Pursue Your Passions Without Going Broke

Wow. What a title, right? For me, it hit me hard because I've always been the dream chaser- do whatever it takes to get it, even if it meant risking it all. Like how I played "the game of life" in 2010 when we uprooted and moved to Palawan to live in paradise.

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Security Bank to share this very topic with an intimate group of media influencers and bloggers. I was brutally honest in sharing what I went through when I didn't have a financial back up plan for my dream project. To make the looong story short: FAILURE isn't a word I fear anymore because I've been there and done that. In fact, I thank my husband and myself for failing on that dream because it placed things in perspective and taught us life-long lessons needed for us to rise. Just like a Phoenix, we feel like we have begun entirely new lives within this lifetime.

Obviously, we are now wiser beyond our years. And grateful that we can start over because in truth, we never stop dreaming and creating our realities. So, we have new goals and visions to manifest. It makes it more exciting because we currently have the knowledge and tools that we didn't have in the previous years to make it through.

Security Bank came in my life at the right moment, now that my husband and I are seriously thinking about investing for our children's future. We can no longer be selfish about living "our dreams" alone. We have to also be realistic on HOW to achieve those without suffering. As parents, we are fully responsible for the welfare of our children.

In the workshop, not only did I share my story, I also learned the true value of investing for myself and my family. This is something I have always been interested in but too scared or shy to really learn since any topic that discusses money can be quite sensitive. The Security Bank officers during the day made sure to answer all our inquiries on UITF or Unit Investment Trust Funds where we can choose to invest in the manner of our personality. I am a natural risk taker but believe it or not, when it comes to money that I have earned or want to invest in, it seems that I want to play it safe which makes me a conservative to moderate (surprisingly, not an aggressive) investor. You can learn more about UITF and how you can start investing now for as little as Php10,000 here. 

What I loved most about Security Bank is the hassle-free personalized banking service called "Switch Kit" wherein a dedicated sales associate will open an account for you in the comforts of your own home! There was a document that I needed to sign for me to open my UITF and true enough, like top service, a representative came to my house for this breastfeeding- work-at-home mother. (Yes, I was really nursing my 2-year old to sleep at the time of her visit!).

For more information visit www.securitybank.com.ph to know more about Security Bank's products and services.

Monica Manifests: The Shift

In the recent months, I felt an intense pull of energy to STAY put and not travel. (very different from my last year of non-stop travel with the family thus prompting me to launch My Little Globetrotters). I quit traveling (for now) and stopped going to many of the social events I was invited to, took a pause on blogging and even take digital detox days to truly BE with my children. What happened next was an abundance of time and energy to do the things that I really wanted to do but didn't have the time for because of all the excuses I kept telling myself. I used the sudden freedom to recalibrate and think things through. Have my goals and dreams changed? Where do I spend a bulk of my time and energy on? Does it add up? Am I truly investing in the right path to get to where I need to be?

So, I have switched my old Instagram name from @dharmadreamsbig to @MonicaManifests and also use the same name now for Facebook. The old name didn't feel right anymore and it helps to be aligned with your current desires. I've also been doing a lot making with my hands. I needed alchemy in my life, where I can make things from scratch and then come out with a completely new product that can be of good use like art therapy, cold processed soaps (thanks to soap mentor extraordinaire, @AnaGutch of @bodyfoodallnatural on IG), healing balms and salves. During the new moon week, I planted new seeds of herbs and veggies on my garden patch. I've also been meditating and praying more. For someone who is in another cross-road in life, I simply asked for guidance. 

The Universe listened to my thoughts and intentions and brought upon me changes that needed to unfold for myself. The invites from potential work clients also started to shift-- from those that do not align with my personal values, to those that actually do! I have been invited to speak on my personal life pursuits and help inspire others -- which IS my dharma or purpose. (By the way, I still have to change my blog name, too!)

In connection with my new changes, I have collaborated with @nabalo on Instagram who is giving away her glorious gem of an e-book "Manifest With The Moon: Your Workbook for Lunar Phase Manifestation" to my followers. Read mechanics on my Instagram page @MonicaManifests and join me in manifesting new dreams!

A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop

With just a few days left before we leave for our holiday vacation, I decided to take a mini-break from the frantic planning and chaotic busy-ness of last minute work deliverables (I still have one last event this Sunday for Flow In The City Christmas Edition!).

A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop with Tita Malou Medrano (one of my son's nurturers or kindergarten teacher years ago) was just what I needed to slow down and ground. It is also my own preparation for my handmade and homemade Christmas present to both my kids (they will have to share a doll until I get to make another one!). Since I wasn't able to attend her 3-day workshop because of conflicted schedules, I opted to attend a shorter version with other Waldorf parents and teachers.

Here are some of the materials I started to work with

My classmates for today were parents and teachers from other Waldorf schools in the Philippines. I am so glad to be part of this community of like-minded folks!

