This global health crisis, the pandemic, has brought our lives to a standstill. It's a battle we all fight, a choice between victim and survivor.
Since the lockdown early this year, we have been thinking of ways to stay mentally healthy daily. How to keep our sanity and not experience loneliness, apathy, and depression.
Every day is a battle for survival, but we have a powerful weapon-our thoughts. We can divert our consciousness toward happy thoughts, reminiscing about the happiest moments in our lives. These are the times when we truly live our best lives, and it's a reminder that we can always find joy even in the darkest times.
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| The boat ride from Iloilo to Guimaras Island |
For me, there's one great way to relieve stress and rejuvenate: traveling to beautiful places and spending weekend getaways for pure thinking moments, distressing through meditation, and appreciating the healing wonders of nature.
Every Sunday, I reminisce about the times when I had my Soulful travel moments. Due to restrictions, we can't travel during this pandemic, so the best way is to have a mental vacation.
It works! It's as good as visiting the place in real-time, with almost the same feeling. It's just that we process with our mental power—our wild imagination.
The power of the mind is a miraculous healer. It contributes significantly to our well-being. When we're in a state of sadness, loneliness, or depression, we lack the energy to do our daily tasks and be productive. But when we're happy, we're inspired to do great things and lift others with our positive energy. It's a reminder that our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and we should always prioritize it.
Positive energy is contagious, and so is negativity. That's what I believe.
I would rather be with someone or a group that inspires me or makes me happy than suffer from negative emotions brought by someone, a group, or, worst of all, a personal creation—becoming an enemy of oneself.
Creating a mental vacation is a powerful tool. It's a heavenly experience that doesn't require leaving the comfort of your home. With the power of our imagination, we can visit almost any place we dream of, those on our bucket list.
One of my favorite Islands in the Philippines is Guimaras. It's one of the most minor Islands in the Province, and I'd like to return whenever I am in the region.
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| Island Cove on Guimaras Island |
Guimaras is just a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Iloilo province on Panay Island, so near the distance that both islands are visible.
One thing I like about Guimaras is the serenity of nature. It's not a very touristy place, so definitely not crowded, and you'll enjoy soulful moments on the waters, on the shore, or on a cliff.
Guimaras is not overdeveloped as compared to Island destinations like Boracay or Siargao. That's one reason I like it even more, especially since there are Filipino-style cottages and not huge hotels that can pollute the place's ecosystem.
I hope Guimaras will retain its grandeur. It's a natural environment and will not be subject to over-commercialization.
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| The naturally beautiful environment on Guimaras Island |
Guimaras is already beautiful in its present state, and many people would appreciate its hidden beauty and natural charm.
© 2020 Del Cusay
Related Post:
๐ The Resilience of the Filipino Spirit: The People of Guimaras