Liza Florida's Blog

I created this post prior to leaving for the Philippines, however I never published it until now.  There is always a reason to why things happen the way they do.  Timing always seems to play the biggest factor in many of my situations.  I’ve learned so much about my people, my motherland, my heritage, but moreover I’ve learned so much about myself.  I have deeper more enriched relationships with everyone around me and I appreciate all the different talents and gift they contribute to this world. 

A month prior to leaving for the Philippines, I set out on a deeper spiritual journey and fasted on juices.  It was one of the greatest, however one of the most difficult sacrifices I have taken upon myself.  I knew that my volunteer work would bring to different places of great poverty and that I would actually bear witness to those who suffered from hunger on a daily basis. 

Whenever I would look at my five year old son I could never fathom the thought of him ever going hungry, yet there are millions of children that go to bed with empty stomachs.  So with a great desire to bring myself to a position where I could possibly come close to what others were experiencing, I fasted on juices and prayed that God would strengthen my inner will and open my heart to great love and compassion.

I initially embarked on my spiritual journey about a year and a half ago and as I learn to surrender to what is, I began to open my world up to learning so much more about how I operate on a daily basis.  Through this journey I also learned what my true purpose in life.

So whatever your religious and spiritual beliefs, I want you to know that I respect your space and ultimately believe that we are all called to learn how to love one another.  I have posted a video from  Spiritual Teacher, Tobias Lars about opening the heart.  He takes a very unconventional and forthright approach to his spiritual practices, however when I viewed the full video stream, I found that I completely agree with his view on emotions.

As I look back on the five weeks I spent in the Philippines, one of the most important things that I practiced was to be with or to just be in the moment.  I experienced life to its fullest by just being present, I laughed and enjoyed the company of family and friends.  With the simple practice of being present and feeling good, I was able to free myself of so many mental and emotional barriers I placed upon myself. 

I mentioned earlier that my spiritual journey began a year and a half ago and I must admit that when I embarked on that journey there were only a handful of friends who could truly understand the depth of soul searching that goes on during this period.  Thank you, Mat and Jason for the spiritual guidance you have imparted upon me.  Your support has given me the courage to take on the world in an extraordinary way. 

I have attached a video clip of their documentary work Project Everlasting!

I leave you with a quote that is so fitting of my life at this very moment…

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds:  Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness extends in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.  Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself by far to be a far greater person than you ever dreamed yourself to be.

-Pantanjali