Philosophy, Reason, and Love. [a conversation with a friend]

It's been a while since we last talked and yesterday, I was able to have a great conversation with "Kuya Philo." I've known him since freshmen college and we we're in the same department back then. Currently, he is taking his Master's Degree in, of course what else, Philosophy.

I was so surprised when he suddenly barraged me with questions. However, the great thing about it was that he did not do it in such an intrusive way (oh, HR people, loljk), so I was able to open up. It's more like, I was talking to a friend who wanted to know more, but would not push me if I refuse. It is more out of concern and curiousity than being eager to solve what my problem is. You know those kind of people, the type that are so eager to hear what you have to say just so they can retaliate with their opinion, that they think is so much better.

Anyways, so that's it. Indeed, I did not tell Kuya Philo all the shit that made me who I am, especially not that one. And he just let me. All he said was that, (not verbatim, of course), "So, usually there is something deep settled into the core of our being. And we wrap that with layers and layers of cloth and layers and layers of masks. And these are the things we refuse to deal with consciously. But in one way or another, they will always find a way to seep through the cloth and the mask. And even if you keep them so deep inside, they will find a way out. Also, do you think that's healthy? Do you think that's good for you?"

Also, on attachment issues, on keeping a safe distance from people...these are his thoughts and he referred to Buddha and Jesus, most of the time. (He used to be a seminarian...)

"Yes, you are not attached with the person. You are just investing enough emotions. You are keeping a safe distance. All because you don't want attachment and you are scared of being left behind. But aren't you also attached to the idea of attachment? According to Buddha, the cause of suffering is attachment, so we must not be attached. It is the knowledge that all things, all people will die, so we must not be attached. However, it must go both ways. We must not be attached to the person and at the same time, we must not be attached to the idea of attachment or the fear of it."

"The present is the foundation of the future. If you want something to change in the future, then you must do the changes now, in the present. The past is the past, it is part of who you are and you need to make peace with it."

"So, the past is longer and the future shorter."

Re Heidegger: "According to Heidegger, there is a concept of worlding the world. There is an earth and there is a world. When you were born, there is already the earth and when you die, the earth will not chance. But the world that you created when you were alive, that world only exists as long as you exists. And worlding the world means living, being there, in the world you created. It is " being" there. Making the most of what is in front of you. Of what is here, now."

and the most valuable lesson for the night...

SLOW DOWN. 

Don't just let five years pass you by. Avoid finding yourself saying "Whoa. Five years passed by already?!" No. You must find yourself saying..."It was a wonderful five years..."

And here, we come to conclusion. An amalgamation of being in the moment and of slowing down. Of not rushing and making the most of what is at present. "Like this, I am enjoying this moment. A good conversation with a good friend, right now, at this moment..." and "Eating is art. Chew the food slowly, let it settle in your mouth for a while before swallowing. Do not rush."

p.s.

he also had a great explanation as to why I am gaining weight! it's because i've been too stressed that my body is demanding more. and since the demand is high, nothing is really being burned so the higher the demand of my body, the more i intake carbs and shit. so yeah. he said i should stop the routine and start doing other things out of my eating routine. and heck yeah. i'll do just that. another is the realization that i no longer carry a book with me. what happened?! i used to have a book in my bag almost all the time. SO CHANGES, AJA!