Yes! With much guidance from Tita Malou, I made the head of a baby!

This doll was my inspiration for the one I am currently making. It is one of Tita Malou's masterpieces :)

Here's the group with our almost-finised works! I'm still working on adding hair and completing the finishing touches on mine but will make sure it will be ready for Christmas!

I honestly waited until I had a daughter before I decided to finally get one or better yet... make one. I don't know why I never made one for my son. Perhaps, I wasn't ready yet. Waldorf dolls are so very special because they are very simple, handmade and with the best intentions for your child. Unlike mass produced, plastic or factory made dolls that have no deep meaning nor positive energy, these loving creations are a gem to childhood! I wish I had one when I was young!

I saw this beautiful quote --

"......a handcrafted doll is one of a kind, an individual which carries the spirit of the maker in its stitches and absorbs the spirit of the child who loves it".

Another important thing about Waldorf dolls, Tita Malou says that it is important to keep it very simple, with no emotions especially for very young children (as you can see in the photos) so that your child may imagine it on the doll. Children will mirror their own emotions on the doll as they go through life's milestones. Whenever they are sad, they will also hug and care for a sad doll. When they are happy or excited, the doll will be the same. It is an extension of themselves, and so we treat dolls with respect, with reverence as with life. Read more about Waldorf dolls here.

Here are more of Tita Malou's brilliant works all sold out at the recent Advent Fair in Acacia Waldorf School. Thank you for the photo, Luisa!

To order a very special Waldorf doll for your child or your godchildren or join future Waldorf doll making workshops, please SMS Tita Malou Medrano at 0932-9603392 or email mjrmedrano@yahoo.com

Sound Healing: Crystal Bowls and Balinese Bell

Last Saturday, I attended a Sound Healing workshop conducted by musician, healer and artist, Yeyette San Luis and Ishilta Chasi of Ginhawa at Breathe, a yoga studio in Nuvali. It was my first time to visit and this has been long overdue since I have intended tosupport since before it even opened! The day has finally arrived and I resonate with the place because it stems from a community of like-minded folks.

The space is nice, airy and bright. More than a yoga studio, Breathe focuses primarily on healing which incorporates many other modalities. There is a snack and juice bar and a healing room for more private sessions behind the main yoga studio space.

This was the beautiful set up of Yeyette and Ish. 

I've personally been drawn to Sound Healing since I attended a class in The Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali last 2010. My soul sisters at Flow also got hooked when they attended a class and a workshop in our retreat a few months back. Since then, we have created a Sound Healing thread on Whatsapp to hopefully awaken a local collective in Manila. 

Yeyette explained that everything vibrates. Even each cell in our body creates a sound. If one goes array, then the rest is affected...just like when an instrument goes out of tune. This is a reminder that you must re-tune constantly. And that is precisely what we were all there for. For re-tuning. 

We were asked to just lie down (just like in Savasana) for the whole session. Yes, that is how they do it, even in Bali. Then both Ish and Yeyette started using their instruments: the crystal bowls, the balinese bell and then for the last few minutes, Yeyette did spirit singing as well.

While the sacred sound concert was going on, you are transported to a deeply peaceful state of being. Many of us reported seeing colors. I was watching a groovy psycedelic hologram show. I can only explain it as my chakras being activated as we were retuning to the perfect pitch. Oh, it's definitely something to experience!

A class photo of all these souls (we are more than body!)

Immediately after class, we felt the effects. Just look at our happy faces! 

And because I want more of this kind of stuff....there is another upcoming event which next weekend which I will also be attending because it is like a Energy Detox BUFFET. You may choose 3 out of the wide range of healing offerings for a flat fee of only 1,250php! I am telling you, it is certainly worth the drive out to Nuvali! Please come and join me?

Breathe 

Solenad 1, Bldg. 4

Lakeside Evozone, Nuvali

Sta. Rosa, Laguna

www.facebook.com/breatheph

Cel no. +639175606274

Email breatheph@gmail.com

Website www.breathe.ph

World Famous Astrologer, Yael Yardeni Is Coming to Manila

I am so very excited for November because Kabbalah Philippines is bringing in Yael Yardeni, a world reknowned French Astrologer to Manila for the very first time!

I have been a student of Kabbalah for over 2 years now. I admit to being a delinquent student but I will never forget the core principles from my mentors which I do practice and have tremendously helped me with life issues: from career advice, to marriage to parenting and self-improvement. There has been so much fruits from the lessons in our study groups. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for answers. 

One of my interests and what has drawn me to Kabbalah was their practice of Astrology and how it applies to our lives everyday. I believe in the law of karma and past-lives so I had an Astrology reading when I was pregnant with my daughter because I wanted a clean slate for her arrival. I was mindblown by the results. From what I remember, the Astrologer knew very private information about me which she couldn't have gotten from anyone else (she was in London and we were doing this session via Skype). And she also had very sound advice on how to move forward from my past live hurdles --which keeps re-enacting in this lifetime because I haven't made the necessary corrections.

