The Good Within You is GOD. - Gita Chandra Ravi

(This blog is 22nd and the last of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

The first time I saw Gita Ravi’s artworks in our Hay House Facebook group page, I was enthralled. I ordered one of her paintings, and then another. And of course, my curiosity was aroused. Who is this woman with a unique kind of art? I emailed her some questions and she answered me in her lovely handwriting. See for yourself how wonderful Gita is!

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Dot: Please tell me about yourself and your passion or advocacy. What motivates you?

Gita: My name is Gita Chandra. I am an Indian, raised in a cosmopolitan city called Mumbai (which was previously called Bombay). I grew up with three more siblings and dogs. I started my career in Fashion. It was a divine orchestration. Fashion has many different categories. I started working with surface ornamentation, which is mostly handmade embroideries. I worked from an entry level intern to become a chief designer. I have to say, I loved my work. I must have been the only one arriving early and leaving late. Loved by my co-workers and my bosses, I did very well in the field of embroidery.

A bit about my past… As a child, I suffered from an almost blind vision. It made me absolutely sad because I was bullied or ignored at school. My eyes couldn’t really catch what the teacher wrote on the board. But being blind means I opened my other senses. So, I heard everything very carefully. I illustrated more than write. I was always very passionate about art. Something in me would just kick in and weird patterns and ideas would start pouring in.

My passion for art is a gift from above. I don’t have to refer to any color wheel or learn color mixing. I do everything very intuitively. I am a self-taught artist. Self-taught artists gain a lot by making lots of errors. And errors guide you in the right directions.

  

My motivation comes from MYSELF. I motivate myself - funny? What I realized is - true motivation comes from within and we create magic. When the motivation is outsourced, it has a small life. Motivation is key to self-growth. I believe in being consistent in everything I do. Consistency, motivation (inner), and my practice are three pillars I build for myself.


Dot: What esoteric or spiritual lessons have you learned?

Gita: Being almost blind, ridiculed, and bullied, a girl child can feel extremely vulnerable, sad, and a failure. And I felt it. I felt failed. I felt depressed. But each day, I have worked on nourishing my soul. My other world consists of trees, animals, happy clouds. My ever present angels, my paints, my canvases, birds, butterflies, winds, sun – all are part of me. They are truly part of me. Birds bring me messages and great joy. Trees are always so beautiful, the branches, the sky… I think my spiritual nourishment comes from BEING KIND.

After I moved to the USA, I had more time for myself. I was introduced to the Law of Attraction, Wayne Dyer, and many more spiritual leaders and motivational speakers. My journey became easier after I found Hay House radio. It felt as though I am with a million more people who are loving life in spite of hurdles. And it inspires me to see people overcome their hurdles. The Law of Attraction keeps me in good spirits. It helps me make everyday choices. It has helped me in every area of my life.


Dot: What positive lessons did you learn from your parents that you want to pass on to your children?

Gita: My parents are beautiful souls, relentlessly dreaming about their kids, having tea in their garden. My mom is a leader with “no” title. She’s just a mom, a beautiful person who raised four kids and many animals. My mom taught me to “FEEL.” She taught me to “BLOOM” wherever I am. Kindest person I’ve seen so far.

My dad is a feisty old man. He taught me a great lesson: SEE GOOD IN EVERYTHING, EVERY SITUATION. Life is fleeting; take time to do things you love.


Dot: What are your top wins in life?

Gita: a) My positive attitude gets me everywhere. I became a mother at age 39 – a big achievement.
b) I have met “1,000” people in my life. All “1,000” are still my friends – school friends from kindergarten to friends at work - all are with me. Pat my back, no one forgets me!
c) I couldn’t speak well till age 14. I taught myself many languages.
d) I don’t have health issues other than my eyesight. But, it’s getting better, too. Positive thinking.
e) Every time I paint, I paint my heart. It’s a poem of love on the paper. It’s a gift; lucky I feel.
f) I stopped reacting to people’s feelings about my art. I think that’s a big win. Earlier, I used to think about my audience. Now, I am a bird who sings his song without knowing who’s watching or listening. Freedom means everything.


Dot: What beautiful changes do you see in the world now?

Gita: Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” So true. I am a work in progress but this quote from Dr. Dyer always keeps my perspective in life very clear. It helps me to pivot my focus and see everything differently.


Dot: How do you take care of yourself?

