I couldn’t contact my family on February 25, 1986. I was in Belgium taking my master’s degree and could only follow what was happening on the television news. The phone lines were shut down back in Manila, and I couldn’t get into contact with my family then.
In the year before I left Manila for Belgium, I protested in the streets. I would go to Mendiola and join the rallies. I had a sense of FOMO as I watched the People Power march on television, but I was also relieved for and proud of my country. We won back our freedom and showed People Power to the world.
People from all walks of life gather at EDSA to protect the mutineers. (Photo by Pete Reyes)
It saddens me that in the latest Pulse Asia Survey, Marcos, the dictator’s son, is leading in surveys by 60% now.
I do know that it can be very difficult to decide whether a candidate will be a good leader.
Maybe you know who you’re voting for, maybe you’re still torn. These are my own thoughts as I consider who I’d want as my president.
– Look at the candidates’ background and their experience. How well prepared are they for the job?
– Observe the candidates’ campaigns. Do they accept speaking engagements before different groups – even those groups that might not be sympathetic?
– As you read the campaign materials or watch the campaign develop, you may want to gather insights into candidates’ personalities and leadership qualities. For example, do campaign materials emphasize issues or just images? Are they accurate?
– Ask yourself, among the presidentiables, which candidate’s view on the issues do you agree with the most? Who demonstrated the most knowledge on the issues? Who has the leadership qualities you are looking for?
We have quite a bit to think about before we hit the polls in May.
For today, with all these uncertainties happening, whether it’s politics or the surge of covid in our neighboring countries, I’m sharing a meditation for protection.
You can also chant this or keep playing it in your space.
The mantra is called Mangala Charn Mantra: Aad Gurah Nameh, Jugad Gurah Nameh, Sat Gurah Nameh, Siree Guru Dev Nameh. It is chanted to invoke the protective energy of the universe. The chanting meditation with the arm movement surrounds the aura with protective light. It gives you an enchanting, magnetic personality and many unexpected friends.
Here’s how to do it:
Sit in Easy Pose, with a light neck lock. Place the palms together at the Heart Center in Prayer Pose. The thumbs are crossed. Chant the Mangala Charn Mantra. Chant: Aad Guray Nameh as you extend your arms up. The arms return to the Heart Center as you chant: Jugaad Guray Nameh and again raise the arms up, as you chant: Sat Guray Nameh.
Returning the hands to Prayer Pose at the Heart Center, chant: Siree Guro Dayvay Nameh. Project the mind out as you chant. The full extension of the arms is timed to the chant. Continue for 5 minutes, 11 minutes maximum.
Manifesting harmony and true unity — the kind that brings peace, and not just one for display. In the oneness we create peace, so that peace washes over the rest of the country and the world.
In loving service,
Rosan
