oklahoma. He replayed it for me. Dallas was down by two points and there were nine seconds left. They dropped in a three pointer and were ecstatic. There were 1.4 seconds left and the ball was with Oklahoma. It was passed to Kevin Durant — and he scored a three pointer with 1.4 seconds left! Unbelievable!

Sitting with my son another time, he was showing me YouTube videos where Team A (sorry, I can’t remember the names) was one point up. Five seconds left. The other team shot a two-pointer, and there was exhilaration. With 1.5 seconds left to go, Team A player was running and — from half court, while running — he released the ball; it soared unbelievably, and went through the net! Almost like an unseen hand was bringing the ball all the way to the basket. From half court? What kind of strength is that?

But basketball is filled with stories like this. I may not have even covered the best of them.

What I find thrilling is this “never say die” attitude. This indomitable spirit that just never accepts defeat. Maybe that’s why my kids are so glued to the NBA series. It’s the vicarious experience of watching a game played in a way that involves relentlessness against all odds.

That has a lot to stay about how life should be led. What seems insurmountable may yield miracles if we just keep on going.

In the same vein, let me then talk about my helper Regine. She is in her 12th week of a Master Cleanse diet. She has lost 35 pounds. I asked her, “Do you want to stop?” “No, Ma’am, I will do it until I reach 110.” She missed Christmas, New Year’s — and she has never ever done this before. But she was determined. The will she is exhibiting now will most probably be one of the valuable assets that will carry her through life. (By the way, she has an e-mail address, so if you want to ask her questions, just email reginegarcia20@gmail.com.)

I remember my father when he came back to the Philippines. After martial law was lifted, he was determined to carry the family forward. During martial law almost everything was taken away forcibly. So it was like starting from scratch. But he was determined. The family situation today is largely because he and my uncles were determined.

This evening I have just come back from the first day of River Warriors Training. River Warriors are individuals who live in the esteros. They are chosen because of their sincerity, and hardworking nature. Their job is to guard the esteros 24/7 — make sure that nothing dirty goes back there, that our investments and efforts are sustained.

I love these River Warriors. Living in the esteros, their lives could not have been very good. The Warriors came from San Miguel, Uli Uli, Aviles, Concordia and Santibaez. These are the esteros we will be cleaning in the first quarter of the year. I bellow “River Warriors” and they give a thunderous response: “Huuuu Haaa!” We even have a River Warrior dance, the essence of which is that, yes, we can take on life! It’s this spirit that will keep the esteros clean, and will eventually lead to the cleanup of the Pasig River. It’s this spirit that makes people heroes. So I asked them, “Kaya niyo bang maging bayani?” “Yes, Ma’am” came the confident reply. That’s what life is all about.

Seventy River Warriors from the esteros we will clean in the beginning of the year. Photo by Faizza Tanggol

Last December there was a meditation group — about 20 of them who had taken time from work to embark on a silent meditation for two months. That means no talking at all, and meditation between eight and nine hours a day. They were determined to reach higher states of consciousness. They were determined to have a go at upgrading their lives.

This determination for something noble has ripple effects that go far. Even if it is just for one’s life. It’s like a “swoosh” of positive energy that has some force and is unleashed and carries society forward.

The River Warrior Hakka Dance: We are brave. We are strong. We will take life as it comes. If one falls, then the energy to get up and continue again is also to be applauded. All this is extremely beneficial for personal growth. Hmmm… I am going to end with something obscene because it has merit. A group once asked a spiritual teacher, “How do I do this? How do I do that?” All sorts of questions. Finally, the teacher said: “Just f***** do it!”

Continually thinking of why, how, and what if can just be something in you procrastinating. Sometimes — many times — the way to go about it is to “Just f***** do it!” Which means do it with force, with determination. Offer it to the Divine. There will always be light at the end the tunnel. If you fall just get up again. May the Force be with you.

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I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com.