Time outforthe SPIRIT

When I am overwhelmed by the demands of work and being a responsible adult, I long for week alone on an island, away from it all. But since I could not easily flee to an island paradise, I did the unexpected: I dropped all my plans for the day, boarded my van and headed to Tagaytay.

With only a few pesos in my wallet–enough to cover the necessary tolls and to grab a bite–I sought refuge in Nursia Women & Ecology Wholeness Farm in Mendez, Cavite.

On this drab Thursday, the lush greens and bright orange cosmos flowers emerge like an oasis of color to welcome my weary spirit. A simple structure made of wood and screen panels stand at the center of this 1.2 hectare property. Its centerpiece is a small pond with a charming kiosk murmuring for visitors to sit and be still. Before I could walk into the building, row upon row of rubber slippers and shoes by the door remind me of a meticulous friend’s quaint home.

On cue, Shirley Somono, the farm coordinator, emerge from the door with a warm smile and a friendly welcome, as if she was expecting me, although no one had known of this impromptu visit. She thought I was a participant in the ongoing training seminar in the farm (an ngo concerned with issues of Filipinas in Japan was having a planning session); I explain I had come to think and reflect. She points to the rubber slippers, indicating I should change, leads me inside and excuses herself to wash her hands. She had been cleaning the aquarium, home to caterpillars and pupae soon to become beautiful butterflies.

In minutes she was back, ready to tell me about the farm. We sit in the dining hall, as one of her five companions clear the tables. It was already past two in the afternoon but, like a gracious host, she asks if I had had lunch. I quickly regret answering that I had already eaten when she tells me that their meals use the organic produce and herbs grown on the farm. I wish I could take back my answer and ask for a plate of whatever they had just served the participants.

This farm is a project of the Institute of Women’s Studies headed by Sr. Mary John Manansan, osb. The property is dedicated to enriching the totality of a woman, nurturing the environment, her health and her spiritual needs. The main purpose of the farm is to provide a venue for the Institute’s Women and Ecology Wholeness Seminars. More importantly, it showcases a lifestyle that is both environment-friendly and sustainable. While high school students of St Scholastica’s College use the venue for their retreats, the farm was also created for urban women needing a space of their own.

Unlike retreat houses run by other religious orders, this place is not structured. One feels connected to nature outside even while inside their environment-friendly structures. Cool breezes blow through the well-ventilated house, thanks to huge screen windows on all sides. This simple architectural detail designed by Sr. Mary John minimizes the use of electric fans and fluorescent lighting. A draft of cold air greet me as I enter the dormitory-style room, as if I had entered an air-conditioned room, proof enough of the success of Sr. Mary John’s architectural innovation.

Shirley takes some time off from her duties to show me around. There are only five of them working as a close-knit community, sharing in the duties of caring for the farm and the guests. Cooperation comes into full play each day as they share the cleaning, gardening and cooking tasks.

We walk to the garden where tarragon, basil, sage, parsley, oregano, marjoram, lemon grass, spearmint, peppermint and other herbs grow. Chickens walk freely around the grounds as if they were the proud owners of the property. Organic vegetables and fruits such as malunggay, achuete, papaya, pechay, Chinese kangkong, sitaw, okra and kalabasa abound. The vegetable patches are livened by blooms in orange and yellow hues. Mickey Mouse, an orange flower resembling a gourd with two protrusions for ears, is an interesting sight growing wild near the fences.

A small wooden shed sponsored by the grade school students of St. Scholastica’s houses the mushroom plantation. The more common abalone and oyster varieties grow in this shed along with gano derma, a medicinal mushroom added to coffee. Shirley apologizes for the three lonely mushroom sprouts; they had just harvested the fungi and served them to guests.

A grilled gate leads to the Butterfly Garden. Filled with blooms and citrus plants, the graceful insects dance in their habitat. What looks like an overripe papaya is left for the butterflies to feed on. Benches and chairs thoughtfully dot the garden for visitors to sit and marvel at the performance of the winged beauties. Even the hardworking spiders are busy putting on a show, weaving intricate webs.

The butterflies are friendly, some staying still to pose for my camera, others gracefully fluttering from leaves and petals. One even follows me around, landing on my head. Shirley quips, "Mabango ka, gusto ka ng butterfly." The thought of smelling sweet and being liked by butterflies gives me a thrill indeed!

Shirley explains the butterflies are not there simply for aesthetic reasons. The netted area allows them to illustrate the life cycle of the butterfly with parallelisms to the life of a woman. The caterpillar symbolizes the women victims of rape or abuse. The pupae stage when the insect is immobile and cocooned closely resembles the victim suffering in silence. It is when the insect finally becomes a butterfly that she is likened to a woman finally free from the emotional turmoils of rape. When new life emerges, she is now without baggage, light, at ease and finally able to soar.

There are several bahay kubos on the property where one can sit and ponder, but Shirley warns of snakes roaming in their natural habitat. The farm encourages women not only to be still in thought, but also encourages those blessed with a green thumb to discover the therapeutic value of planting and gardening.

A windmill and solar panel provide alternative sources of energy. Even bio-gas from human and animal wastes are used as a cheaper substitute for lpg gas for cooking. It is impressive how self-sufficient the farm is in growing enough food for its staff and guests. Sometimes, they even have enough organic produce to sell. Even more impressive is how the farm is capable of providing its own power with environment friendly systems.

St. Hildegarde House, named after an 11th century ecologically responsible nun, induces a discernible sense of calm. There are ten private rooms, each with two beds and a communal bathroom. Even in bathing, guests are reminded not to use the water heater longer than 15 minutes and to use only biodegradable soap and shampoo. The third floor houses a prayer loft, a quaint sanctuary reserved for you and your thoughts. Coffee branches are used for the railings of the staircase around the house as a fitting tribute to this land once a coffee plantation of the robust barako.

It is the in the Zen Room where serenity finally whispers to me to be still. White walls with black and red accents, wall to wall tatami mats and the centerpiece round window overlooking the garden spell tranquility. The altar is an ecumenical mix of icons, with a crucifix placed alongside what appeared to be a Buddhist image. This is, after all, a haven for women of all religions.

I ask Shirley to leave me in the room. Ten thousand thoughts race through my head as I sit on the black square pillows. I scribble in my journal like a mad stenographer, uncertain of how to focus or direct my thoughts.

A woman with a head of white wavy hair walks in and sits in lotus position. Although not wearing a habit, her outfit and the medal on her necklace tell me she is a nun. While I could hear the discussion of the training group outside, I soon take in the tranquil nun’s soothing energy. My thoughts slow down and I am lulled to nap in my sitting position.

The pitter-patter of raindrops awaken me; I stare at the rain through the circular window. After two hours of silence, I reckon it is time to go. While I do not totally make sense of my thoughts or have what Oprah would call an "a-ha!" moment, I am ready to go back and face my urban reality.

I say goodbye to Shirley, who offers me crackers with pesto, tomatoes, cheese and a refreshing lemon grass calamansi tea with slices of dalandan. I thank her profusely and drop my donation in the designated box. Shirley says I don’t have to, but I insist since I believe in the farm’s noble commitment to women and to the environment.

They have already succeeded in their mission, for this weary woman has found a safe haven to breathe, to think, to rest, to reflect, and even to dream amidst a beautiful natural sanctuary. I have found a sanctuary for my much-needed time-out.

To get to Nursia: From the Mendez Crossing, take a right all the way to the end of the road. Make a right at Ulapihan Bridge and a left at a dirt road with a Nursia sign and it’s about 500 meters into the farm’s gate.