Gita: Everything falls into place when I am well-rested, so I do take time to nap in the afternoons. It’s a family tradition to nap. J I take time to simply “BE.” And I try to eat the healthiest food whenever I can.


Dot: What messages do you have for this world?

Gita: a) Please protect our Earth. Inform the little ones to protect this planet.
b) Stay with your dreams. Dreams come true.
c) Whatever the obstacle, we can overcome them.
d) Keep it simple.
e) Remind everyone to watch the sunset, hug a tree, smell the flowers.
f) Radiate GOD.
g) GOD is within you. The good within you is GOD. There is one religion. That religion is LOVE. Anything that is not love is resistance, and resistance creates fear.
h) LOVE the world, love yourself. Let Love be your guide.

***

Gita Chandra can be reached through her email gitaravi@gmail.com, website gitaravi.com, and Instagram Gita Ravi.

Don’t Just Ask Why. Shout: Why The Hell Not?! - Rhodora Espinosa-Kahny

(This blog is 21st of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

(Created by Rhods Solis via Prisma)

In my May 23, 2017 blog, I referred to my English professor who got me into pen pal writing. We have remained in contact with each other after all these years, and her impact on me is so big that I am ‘enrolled’ in her current platform, Woods and Books. Here she is now, teaching very young children, still passionate about making connections, still vibrant and relevant, and still very dear to me… Rhodora Espinosa Kahny, or ‘Doray’ to friends and family.

***

Dot: Please tell me a little bit about yourself and your passion or advocacy. What motivates you to pursue your advocacy?

Rhodora: I teach children and believe in the transformational power of nature, stories, and the written word. So, with the support of family and friends, I set up our non-profit organization, Woods and Books, which promotes nature and literature for children in Iloilo City, Philippines, with the ultimate goal of building a children’s library—with a garden of native fruit trees, flowers, and herbs around it.

What motivates me? My own experience as a child growing up in a Philippine suburb, and then, as an adult, living and working in other countries. I attribute much of what I am now to what I’ve learned through observation, through reading, and through experience. What else motivates me? The thought that in Iloilo City, a thriving urban center of around half a million, there is no library that adequately serves children.


Dot: So far, what great spiritual or esoteric lessons have you learned?

Rhodora: Lesson 1: Children are amazing learning beings.

Lesson 2: Adults control much of what children can and cannot do, what they can and cannot have, what they can and cannot hope for, and have systematically, selfishly, or thoughtlessly lessened opportunities for children to discover and enjoy nature in all its wild and wondrous forms.

Lesson 3: It’s been said that literacy is key to growth and development. I believe that literacy—in as many languages as one is able to acquire and master—is also key to understanding one’s self and others.


Dot: What are the best positive lessons you learned from your parents that you want to pass on to younger children?

Rhodora: Be honest, even when no one is looking. Be true to yourself, even when everyone is watching. There is a God, even when you think He’s sleeping on the job—trust Him when all else fails. You carry the Philippine flag wherever you go just by virtue of you being a Filipino; say and do things that make the country proud. You are put in this world to make things better for others.


Dot: And your top 3 successes in life?

Rhodora: I have remained idealistic despite knowing, witnessing, and experiencing how difficult it can be. I love what I do. I love and am loved.


Dot: Who are your role models? What makes them your role models?

Rhodora: This has always been tough for me—pointing to people who’ve had such an impact on me that I’ve patterned my life and made choices with them in mind. I can’t point to anyone in particular because there have been many—and because not all that move me are people:

My parents—for their faithful, steadfast love for each other; my family and friends—for always keeping that safety net open, letting me cuddle when I need nurturing, and catching me when I fall; rock and roll—for at once being funny, farcical, inane, subversive, satirical, revolutionary, incendiary, trite, political, personal, and profound; the human mind, nature, and the cosmos—for providing proof that we are part of the bigger picture and must work for the greater good; writers, artists, public restroom cleaners, astronauts, farmers, scientists, Vikings, saints and martyrs, infants, whales, Holocaust survivors, refugees, immigrants, cloistered nuns and quiet monks, sequoias, native peoples, herbolarios, veterans, manoglab-as and just about everyone and every creature that has a story to tell. How can we not be inspired by them?


Dot: Please talk about the beautiful changes you are seeing in the world now.

