#daily reflection

One of the biggest things that has struck me so far is how little we have remaining from history when it comes to how Hades and Persephone were worshipped. I understand that worshipping Him was a bit taboo, but I’m surprised that I’ve struggled to find evidence of Her being worshiped in isolation from other gods. She’s usually with Demeter.

It seems to me that, other than in a few regions outside of Greece proper, Persephone was mainly worshipped in relation to her Spring aspect, not her role as Queen of the Underworld. I hope I can serve both aspects of her so she’s not limited in any capacity

I feel an urge to give them more of what they have historically been overlooked for: recognition and veneration. Of course there are some stereotypical elements that are associated with them, such as the pomegranate, but I’d like to find ways of acknowledging and praising them that are a bit more individual, tuned to my personal relationship with each of them, as those relationships develop. I think I’m getting stuck in my head and overthinking my struggle to come up with ideas of what to put on their altars, and am overthinking it.

With not as much historical evidence of practices and rituals as other gods may have, I’m going to rely a lot on my intuition and what I gleam from my interactions with them to guide me in what ways are best to venerate Them. I’d love to hear any suggestions you all have or any practices you’ve had experience with that are related! What actions/offerings do you think are appropriate here? I do have a background in history (not much Greek, though), so I do hope in my continued research I’ll find a practice or offering with historical precedence that I can adapt to todays world!

You have permission to notice the pleasant and leave the rest where it is.

Observation does not require fixing, explaining, or performance.

It is okay to receive a small kindness and let it rest inside,without feeling the need to make it mean anything else.

8/ 23/ 2021

Oh my lovely Labor law notes! I miss studying in coffee shops /(╥_╥)/ 

These past few years was a messy whirlwind of existential crisis, failures, happiness, and moving on. Before the start of the pandemic, I chose to move back to my province after catching wind that the COVID-19 will hit the capital first. It was back in 2019 and I was in Metro Manila struggling to juggle this news, finals, and school requirements. It did not help that our professors were indifferent and the school admin was very uncooperative. I was sick all the time; my asthma attacks got worse, I had acid reflux for the first time, and I always had fever during and after every exam. I was reviewing for my classes (8 subjects with an average of 20-45 assigned case readings per meeting), finishing my apprenticeship (traveling from different cities braving the hell that is Manila traffic), helping my younger brother with his school work, and being involved in the family business. I was beyond exhausted. It finally hit the last straw when I went to go for a check up after a bad asthma attack and agonizing acid reflux. The doctor told me that I was so stressed that my body is trying to communicate through my illnesses that it could not keep up with me anymore. After completing my school requirements, I quickly packed my bags and moved back home. Terrified of the virus and the results of my finals, I was withdrawn for the first few weeks from my family. However, while eating lunch with my mom I suddenly cried in front of her and admitted that I was tired of law school. She cried with me and told me she understood and that she hated herself for letting it go on like this. We spent that day just mother-and-daughter bonding. I took my time to heal, take care of my health, and bond with my family. In the end I still decided to pursue law because I already committed myself in this career for so long that going back is not an option anymore. And at some point... I did enjoy my time learning about the law, the cases, and my law school buddies. Since moving back, I did not contract any illness. No asthma attack, no acid reflux, no fevers, no coughs, nothing. I was amazed that I can go through the week without coughing or wheezing. I even thanked God that I can finally go up and down the stairs without feeling lightheaded lololol It took a long and hard battle for me to understood the importance of healthily loving oneself. To be fair, it is difficult to realize that in law school 😂Anyway, this has become too long already!

Daily Reflection 10/18/20