What's your favorite Filipino word or phrase, and what does it mean?
We have a Filipino word that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit – “Pahinga”
On the surface level, it simply means “to rest” and is related to pausing, waiting, or stopping for a time. Often, when our loved ones pass away, we say, “Nagpahinga na siya.”
“They rested,” and I love the expression that death is the true expression of relaxation. No longer burdened by the fragility of our bodies. No longer weighed down by the stresses of daily life. Ironically, the breath that we lose from dying is in the word itself, “hinga,” which I find fascinating.
“Pahinga” contains life and death – the natural passage of a human’s existence. In religion, it is with God’s breath that we are created and in reality, we all take our last breath. It is inevitable that our lungs give out and eventually we leave this planet.
In psychology, mindful breathing is used as an anchor to the present moment, which lessens anxiety and calms down our nervous system. Our overactive mind could entertain several thoughts, solving problems, taking in information, reinforcing new data, which overloads it, causing many negative consequences. By simply noticing how we breathe, we can return to a more restful state.
Kaya hinga muna, kapatid.
It’s free and it’s always available for you.
Let’s just breathe… okay?
Hinga muna, saka na isipin ang mga ibang bagay. Breathe in… and out.
I know you didn’t do it! Kaya let’s try again, okay?
Breathe in…
And out…
Nice job! Hahaha! I’m proud of you for breathing 🤣😁
Pahinga is just one word, but it’s meaning can be explored deeper. When I think of this word, I can picture afternoon naps with the mattress on the floor, an electric fan blowing directly at my face, and nakadaklay ako sa unan (side-sleeping and putting the pillow under my leg).
Pahinga looks like making myself a cup of coffee and standing by the terrace with a pondering look.
Pahinga sounds like the crinkling of dried leaves under my shoes and sitting on an open field at sunset.
It's jazz music and munching on cheese bread.
It’s dipping my paint brushes into assortment of colors.
Thank you for reading my entry 💜
Maraming salamat Hive PH para sa inyong blogging contest. Naganahan tuloy akong magsulat at magreflect 🤗 Buzzer beater po talaga ako! Hahaha