Rhodora: Science is finally catching up to the concept that some things we thought were fact are not, while other things that we thought were fancy are fact. I point to Pluto demoted to a being a dwarf planet and Higgs Boson, the so-called “God particle,” the name which the editors of the book came up with because they didn’t want the scientists calling it The Goddamn Particle--they couldn’t figure it out. We are learning so much and realizing we know so little—and being cool about it all. Meanwhile, people, individually and as communities, continue to make a difference and are agents of change, whether it be revolutionary or quiet and gradual. Sometimes, the changes we experience are horrendous; other times, they are nothing short of miraculous. In both instances, even if it seems we’re moving backward, we’re actually moving forward because I truly believe change happens when it is needed. A lot like shutting down to power up.


Dot: In connection with these changes, how do you take care of yourself?

Rhodora: I listen to my body, my heart, my mind. I listen to others. I look and listen as much as I can to what’s happening around me and beyond me. I think things through. I keep reminding myself that I could and should be better than what I currently am. I take time for myself. I make time for others. I take risks. I fail and rise back up again. I believe in the rule of science and faith: There is a reason for everything; we just don’t grasp it most of the time. I refuse to be connected to any gadget such that its absence sends me into panic mode. I pray. I get involved in silly stuff. Once in a while, I try not to think too much and simply jump off a cliff, believing I shall survive. Once in a while, I also imbibe alcohol for its medicinal value. (Cue laughter of friends and family who know how much medicinal alcohol I can take in one sitting.)

Dot: What legacy would you like to leave the world and how can you be reached by people who wish to connect with you?

Rhodora: I’d like to leave at least one other person who genuinely cares about children and our fragile planet—and will do something about it for the rest of his or her life. Visit our website woodsandbooks.com and like us on Facebook. Leave me a message if you’d like to hear from me directly. (Thank you for giving me this opportunity to reexamine myself and realize I have much to be thankful for.)


Dot: Do you have any encouragement for your family and friends?

Rhodora: Be not afraid. Believe. Don’t just ask why. Shout: Why the hell not?

Educate. Empathize. Coexist. - Tazjana Lebrilla

(This blog is 19th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey, and 3rd on my former Montessori students. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

(Photo by Guisseppe Gumban)

Tazjana and her sisters were my students when I taught at Iloilo Montessori International School. I remember her as serene, soft-spoken, and almost shy. Her parents were peaceful, quiet, and gracious in every manner. Now, many years later, it is no wonder that Tazj has retained her serenity in the midst of what she sees as a divided world.

***

Dot: What can you remember about your Montessori childhood?

Tazjana: I have a lot of memories from my Montessori childhood and every single one of them is dear to my heart. It would take a while to mention all of them but in general, I remember preparing every morning, feeling like I was going out to play - not go to school. Montessori taught me in a way that made learning feel more like playing. They made learning fun! I would go to school excited for the day ahead as it was filled with building blocks, sandboxes, painting, library time, show and tell, running around in the playground, and even answering exciting worksheets. I remember going to a restaurant to learn about fine dining. I cried because I ate so slow; everybody else finished before me, ha, ha, ha! But even then, I still enjoyed that experience. I learned so much while having the time of my life.


Dot: Did your parents make any reference to your Montessori education while you were growing up?

Tazjana: My parents have always taken pride in the fact that I started learning and still continue to learn in a nonconventional way. They believe I have Montessori to thank for this. While they do place value on grades and such, they always want to make sure that I approach everything I do with a curious mind and a passionate heart. They didn’t pressure or police my sisters and me. Thus, we never placed too much pressure on ourselves to be whatever society expects us to be and allowed ourselves to drift towards what moves us. We developed a love for other aspects of learning such as music and the arts. I must say, all those acting and dancing performances in Montessori were really great experiences that inculcated culture in us.


Dot: What are your interests or passions?

Tazjana: I love writing. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I write short stories, poems, etc. I admit that for quite some time, as I grew up, I pushed it aside and turned to writing research papers and journals instead, ha, ha, ha! However, the passion for writing is always there. I also enjoy a lot of sports. I am a big basketball and football fan. I used to play, but health concerns have since prevented me from playing. I remain an avid sports fan. I just love discovering new things - may it be about food, places, or people. I love hearing people’s stories and finding out ways to make a difference in their lives.


Dot: In terms of career, advocacy, mission, or education, are you now doing what you really love? Can you tell me about it?

