The Point of Weakness

When we realize there is nothing more we can give
To another that would make them happy,
we try to fight to find something that we could.

But when there’s nothing left, do we blame ourselves for our inability to give?

Is this considered as a point of weakness, an act of selfishness or an honest recognition of our limits? Leaving people behind is such an awful business, knowing that you have let them down and failed to fuel their hopes. Being left behind is a tragedy, not having the slightest clue where to go now and having to cope with the torment of loss. On these two opposite poles of frailty, there will be no more comfort or stability and how we wish we could have done something more.

We wish we could have said this, or not have said that. We wish we could have done this instead of doing what we did. We wish we decided not to do anything instead of being so headstrong and overwhelmed by immaturity. We wish we could have saved ourselves by saving those who we could have. We wish we were brave enough to confront our insecurities, wise enough not to destroy other people’s own affairs, bold enough to go through the fires of uncertainty and take the reins of indecision. We wish we were strong enough to cry and not go on pretending that invincibility is all that mattered, we wish we could have had more faith in each other rather than the continuous doubt brought upon by the past (which should have remained where it was). We wish we could have laughed and smiled more than we did and admit to ourselves that this is where it will begin and end. We wish we learned that lesson earlier rather than now which is all too late for reconciling broken promises, wish we had more of ourselves to give.

I wish I could have been able to offer a lot more than what I had.

Would it have made all the difference?
We'll never know, and for that I am eternally sorry.
 

--- JFB

Yoga Changes You

Today, I completed my first ever Yoga workshop. It’s a 15-hour Teacher Training session in preparation for the 200-hour Teacher Training for aspiring Yoga teachers or for yogis who just want to deepen their practice. The workshop highlighted the basics of the Yoga TT. From asana poses to Science of Yoga, anatomy, philosophy, chakras, sutras and a lot more. It was a full weekend. My muscles are burning and my soul is overflowing with happiness and gratitude. I was so lucky to have met wonderful people who shared their time and energy to teach and learn yoga.  

Teacher Training Intensive Program, Urban Ashram Manila

I noticed how my perspective changed after all the lectures and talks. I have progress a lot with my own practice as well, I have gone deeper into my asana poses. I hope I can sustain this lifestyle because I noticed how I’ve become a better person out of it. I made a decision to teach yoga. I’ll give a year to master all the difficult poses and the poses I’m afraid to take like the pincha maruyasana (forearm balance) and then I promise to teach and share the positive energy as well to those who needs it and want to practice yoga as well. 

Joan supporting students who are afraid to go upside down.

Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand)

The workshop is sponsored by Urban Ashram and conducted by Yoga Works’ very own, Joan Hyman. This workshop made me obsessed with pelvis alignment and made me confident in doing my headstands and handstands. I'm still working on my pincha mayurasana. Damn, it was harder than I expected.

Joan prepping us for our headstand.

I’ve wanted to go to TT since last year but I always find reasons to delay it. Joan served as my inspiration to continue and pursue my dreams. Her story is very inspiring, she teaches very well, she’s very passionate about what she does and she touches the lives of her students. In yoga, you need to have a permanent teacher who will guide, help and inspire you. If only I live in the US, I would have picked her. Her students are very lucky.

Bakasana (Crow Pose)

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2)

"Atha Yoga Anushasanam", I will start living this sutra to be able to achieve my "dharma" and "moksha". 

Namaste. Om.......

Paraan

Another great OPM song from Mayonnaise. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to this song. I just did! Di ba it feels good knowing someone's out there going out of their way doing everything they can just to be with you and to get you back? Ang sarap ng feeling na may taong hndi kayang mabuhay ng hndi ka kapiling, na sayo lang nila kayang magbago, na ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit sila nabubuhay. Ang cheesy ko, Valentine's eh. We're allowed to be cheesy....

This will be on loop for the rest of the week. 

Check it out: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoyRak4dLsw

Nasira ang lahat ng plano ko
Hindi ko alam kung pano babangon mula sa kalsada mula sa tulay ng hagupit
Ilang taon nakong ganito
Nasanay lang talaga magisa
Naroon ka sa malayong lugar na hindi ko alam

Pasensha na mahirap lang talaga maging ganto
Umaasa sa wala at akoy nalilito
Pagibig ba'y totoo minsan parang gago lang
Sayo lang, sayo lang

Sana malaman ng araw at ng buwan gagawan ko lagi ng paraan, gagawan ko lagi ng paraan

Ayoko man isipin ang wakas
Hindi ko rin naman kasi alam
Kung san nagsimula ang lahat ng ito
Ewan ko ba

Pasensha na kung medyo papansin na naman ako
Wala talagang diskarte ang taong tulad ko
Bakit ba mahirap intindihin ang mundo
Sayo lang, Sayo lang

Sana malaman ng araw at ng buwan gagawan ko lagi ng paraan, gagawan ko lagi ng paraan

Minsan lang matakot sa isang katulad mo
Hindi ko kasi alam ang diskarte sa taong bato
Badtrip lang talaga bakit bako ganito
Sayo lang, sayo lang.

Sana malaman ng araw at ng buwan gagawan ko lagi ng paraan, gagawan ko lagi ng paraan.

I am enough.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

"Beautiful things don't look for attention."

Simple story with great cinematography. 

This movie got me inspired to make my own travel book. Gotta do it now! 

Today's Mantra: Thank you!

Having a bad day? Going through a rough patch? Life crisis? 

Don't panic. Don't fall apart - it becomes a habit. Stay calm and know that you are where you are right now for a very important reason. Life will never give you anything you can't handle. It will all make sense in a little while, but for now... Go back to basics. Drink water. Breathe deeply. Eat food that heals. Surround yourself with loving people. Read books that resonate with your soul. Go for a walk in the woods, on the beach, in the park, in your backyard - anywhere you can breathe fresh air and see the sky above. Close your eyes. Connect. Remind yourself of the things you have to be grateful for, and let the words Thank You become your most important mantra. You can do this. You are strong, you are whole, and you are not alone.

Repost from Rachel Brathen

Ignore the bad vibes.

Some people cannot stand that you're moving on with your life and so, they will try to drag your past to catch up with you. 

Do not help them by acknowledging their behavior. 

Keep moving forward. 

T House

First out of town trip for the year.   
Part of our bucket list is to travel more so expect more travel photos and tips soon. 

T House is one of the bed and breakfast place in Tagaytay. 

They offer limited food in the menu but they all taste good. 
You must try corned beef and tapa for breakfast and bulalo and crispy pata for lunch/dinner, you'll order 2 cups of rice for sure.

 My new suitcase matches my Diana F+ lomo camera.
Got to use my lomo toys this weekend because the place has a lot of camera-worthy shots. 
They have a huge garden with lots of flowers, a pool where you can appreciate nature. 
They also have a place to meditate and practice yoga.

Wine and cheese on a cold, frosty night.