Author: cbartazo

I always believe that everything happens for a reason, or reasons for that matter. Philosophically, I keep in mind and heart the advantages, never allowing myself to dwell in the negative ones. And again, this can only be possible if we chose to think outside the box, chose to be non-conformist and have keen eyes to see beyond the surface.

The pandemic experience has taught me a lot of things, those that were basic and we’re taught of as young kids.  I guess we all need some revelations, perhaps an epiphany to serve as guide in this life’s journey. Admittedly, it was during this episode that I learned a lot about myself, the people around me and life in general.

I have understood that in order to cope up with the demands of dodging the illness, I need to step back and re-learn the ropes of simple living or I must say, mindful living.    I was aiming to put things in order at the beginning of CY 2020, believing I must get it done to start a new decade afresh.  There were personal issues by then, a lot of them. At the start of March, I breezed through a panel interview for some consultative job in a nephrology clinic, churning figures again though I made it clear it’s not a 9-to-5 fare. Unfortunately, before I could finish up reviewing their existing financial system, covid19 pandemonium have overtaken the country and the world, in general.

Leaving the city immediately was just logical and I guess the only option I had, as lockdowns and border controls have surfaced for safety measures. I left for the farm because for me, it was the safest place to hid from the imminent danger of the disease.  The global pandemic has immobilized the life as we know it.

Living at the Farm

When I left the city, I had all my essentials in a backpack just like going on weekend trip. While I was clueless when its gonna end, my sole concern at that time was to leave immediately for safety.

There was much peace and total immersion in nature, and the assurance that the virus could hardly caught me.  I didn’t wear mask in there – inside or outside the house, got fresh air to breath, picked veggies for kitchen needs, ate fruits from our own trees, etc. There was total freedom.

It was the perfect quarantine episode, there was no telco signal in our home and so I was out of circulation from social media, gadgets do not consume my day and I was more mindful and doing other things that are enriching both physically and mentally.  I realize that one can truly survive without being online or connected to the net. 😊

I was missing my hustle and bustle while in the city, yet staying in the farm was altogether a learning experience, it was like a reorientation of simple living and understanding more about agriculture.  And I was grateful that we have a place to come home to, a place to run for safety and a community that wasn’t difficult to fit in.

Life Support Systems

During quarantine there were lot that has to be given up, we were all immobilized due to travel restrictions.  Obviously, my diving trips plan was cancelled and I was pretty dried up longing for my grand element.  But then, I went to focus more on activities that I have grasp at the moment – plants, animals, environmental advocacy, reconnecting with old friends, household tasks that were deferred for some time, so on.

I guess it was about refocusing my mindset to be productive doing tasks that were at hand and just set aside matters that were beyond my control.  Indeed, there is a time for everything.

Most importantly, Maxine & Bronson were always there for me (“mother & son” aspin tandem) whose love and loyalty can never be outdone, I never expected them both to be sweet and endearing when they are ferocious and aggressive to other people.  I guess they just gave back what they received and more. We had walks in the afternoon when it wasn’t raining and it seemed they had body clock that made them bark at me for our afternoon rendezvous!

Lessons and Reasons

We can’t deny that the effects and aftershocks of the pandemic have affected us all, no one is ever spared and obviously we all have survived the test.  If there’s one important lesson I learned was that the Almighty carried us through and He has reasons for all of these.  Our views may be different from one another, but I always believe the Author of Life will reveal in due time when we are ready for more challenges.  No one has ever imagined that we will experience the global pandemic in our lifetime, definitely it is a lesson to be larger than life. In life’s storms, we can all rise with the waves instead of swimming against it.

In between, I realized that even with the catastrophe – our needs were provided – food on the table, good health, love and support from family. Even with our limited resources, we were able to share to others in need notwithstanding the possibility that the situation might get worse in the next days. In those times, I was only hoping for the best.

In the end, we become better version of ourselves after we overcome our challenges. The pandemic was not our own choice, it came to us unexpectedly but life continues. 

The hullabaloo had quieted in the past three months. Everyone is slowly, with caution and being very measured and very careful, emerging out their cocoons and looking around and figuring out what they can do.  And, I got back in the city a couple of weeks ago for some unfinished business at the workplace. I looked back with fresh eyes, understanding better that in life there is no certainty but we could always carry on if we believe that what happened is for good reasons and trusting that the all-knowing God has in store for us latent resources that could prod us to move on wherever life would lead us.  His promise of graces is overflowing for all of us. Yes, and that’s the way LIFE is!