Tazjana: Yes, absolutely. I recently graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I envision myself being an agent for change in the mental health aspect of our country. I’m currently working as a psychologist in training in a Psychology center in Manila and would like to specialize in training and doing therapy on kids and adolescents. I guess it could be seen as both my career and advocacy. I know the space for growth is still big and I have a long way to go but I have a sanguine view to all of it. I love children and I believe their critical years should be given the utmost attention. I want to guide them as they grow up and their mental health is my main concern. I am passionate about this and I believe this is where I’m meant to be.


Dot: What wonderful things are you seeing in the world now?

Tazjana: To be quite honest, one would have to exert a bit of mental effort to see wonderful things in the world right now especially since bad news seem to be coming from all fronts. I’m chagrined every time I see hateful acts especially when the media magnifies them. However, there are little joys and victories that are worth noting. I believe, despite the seemingly bigger divide in the world now, there are people who continue to fight for other people’s rights, may it be for men, women, LGBT, people of a different race and/or religion. The voice of judgment, discrimination, and violence has been loud, but more recently, the voice of love and acceptance is becoming increasingly louder. Only a number of people are blind sheep running toward a cliff. The rest of us are fighting until the end until love and acceptance is the norm. This strengthens my faith in humanity.


Dot: Given a chance to be a world leader, what would be your greatest work? Why?

Tazjana: My interest in mental health sprung from my concern for children. For me, it has and will always be for the children. Therefore, I will consider it my greatest work if I am able to give each child a home, proper nourishment, a caring family, and the assurance of education. If not all, as many as I will be able to. Children’s mental health is greatly influenced and shaped by the things around them. If I will be able to make these factors as stable as possible for them, then I will be happy.


Dot: If the universe gave you $500,000 next week, how will you use it?

Tazjana: First and foremost, I would give a good part of all that money to my parents. Who I am and whatever I have achieved in my life is greatly because of them. They deserve all the comforts of the world so if I can give them that, I would do so in a heartbeat. I would also help my siblings with whatever they may need. Basically, family comes first for me. Secondly, I would invest in a good home, a car, the necessities of life. It has been a dream of mine to build my own home. I would invest the rest in a Psychological clinic for therapy and assessment and devote the rest of my life to seeing this clinic grow. This is my goal in life and I would love to see it come to fruition.


Dot: What message can you give to parents? Educators? Leaders? Young people?

Tazjana: There is so much power in your hands. I implore you to use it wisely. Please cultivate the culture of education in whatever way, shape or form that may take. Educate the future generation because there is no greater gift one can receive than education. This is every individual’s greatest tool in creating a good future for themselves. It will forever be in their arsenal. This is also what will create a more united and peaceful world. When people are educated, when they are given the ability to discern and take responsibility for their words and actions, they are able to see things outside of their own line of sight. Thus, they are able to practice open-mindedness and empathy. We need more empathy. It’s humanity’s last line of defense from the horrors of this world. It will make the world a better and safer place to live in. Educate. Empathize. Coexist.

***

Tazjana, or Tanya to her friends, can be contacted via

Email: tzjnlebrilla@yahoo.com

Twitter: toitanya

Instagram: tzjnlbrll

"MONERGY = Money + Energy" - Danielle Alexandria

(This blog is 18th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

(Photo by Steve Blackburn of YYZ Events)

As a life coach gearing up for professional and purposive coaching, I had an unresolved, uncomfortable idea about charging money for my service. But because coaches need to be coached, too, I opened myself to coaching by Danielle last year. Afterwards, I wrote a testimonial of her. Here’s a portion of what I wrote:

“I resonated with her immediately; she’s deeply intuitive, very intelligent, and masterful yet relaxed. She was firm without being pushy, provocative in her inquiry, and highly organized in how she conducted our sessions. She “walked” me through a list of statements about money, wealth, freedom, security, and self-worth. She gave me a homework that allowed me to dive deeper into my mindset about money vis-à-vis self-worth, to as far back as I can remember. It was a homework that manifested as specific situations from October 2016 to January 2017 to drive in the lessons that my soul was supposed to learn regarding attachments and non-attachments. It was a homework that, because of my willingness to be “wrong,” led me to the past to undo several “wrongs.” Now I feel “right” about the present and the future. As Danielle offered more stimulating questions, I became even clearer in my realizations and more aligned in body, mind, and spirit.

My dynamics with money and energy exchange are now freer, more expansive, and more inclusive. I now feel empowered to give and receive in joyful balance in my life coaching business. The impact and relevance of Danielle’s financial coaching can best be summed up by my favorite takeaway:

MONERGY = Money + Energy

A powerful word from a powerful coach!”

