Stress Free

Before, the term "stress" was used to refer to some clinically diagnosed psycho-somatic ailments or psychological ailments when the physical body is strained by overwork. Now, the word has become a common parlance, used by anyone to refer to almost anything. Stressed by work, stressed by studies, stressed by a person and so on and so forth. In this regard, it is assuring to know that stress is not permanent, stress can even be prevented. It now lies on the individual's coping capabilities and self management potentials. Some people eat, some people visit places, some people sleep, some people talk, some people write, some people play. It all depends on you.

As for me, I handle stress by praying first and foremost, by eating and by walking to places where my bare feet take me. It is the time where I find solace in nature, in myself and in the Supreme Being. I was not really stressed last Saturday but I wanted to take some time off and explore what Cebu is like at night. Together with a good friend, we had simple yet satisfying dinner at Robinsons Supermarket. The we decided to take a little walk, little by little until we reached the site of the newly renovated Plaza Independencia.

The Plaza has been open to the public for several weeks. It is now cleaner, safer and melodramatic. It is now connected with Fort San Pedro, which by the effects of the lightings have created a backdrop view of the Philippines during the Spanish era. It is also filled with obelisk and trees. Benches also accommodate the tired legs while the breeze breathes away the tiresome problems of the day. The running water from the fountain, the cemented pathways and the intricately designed gazebo seem to take you in a wonderland in the midst of a busy city.

Unexpectedly I saw another good friend, so we passed the night with talks, laughs and guffaw. This is stress free!