Another year, the same wish?

Last year towards the dregs of 2016, I found myself welcoming the new year with a book on my lap as I sat leisurely on a rocking chair. It's been years since I've done this.

These days with a tab or a laptop or even just one's mobile, reading has been limited to the feeds we get from the net. Call me archaic or as my grand nieces would say, "fossilized", but I still find the touch of the leaves in a book as pleasurable as playing monopoly or cranium on the board set rather than battling with a gadget.

I miss the exchanges of excitement as we outmaneuver each other face to face. Hearing the peal of laughter of the kids as they prance about when they lead in the game. Or my brother-in-law's "oh meaaahn!" as his grandchildren gang up on him in a match of UNO. Nothing compares with the real-life exchanges. The warmth of an embrace instead of an emoticon. The glitter of excitement or the truth of agitation in a face to face the encounter; and yes the sometimes succinct exchange in anger that is raw but real. The apologies that come after that are sincere and not symbolically contrived, incomparable in strength to a million coined faces.

Although I find technology a great work-helper and a communication tool, I would like to keep it at that. A tool. Whenever technology can access, it is best to speak with a face on the screen. Facetime through other platforms can give more physical credence to what we say.

Meeting with friends and family whenever we can, cannot be replaced. It brings out more laughter that boosts the antioxidants and enhances the hormones that are needed to keep our bodies strong.

In our recent trip to the mountain province with my family for Christmas we noted how our brother Igorots and Ifugaos have maintained their stamina and strength in spite of their age. Apo Dadi, garbed in his G-string was still standing on steadfast legs at 89. He had more fire in his heart as he joked with us, up-to-date with his moves and in-character as he challenged my brother in a spear-battle pose. Although now with his feet garbed in crocs due to arthritis his spirit was still fresh with the youthful nip of the mountain air. His secret was keeping in touch with nature and with himself as he adjusted to the changes brought about by an evolving world he experienced through the guests who would come and go. He was unfazed by the revisions in fashion, proud of his heritage and through his beetle nut-fortified teeth he exuded a joy brought about by being at peace with oneself.

It was nice to see the testament of longevity.

So as the new year switches the pages of our calendars I would like to take a page from Apo Dadi and once again, with more commitment this time, strive to live simply, with more awareness of others, respecting what matters to them even if we differ, and to cultivate the good in each one for this is what glorifies our Father who is in heaven.

Happy New Year everyone!