If this is something that sparks interest in you, please do come hear Yael speak! It might just change or save your life!

{Sharing the Press Release from Kabbalah Philippines}

Do you know that what you’re experiencing now may have been a result of your past life?  Are you willing to make that “correction” in order to change the course of your destiny?

These questions may seem impossible to answer but to Kabbalistic astrologer, Yael Yardeni, the only question is: Are you ready to know the answer?

Yardeni’s “gift” to read the past and chart the future has made her one of the most sought-after astrologers in the world ---  the waiting period for a chart reading with Yael can be up to six months or more.

Yael is a Kabbalistic Astrologer and astrology teacher with an international reputation, practicing for the past 12 years. Her readings are grounded on the principles and teachings of Kabbalah, an ancient spiritual wisdom that speaks of free choice and the ability of each person to rise above their circumstances.  

Yael Yardeni was born and educated in France, studying mathematics, physics, and finally continuing into medical studies. In 1987, she met Rav and Karen Berg, the Kabbalah Centre's founders and soon after, changed her direction in life, choosing to leave the field of medicine to begin her study of Kabbalah.

Since then, together with her husband, Eliyahu, Yael has founded Kabbalah Centres in France, London, and Miami, and has taught in Los Angeles and Hong Kong.  Through her astrological chart readings, Yael connects thousands to their purpose in life, based on her astrological chart readings.  

Now, Filipinos need not wait that long as Yardeni will be coming to Manila for a talk “Learning the Language of the Signs: Kabbalistic Astrology with Yael Yardeni”   to be followed by-appointment-only private readings on November 4, 2015.

Upon the invitation of Kabbalah Centre Philippines (KCP) Yardeni’s visit will be coming to Asia just to visit the Philippines – and for a very compelling reason. “We are proud to say we are the biggest and perhaps busiest Kabbalah Centre study group in all of Asia,” says Sarah Weston, Filipina Kabbalah teacher  residing in London who heads KCP.

Yardeni’s Manila engagement is also seen as fortuitous given that the country is preparing for the Presidential elections next year.

“Expectations are riding high on every candidate -- there is a desire for change. Yael can give us insight on the change in consciousness each of us needs to manifest to ensure that the Philippines stays on its trajectory towards growth – as we are all collectively responsible,” explains Weston.

Weston also points out that Yardeni’s talk and chart readings are open to everyone, even non-Kabbalah students. “While there are astrological influences that are specific to the individual, there are collective influences that we are all subject to as a country and community. It will be interesting for anyone who has a stake in the Philippines to hear what's in our country’s chart,” she adds.  “Karen Berg, our Spiritual Director,  says that astral influences  impel but do not compel us.  So by tapping into astral energies  available, we can be the best versions of ourselves.”   

To get a taste of Yael’s weekly astrological forecasts, https://livingwisdom.kabbalah.com/astrology-forecast-august-23-29-2015

Yael’s lecture on November 4, 2015 at 7:30 pm will be at the Rockwell Cinemas at the Powerplant Mall. Yael will  give an overview of Kabbalistic Astrology and delve into each each sign, provide a forecast for Philippines, its direction for 2016 and how each sign can make use of the astral energies available in the coming year to ensure that the country and individuals  can make better choices to have a better year ahead.  Limited private astrological chart readings may also be booked, Early bird rates are available until October 13 with tickets at P1000 each, tickets purchased after then will be sold for P1500.  To inquire about tickets and private astrological chart readings: email Philippines@kabbalah.com or call 0917.584.8262

ABOUT KABBALAH

Kabbalah is a universal wisdom that can be studied by anyone regardless of their faith or path. It pre-dates the Bible and religion. Presenting the wisdom from a lineage of kabbalists, the Kabbalah Centre provides a course of study that describes the physical and spiritual laws of the universe, including human existence and the journey of the soul. With the use of Kabbalistic tools, students can improve the quality of their lives and move towards lasting joy and fulfillment. On a literal level, the word Kabbalah means “receiving.” It is the system by which we achieve true fulfillment in life.

ABOUT YAEL YARDENI

Yael Yardeni was born and educated in France, studying mathematics, physics, and finally continuing into medical studies. In 1987, her cousin introduced her to Rabbi Berg and his wife Karen Berg, the Kabbalah Centre's founders. Upon her discovering of the secrets of Kabbalah and her meeting the Rav and Karen, Yael changed her direction in life, and chose to leave the field of medicine to begin her study of Kabbalah. Her chart readings are in no way conventional. Yael has a wide and extensive knowledge on the subject, as well as degrees in hypnotic therapy, clinical hypnotic therapy, and past life regressions.

Please contact:  

Philippines@kabbalah.com

0917.584.8262

Early bird rates by October 13 of P1000

After October 13 - P1500