Are you interested to know more about Danielle? Read on.

***

Interests and Motivation
I am naturally driven to actualize human potential, and that means I love seeking truth. To me, truth is freedom. Truth is abundance. Truth is faith. Truth is power. Truth is bliss. Truth is wholeness. And yes, the truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off!

It starts with listening to your inner voice and intuition, and extends to questioning what we have been taught as a society. It means having the courage to face your shadow side and heal yourself, with beautiful compassion and loving sensitivity. Truth is knowing yourself, what your sacred purpose is, and honouring that above what others ask of you. It is especially doing so in the presence of your own big fear!

The rewards are so worth it. When we accept that the world is based on the balanced polarity of light and dark, we no longer fight against the natural order of things. That frees up a whole lot of energy for other things. We can live as grounded, healthy, integrated beings, and when we do that while also connected to the glory of the divine, bliss is the result. Ultimately, this sets us free to feel our own love and in turn, love others unconditionally.

What motivates me to pursue this path? My honest answer is childhood trauma, and I just feel and know it is my soul’s purpose. I also don’t want to run from myself anymore. So part of it is finally facing what I’ve been doing most of my life. At the same time, I recognize that if life was just dandy, I would not have developed this unstoppable drive to heal, understand, help others do the same, and become my full potential in this lifetime. I feel gratitude for my experiences, and where they have led me. I know I couldn’t get there without them.


Life Lessons
I lived most of my life in my rational head/ego – all left-brain. This allowed me to avoid facing my repressed emotional pain, and I convinced myself I was successful in life because I could “achieve” things. Boy did I have it down! Then after a devastating break-up in 2014, I decided I needed to address my inability to be with my difficult emotions. While I was able to process some of the pain, I wasn’t truly ready and entered a two-year new age junkie period where I really lived in the clouds. I thought I was spiritual! Ha! I became addicted to the dopamine high of continually seeking joy and only reaching for love and light, and as you might have guessed, I was the complete opposite of grounded!

After swinging back and forth so extremely, I’ve learned that one must be careful not to live in either plane exclusively – life is not all or nothing. Feeling great is wonderful. But painful challenges are what create and shape our character, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and depth. Trying to avoid them by seeking positivity 100% of the time is naïve and will not lead to true spiritual growth. Eventually, your pain will surface to be healed. I know this from experience. I now believe that to face and transcend our pain is the most spiritual thing of all, because we remove all that is in the way to love.

Having studied and followed many different teachers, I now honour the voice of my heart above anyone else. Not even my own ego runs the show anymore – it’s not the truth. The mind will always try to find something to fix, but the heart is the source of true wisdom and love for each of us.


Outer and Inner Changes
Many people are awakening from the old paradigms and conditioning on this planet. We are questioning what we have been taught, and are seeking more freedom and truth. We are outgrowing the black and white roles that have defined men and women for centuries. We are making more responsible choices, both individually and collectively. I love that this is the age of information because now millions of people have access to knowledge and resources that were once reserved for only the elite few. As a result, our development as a species has accelerated dramatically over the past few decades. We each have much more power and choice than previous generations. I see more and more people living life on their terms, and coming together in loving, supportive, inclusive ways. I think our future is bright.

We have all heard that the only constant in life is change. I have a daily heart practice where I connect with the wisdom of my heart – to heal, to surrender, and to feel love. This helps me to let go of old pain so I may be present in the now. I try to anticipate where we are going. While I do not watch the news or TV, I am plugged in with more conscious sources of information, and I travel globally which exposes me personally to what’s happening in the world. Aside from this, I believe it comes back to having a solid foundation within yourself – a healed root chakra if you will, so you know you can handle whatever comes. I’d be fooling myself if I said mine was perfect though. It’s a continual progression, and I trust that life only ever gives you what you are ready for. This has created real inner security and a commitment to loving myself no matter what happens.


Instant $500,000
I am a Financial Abundance Coach, so I have a specific plan with regards to growing my wealth. My answer is specific to my goals, risk tolerance, knowledge, and investing experience, so it may not be appropriate for everyone.

