Passion Statement of the Day - When in Doubt, Choose Love

The law of karma dictates that we are conscious choice makers. Emotions are spontaneous impulses, no doubt, but what we do with that emotion is in our hands. That is why it is possible to bloom wherever one is planted.

Love is a decision. When in doubt, always choose the loving thing.

(This entry is inspired by my Twinstah Winna A., who on her 80th birthday will be honored for being a loving human being, more than anything else.)

The Joie de Vivre Workbook

Joie de Vivre [zhwad^uh vee-vr^uh]

That the French should have a phrase for "a delight in being alive" reflects a lot about the way they view the world. I suppose if you are a citizen of France, you cannot help but be delighted, what with the abundant artistic, aesthetic and gastronomic delights at every turn. Joie de vivre is a national trait of the French, much like hospitality comes naturally to us Pinoys.

The French may have a culture ingrained in joie de vivre, but I believe that every human being has a capacity for this cheerful enjoyment of living. And the good news is, you need not have the Eiffel Tower on your skyline to experience joie de vivre. Joie de vivre is not a reaction to the beauty of surroundings or circumstances. It is a reaction to the beauty that is IN us.

Have you ever had those moments when you thought, "Am I really here?" I have those moments now and then, usually upon waking up or while I'm in the shower. I can't get over the fact that I am here. That I exist. That I am alive. Isn't it mind-boggling how we came to be? That we see, taste, smell, hear and feel things?
Sometimes I can't wrap my head around it.

The thought of being alive inevitably leads to the thought of being dead someday.  That seemingly morbid thought does not fill me with dread - but with two contradicting emotions : a sense of peace and a sense of urgency.  The sense of peace comes from the thought that all my emotional and psychic issues are a waste of (life)time - time better spent joyfully appreciating the gifts of the present. The sense of urgency  comes from the thought that I only have so much time to make the most of this life - I must take advantage of my youth to do the things that my heart and soul call me to do.

This existential revelation of mortality is what has spawned the desire to pursue joie de vivre. It is living life wide awake, taking in every experience, every encounter, every surge of pleasure and pain, and declaring,
"Ah, it's good to be alive!"

But I believe that joie de vivre is not just about posting shout-outs to the world. Joie de vivre is deeply rooted in connecting with one's core truths. Joie de vivre is incited and nurtured by taking the following steps:

1. Identifying and applying your unique strengths and talents
2. Appreciating and nurturing your life relationships
3. Imagining and pursuing dreams that are deeply rooted in your joys
4. Integrating your body, mind, heart and soul by consciously taking care of each of them

The workbook I have developed aims to guide the participant through these steps through structured introspection exercises, creative expression and interaction with fellow participants. We all have our moments of reflection. What this workbook does is it organizes your thoughts and personal revelations and helps you connect the dots.

It is my hope that accomplishing this workbook invigorates and moves the participant to inspired action to make the most out of this life - and truly experience joie de vivre.

Passion Statement of the Day - Finding Yourself

My advice to all those who are going to find themseves is: stay exactly where you are. Otherwise you are in great danger of losing yourself forever. 
 

- Hans Thomas, The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder


Wherever you are right now, BE in it. If it is in a good, happy place - express gratitude. If it is in an uncomfortable and unpleasant place - remember, it is darkest where light and shadow converge. You have a choice - you can choose to go towards the light or retreat to the shadows. It's the discomforts of life that stretch us, that make us ask questions, and move us into action- and essentially make us better, and more beautiful.

Extraordinary living is not about escaping the present. Finding joie de vivre is not about quitting your job and flying off to exotic places. It is about being fully engaged in the present, while creating and pursuing dreams. It is about blooming where you are planted. The extraordinary life is not out there somewhere. It is in you.

The Main Course

The hunger for an extraordinary life is marked by feelings of restlessness, searching, longing, and perhaps a little bit of pain.  This can be brought about by a period of crisis, a transition, a crossroad, or a realization that your life has been static. The Passion Plate offers a generous helping of guidance to help satiate this hunger. You may choose to serve yourself. However, I would be happy to personally guide you on this journey, and talk you through the exercises. There is much discovery and revelation in conversation :)

To be consumed slowly, leisurely and savoring every bite.  The flavors of your life shall unfold even after digesting this piece. May your soul be nourished and delighted :)

Passion Statement of the Day - Comfort zones bring no comfort, only regret

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed
by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.

- Mark Twain

Passion Statement of the Day - Do not Settle

There is no passion to be found in playing small - in settling for a life that is less than what you are capable of living.

~ Nelson Mandela