For the past two years, I’ve been holding these special gatherings I call Kamalayan Cafe Sessions. I call them that because "Kamalayan" means consciousness or awareness in Filipino, and I want to help people become more aware of themselves and the world around them. These sessions are usually held every other week at different cafes around Metro Manila, and sometimes even farther places like Baguio or Batangas.
During these gatherings, I share ideas and lead discussions about topics related to consciousness—things that help us understand ourselves better and live more meaningful lives. I want to make these ideas simple and relatable so everyone can understand and apply them.
One of the first things I talk about is how important it is to stay healthy. Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. I always say, “Learn how to forgive.” Many illnesses are actually caused by negative feelings like hatred, bitterness, resentment, envy, jealousy, or despair. These feelings are forms of unforgiveness. When we hold on to such emotions, they can make us sick, inside and out. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting what happened; it means letting go of the anger and pain so that we can heal and move on.
Another idea I like to share is, “What is better than being good? Be good for something.” It’s not just about being nice or kind; it’s about using your gifts and talents to make a difference—helping others, sharing your skills, or simply doing good deeds that matter.
Gossip is something many of us find hard to avoid. I tell my friends that instead of gossiping about people's faults, it’s better to talk about their good qualities. This way, we spread positivity instead of negativity.
I also talk about where violence comes from. It’s often rooted in unhappiness. When people are unhappy inside, they tend to hurt others or themselves. That’s why I emphasize the importance of understanding ourselves and finding peace within.
Anger is another common emotion I address. I explain that we get angry because we surrender control of our feelings to someone else. We let others dictate how we feel instead of managing our own emotions.
Changing our circumstances starts with changing our beliefs. I encourage everyone to believe it’s possible to change, even if it feels difficult at first. Our beliefs shape our reality.
I also discuss honesty and why sometimes honest people get robbed. It’s because there’s an inner thief in all of us—selfishness or greed—that can lead us to take what isn’t ours, even from friends or family, without realizing it’s stealing.
Success, I say, is about commitment. Someone who keeps to a path they believe in, no matter what, is truly successful. Prayer is another powerful tool—because it gives us confidence and makes us attract what we desire by aligning ourselves with higher energy.
We also talk about fear—its root cause—and how it creates lack. When we’re afraid we won’t have enough, we actually attract less. So, being happy and grateful helps us become more spiritual and open to abundance.
Finally, I remind everyone that our heaviest burden is negative thoughts. They weigh us down more than anything else. That’s why I invite everyone to join our next session on July 4, 2025, at Cafe Mary Grace in EDSA Shangri-la, Mandaluyong City at 3pm. The sessions are free—just buy your coffee—and it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon learning and growing.
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