I would do the following:
-invest $50K buying cryptocurrencies (long term hold of actual currency – bitcoin and ethereum)
-trade $50K in a variety of cryptocurrencies (short term profiting of swings – there are over 800 digital currencies)
-trade $65K in non-dividend stocks (short term profiting of swings)
-save $50K in cash
-spend $10K
-set aside $200K to profit in a coming real estate crash (yep, it’s going to happen!)
-give $50K to family as gifts
-philanthropy – donate $15K to different causes near and dear to my heart
-microfinance – lend $10K in small loans to people who need them in 3rd world countries (for example through the KIVA organization)


Money and Freedom
Since I work with abundance, I would like people to know that money is not bad. Money is a neutral energy that comes from the spiritual Universe. It is a tool that facilitates the full knowing and expression of your true self, and that is the most important thing in life. If you have negative beliefs towards money, this reflects society’s conditioning and limitations, and it is time for these to be lifted. That’s why seeking the truth is so important. It’s safe and healthy to desire wealth. Money brings freedom and living life on your terms. Everyone deserves to live their dreams, whatever those are for you.

My goal is to help 100,000 people become financially empowered. I do this by helping my clients to release all that is in the way of their natural abundance, both psychologically and emotionally. While the right mindset is critical, it is not enough. You must also learn how money works. Having worked in the financial industry for 12 years, unfortunately there’s a lot of fear, intimidation, and misunderstanding at play. I am passionate about teaching unbiased, honest financial education, because this is what is needed to transform our lives economically. This knowledge, combined with learning the beliefs and habits of conscious self-made millionaires, will enable you to create wealth and freedom for the rest of your life.


If you are interested in changing your relationship with money, I would love to help you on your journey. You can book a complimentary 30 minute consultation to learn more at www.DanielleAlexandria.com. You can also reach me via email at: Danielle@DanielleAlexandria.com or here on Facebook, @Danielle Alexandria.

To your wealth and freedom!

***

I highly recommend Danielle to topnotch leaders and coaches who are in the process of finding congruence in their spiritual and material beliefs; to powerful and open thinkers who seek to fine-tune their relationship with wealth and abundance, and to influential people who are in the business of shaping hearts and minds towards a cooperative, global society.

Invest in Things that Will Help You Grow. - Kia Tami Doromal

(This blog is 17th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey, and 2nd on my former Montessori students. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

(Photo by Twinkle Benitez)

I remember Kia as a happy, energetic, strong-willed 6-year old little girl in Junior Class at the Iloilo Montessori International School. She often exercised leadership among her peers, elbowed her way to sit next to me, and determined who would sit where and with whom during which activity. I remember Kia fighting with Belle, my daughter who was also her classmate; they were both strong-willed and wanted to be by my side at Circle Time. I remember wondering how Kia would be like when she’s an adult, as I did wonder about Belle and all my other students.

And so here I am asking Kia, the second among those I was able to interview, and here is this blog managed by Belle from where she is right now in Europe. Please share my double delight!

***

Dot: What can you remember about your Montessori childhood?
Kia: My Montessori childhood was a typical child’s dream. I remember all those play time sessions when even weird drawings can become art. I remember singing in one of our school plays for Christmas where I was an angel. I remember the playground where we took most of our year-end class photos. Those were days when I had nothing to think about except make art and play, just like what normal kids do.

Dot: Did your parents make any reference to your Montessori education while you were growing up?
Kia: My parents, just like every other parent in the world, love to give the best education to their children. They often told me that Montessori was a dream to them. Blessed. That’s the word they used whenever Montessori came up. It was an expensive school, with my classmates coming from mid-income earning families. They often told me that they were willing to be all-out when it comes to good education because my primary years should have good, solid foundation in preparation for my future.

Dot: What are your interests or passions?
Kia: Traveling and writing. I maintain my own blog although I am not that active because I work on weekends. My blog is all about my personal reflections, essays, stories, and travels. I feel the need to share with the world that traveling can be done early or even twice a year as long as you save and you don’t neglect what’s necessary in life.

Dot: In terms of career, advocacy, mission, or education, are you now doing what you really love?
Kia: In terms of career, my mind was in chaos just a few months ago. I suddenly got bored with what I was doing. It felt like a routine and it basically became a desk job. I told myself I was not born to do a desk job. I am a marketing graduate so I should go out. Explore and learn things. After a lot of thinking and praying, I decided to stay.
As for my advocacy and mission, I am not there yet but charity has always been my favorite in the company. I have a heart to help and a lot of time to go with it. Unfortunately, I don’t have that much cash now; but I do a lot of volunteer work whenever time permits.
I plan on taking up a Masters course in Marketing in UP Diliman. This has been my dream for myself. I am also looking into scholarships abroad since this will fulfill my love for both education and travel.

