Spiritual Awakening: Being Independent!!!

A Tribute To The Philippines!!!

As today marks Philippines Independence Day I thought I would write  about the importance of finding your independence while experiencing a spiritual awakening. If you have been a long time reader of this blog you know that I served as a U.S.  Peace Corps Volunteer in The Philippines from July 2002 until February 2003. In the six months that I worked with at-risk youth teaching Math, English, and Livelihood Skills some of my best learning came on days when I was alone and able to really go deep inside myself and find the answers to the questions that I was asking. There was one day I decided to be totally independent and detached from everything. I decided to walk from San Fernando in La Union to The La Union Botanical Gardens. It was about a 10 KM walk with the final 5 KN u a mountain as The Botanical Gardens were at the top. During this walk I came across many people who asked me why I was walking my answer was simply to appreciate the beauty of your country. In The Philippines most people didn’t walk unless they had to they would jump on a jeepney and ride wherever they needed to go.  I on the other hand preferred to walk when I could as  each time I walked I observed more and more amazing architecture, gardens, and I met some incredible people. Such was the case on my walk to The La Union Botanical Gardens. I met a man who was walking his Caribou to market and asked if I could pet in he said yes and even let me ride the caribou. Being offered to ride the caribou is a high honor in The Philippines. When I finally arrived at The Botanical Gardens I was thirsty and was able to ask the shop keeper for water as I stated Gusto Ko Nang Tubig. As I sat enjoying the water I realized that we create our own freedom. I took many photos, however unfortunately I left my camera at The ATM and when I went back it was gone so all I have are memories of the time spent at The Botanical Gardens in San Fernando. I was upset at first but then realized that I had my health, a family I was staying with that was treating me very nicely, and some great memories of a day that gave  me insight  into being independent.