It's turning out to be a great weekend. The sun is up, a gentle breeze coming and going, and a little peace and quiet out back with my dog. It's a nice time to meditate and be able to raise awareness, which doesn't have to be a huge interstellar spiritual experience or a world-changing awakening a la the Matrix films. It can also be alone time. Away from the chaos of life. Observing the surroundings and observing the self.

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<i><sub>*This is Krimson. He's an ASPIN. The word ASPIN is a combination of the words ASo (Dog) and PINoy (Filipino) - literally Filipino Dog. His mom was abandoned by the owner who moved to another place but left his dog. He was born not long after we adopted his mom.</sub></i> 

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Sometimes, just looking at fallen leaves makes all the difference in the world. It helps me calm the mind and search the inside. Something invisible happens when the heart calms down and the awareness expands. It's different experience for people. For me, there's a burst of energy coming in through the crown chakra, then stillness. 

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<i><sub>Fallen Mango leaves somehow calm me down.</sub></i>

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Stillness is a nice feeling, not necessarily warm and fuzzy inside, just the feeling of no worries. That the universe is telling you that everything is gonna be alright.

It also helps that the Mango tree's green leaves provide an abundance of energy. It's just there, giving out invisible positive light. Well, some people might be able to see it but it can easily be felt by anyone by just holding out their hand and feeling it.

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<center><sub>The rays of light seeps through the openings in the leaves, providing clarity and illumination.</sub></center>

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At this time, I see objects magnified like this flower. The colors are more vibrant in real life. Nature provides the best examples of a color palette to see beauty and to connect with the beauty within; as above, so below.

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The Kamias tree is also in the mood for giving and sharing these days. It has a sour flavor perfect for cooking <i>sinigang</i>, one of my favorite dishes, while providing ample amount of fiber, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorous, and Iron. The fruits can also be eaten raw as an appetizer or made into a shake, which I've never tried before, but I might just experiment with it since we already have an abundance of fruits available. Extract from the leaves are used to treat skin problems.

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<center><i><sub>*Averrhoa Bilimbi, also known as Cucumber Tree, Tree Sorrel or Kamias here in the Philippines.</sub></i></center>

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Finally, I don't know what this plant is called, but the heart shaped leaves are just good to look at. 


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<center><sub>*Is this a Philodendron? I don't have a clue. LOL</sub></center>

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That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my quiet but meaningful weekend alone time. For me, one doesn't have to be in a church or any other place of worship to feel connected to the divine. We can bring the divine wherever we are. We just need to look inside and observe nature. It is there. We just need to see clearly with a clear mind and a quiet soul. 

Happy weekend!

@juanvegetarian 

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<i>*I own all the photos in this blog post.</i>