Dot: What wonderful things are you seeing in the world now?
Kia: I’ve always believed that there is still kindness in the world. I personally have my fair share of experiences of people who just go out of their way to help. One time, when my friends and I were in Ilocos and I really needed to pee, I just knocked on a door and asked the owners if I can use their restroom. They opened their house for my friends and me despite the fact that we were complete strangers. So there is still hope for the world. Even if we have an ongoing war in Mindanao and people kill each other, I believe that the world is still good, that there is faith in humanity and people can still be genuinely helpful and nice.

Dot: Given a chance to be a world leader, what would be your greatest work?
Kia: Education. I can’t think of anything else except education. I want to be a leader in the field of education and in making sure every kid in the world will never be deprived of good education. I’ve seen children walk mountains, cross seas and lakes, and even walk barefoot just to go to school. I have seen hope in their eyes and their determination to succeed so I am going to help all these kids have better education even if it means creating more schools and bringing education closer to them. Education should never be a luxury; it is the right of every child to have good education.

Dot: If the universe gave you $500,000 next week, how will you use it?
Kia: Five hundred thousand dollars is quite a huge amount. I’ll divide it into three different expenses: $100,000 shall go to a business franchise. I’ll need financial stability so I can support myself and my family; $50,000 will be for my travel and education funding; the rest will be allotted for me to build my own educational foundation with the purpose of funding children’s education in the Philippines.

Dot: What message can you give to parents? Educators? Leaders? Young people?
Kia: This is a crazy world. Everyone is different and we do clash from time to time. But always remember to be nice. Be kind to everyone. Invest in good things. Invest in learning and education.

Parents, no matter how hard life is, never give up on your children. Give them everything that you can give. Help mold them to become better people.
To young people, strive hard. Do not give up. Ever. Even if life is hard. Even if you think nothing goes your way. Just do better every day. Live life to the fullest and end your day with learnings and not regrets. Invest in things that will help you grow, excite you, and make you happy. Take your time. Learn that you can only compete within yourself and be the best version of YOU every day. Never forget to look back and appreciate people who helped you along the way. Lastly, always be yourself.

Website: ikeyandothis.wordpress.com
Contact Number: 09088107132
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiatami.doromal
Twitter: twitter.com/keyatami

It's Easy When Your Business is Aligned with Your Advocacy. - Paul Pollentes

(This blog is 16th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey, and 1st on my former Montessori students. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

Paul Pollentes and Spikey
(Photo by Jon Rave)

When I was a class directress at the Iloilo Montessori International School in the 90’s, I came across an article that asked if Montessori graduates pursued careers and interests that help humanity and the environment. I will not reveal the answer written in that article. Instead, in a few of my succeeding blogs, I will let you decide for yourself. To start my quest in tracing the paths of my own Montessori students, here is Paul Pollentes (Iloilo-based) answering my own questions:

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Dot: What can you remember about your Montessori childhood?
Paul: I remember a lot of things that happened during my Montessori days. I still clearly recall the unique teaching methods employed by teachers including identifying continents with a wooden map puzzle, and co-curricular activities such as annual stage programs based on children's stories and fairy tales.

Dot: Did your parents make any reference to your Montessori education while you were growing up?
Paul: Yes, they did. I was told a few times I was a quick learner and learned to read and write at an early age. To be part of the school rich in quality education is something they are proud of.

Dot: What are your interests or passions?
Paul: My interests and passions alike are my pets, books, and my businesses. I sell nationwide selected imported pet brands that have been proven throughout my experience as very effective to my dogs. Many of my clients share the same passion and interest in showing dogs and learning to groom them efficiently. These are the aspects that have helped me evolve and grow.
Reading books still remains one of my favorites. I balance my time reading them while marketing my own business online. It's a better way of spending your spare time than fool around and gossip on social media.

Dot: In terms of career, advocacy, mission, or education, are you now doing what you really love? Can you tell me about it?
Paul: I took a college course that allowed me to gain knowledge how to handle businesses. I am still learning. It gets easier when one of your businesses allows you to align your advocacy with it.
My advocacy is to let people know how to be more responsible with their dogs. It is much easier sharing your thoughts about the matter when your clients find you comfortable to talk with. Clients find the information they gained from me helpful and they refer me to others. It helps me and my business grow. I have no time doing it through social media freely where almost everybody misinterprets my good intentions.

Dot: What wonderful things are you seeing in the world now?
Paul: That I have several dogs with me and a few friends and family who truly care for me. These are the wonderful things I am content to see and have.

