Seeking the Wellspring of Heart

20

TW/CW: Eating disorders, body dysmorphia.

CHAPTER 20
Awakening Perspectives

"Are you ready?"

No ma'am!

Quiz namin ngayon, pero hindi lang basta quiz na identification, multiple choice, or enumeration.

Quiz na situational pero in real life, magtatanong ang professor na kailangan namin sagutin sa buong klase. Understanding Self ang subject kaya talagang madugo ito. Para raw ma-connect kami sa isa't-isa at matigna kung malawak ba ang understanding namin sa mga bagay-bagay.

"Remember that this quiz isn't just about your score-- it's about how we perceive things. There are no right or wrong answers; all responses are valid. However, you will be graded on how clearly you communicate your message."

Dumagundong ang puso ko nang magsimula niyang i-shuffle ang mga index card.

"Mr. Alenzo, please come in front."

Napabuga ako sa hangin dahil ligtas ako.

Tumayo yung lalaking tinuro dati ni Pat na may crush daw sa'kin. Sean ata pangalan.

Hindi halatang kinakabahan siya, nakapamulsa ito na pumunta sa harap. Umiwas siya ng tingin sa'kin nang makitang nakamata ako sa kanya.

"Is it wrong for couples to engage in sexual activity before marriage?" tanong ni Ma'am.

Tumahimik ang lahat, hinihintay ang sagot mula kay Sean.

"While it may sound offensive or hateful to some, lust is a natural part of the human experience. No matter how much one may disagree with this, it is a fact that people feel this way at some point in their lives." Panimula niya.

Tumango-tango ang iba kaya ganun din ako.

"It's important to recognize that, scientifically speaking, sex is a natural part of the human experience. Couples often feel a deep emotional connection towards each other, and when we kiss someone we love, we tend to feel a sense of desire and longing for a more intimate connection."

"Many religions prohibit sex before marriage, viewing it as a sin. Believing this is perfectly acceptable, others respectfully disagree, and that's okay too."

"To finally answer your question Ma'am, It's wrong to shame or look down on couples or individuals who engage in consensual sexual activity before marriage. Some people view them as immoral, sinful, or unclean, but that's simply their personal belief. However, it's disrespectful to impose those views on others who are just living their lives normally. As long as everyone involved is of legal age and practicing safe sex with contraception to prevent pregnancy, there's nothing inherently wrong with it. We should be more tolerant and less judgmental of others' personal choices, as long as they aren't harming anyone."

Napangiti si Ma'am at nagpalakpakan kaming lahat. Ang clean niya sumagot, nilawakan niya understanding niya para ma-validate ang beliefs ng audiences niya.

"Wow, wala akong masabi, basta wow. Napakahusay, Mr. Alenzo." Ani Ma'am at may sinulat sa index ni Alenzo.

Dumagundong ulit ang puso ko sa pag-shuffle ni Ma'am.

"Ms. Lorenza, your turn." Tumayo ang class president namin sa harap. Malawak ang ngiti na binigay niya. "How would you react when someone says mental illness isn't real?"

"Respectfully, Ma'am, I'd be happy to provide information about this topic if they are interested in learning more. However, if they seem resistant or unwilling to engage with an open mind, I don't believe it would be productive for me to insist on explaining it further. Some people may simply not be receptive to discussions about mental health, and I try to be mindful of that. My energy is better spent educating those who are eager to learn and understand these important issues." Simpleng sagot niya. Nagpalakpakan din kami.