Dot: Given a chance to be a world leader, what would be your greatest work?
Paul: I do not think I ever want that chance to be a world leader. No matter what you do, there will be those who disagree and refuse to believe and acknowledge your contributions to the world. Each one of us can contribute in our own little ways. Perhaps, if given a chance, I will influence the legislators to amend harsher penalties for criminals of severe crimes including animal abuse.

Dot: If the universe gave you $500,000 next week, how will you use it?
Paul: In the name of public service, what better way to fund professional no-kill animal shelters than to give them that amount? Professional no-kill shelters deserve the fund so they can provide for stray animals adequately, hire employees who will be responsible for the wellbeing of animals, and hold them accountable if something happens. (Many volunteers are no better with the tendency to complain because they are not salaried.) They can form alliance with vets who can provide reasonably priced spay and neuter programs to help minimize the dog and cat populations.

Dot: What message can you give to parents, educators, leaders, or young people?
Paul: My advice: Let your kids grow in a culture where openness, utmost respect and maximum tolerance exist in harmony. Guide kids where their passions lie. Love what you love to do. That's how you enjoy life growing up.

***

And there goes my first respondent! Well done, Paul! Learn more about Paul’s business by visiting his page https://www.facebook.com/ilonggopawrents/

I Embrace My Gift of Making People Smile - Bam Petilos

(This blog is 15th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

(Photo by Anoy Catague)

A few years ago, after a long day of facilitating a workshop, I was given a massage by my new friend Lady Bam. In that short session, I felt Bam and myself forging a connection between us that would later become spiritually intimate. I went back home to Las Vegas, Bam remained in Davao, and we maintained our connection through FB groups. A few months ago, I learned that she had launched a fragrance business and was exploring other business possibilities related to wellness. In fact, she was one of the collaborators and writers in the book Remember Who You Really Are by Joan Mae Soco-Bantayan. Prior to the launching of the book, I asked Bam a few questions and she gave me a few short, happy answers. Bam’s brevity does show her essential nature as well as her authenticity in following her dreams.

***

Dot: Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

Bam: My baptismal record says I am Benjamin T. Petilos Jr. but I prefer to be called Lady Bam. I finished AB Language and Literature and I love to play volleyball. I sooo love to sing and, at times, dance. I love to recite affirmations and I know it (reciting, that is,) works. I touch a tree when I am happy, sad, or worried, and I want my beloveds to realize that nature is our ally.

Dot: And your passion and life lessons? What beautiful changes are you seeing in the world now?

Bam: I am TV host of a tele-magazine travel show and radio anchor in a station in Davao where I talk about life and happiness. I feel I am one with everyone. I embrace my gifts of healing and intuition and the gift of making people smile and laugh. That is who I am, for I am the beautiful HappyNest!!! The nest of joy and bliss. I am thankful that despite the hi-tech world, people are more aware about the mystic that is actually not mystical but just part of the unchangeable truth - that we are ONE in GOD’S LOVE.

Dot: How would you use PhP500, 000 if the universe gave it to you next week? 

Bam: Well, I will eat alone at the most expensive eat-all-you-can restaurant, and then plan about who to feed after. The most expensive here is PhP 800. I want to feed as many as I could. Part of the money will be used to pay my debts. I want to be debt-free. But really, despite my financial challenges at times, I will never ever stop helping, sharing, and extending help in any way to the needy. I want part of the 500k to be used in the project De-Clutter and Decorate. I want to beautify rooms and give people a nice place to sleep in so that their mindset will be of abundance. I won’t fix the whole house; just the room, just to awaken them and let them move.

Dot: Is there anything else that you would like to tell me? 

Bam: Well, I want to tell you that I “blame” you for me being more focused in my journey about HAPPYNEST. You are one of my favorite influences. And while it’s true that I need and want money, well, like you, it’s not my great priority. Money is just part, but not a very big part, of my amazing journey. And thank you for your wisdom. I ask for your support in the book about HAPPYNEST that I shall write soonest. We are all nests of joy. Let’s spread love and happiness.

The happy Lady Bam can be found in Facebook as Bam T. Petilos. I look forward to buying her book on HappyNest very soon! Interestingly, she partners with Evelyn Princess Villaflor-Buendia in most of her activities in Davao. See Princess in my May 25, 2017 blog. Bam and Princess welcome your purchase of the book Remember Who You Really Are.