INTRODUCTION
The sea is paradoxical: 1. it is teeming with life and is a source of nourishment, and at the same time, 2. it is dangerous and untamable. This paradox is a phenomenon experienced by my ancestors in the Philippines. My father shared this story with me about his father (my grandfather) and his grandfather (my great grandfather). It highlights my ancestors' call to adventure towards the deep ocean - a mythological theme fairly common among Pacific islanders.
Pacific islanders have a very special relationship with the vast ocean. If one investigates the historical migration of Pacific islanders from southeast Asia towards the deep vast Pacific ocean to the east (see graphic on the right), then this archetypal theme of exploring the known deep waters makes sense. If your ancestors rowed and sailed on a canoe for new resources and opportunities for thousands of years, then chances are that your cultural myth will revolve around it.
The sea is paradoxical: 1. it is teeming with life and is a source of nourishment, and at the same time, 2. it is dangerous and untamable. This paradox is a phenomenon experienced by my ancestors in the Philippines. My father shared this story with me about his father (my grandfather) and his grandfather (my great grandfather). It highlights my ancestors' call to adventure towards the deep ocean - a mythological theme fairly common among Pacific islanders.
Pacific islanders have a very special relationship with the vast ocean. If one investigates the historical migration of Pacific islanders from southeast Asia towards the deep vast Pacific ocean to the east (see graphic on the right), then this archetypal theme of exploring the known deep waters makes sense. If your ancestors rowed and sailed on a canoe for new resources and opportunities for thousands of years, then chances are that your cultural myth will revolve around it.
The Sea of Life
Adapted from “Francisco in the Stormy Seas” (by Rev. Lucio B. Mutia) - A Southeast Asian / Pacific Islander story
On an island in the southern Philippines, there once was a young man named Francisco who lived in a small town close to the sea. His father Eugenio was a farmer and a fisherman, and Francisco often accompanied his father to go fishing.
One day, a worrisome news came: a typhoon (a very strong storm from the sea) was coming and about to crash into their island.
Eugenio called his son: “Francisco, take our bangka (our canoe) out into the sea now! Paddle out into the deep waters and ride the waves.”
Initially, Francisco wanted to protest. “Why would I have to go towards the storm on a bangka? Wouldn’t that be unsafe? The storm would probably sink it.”
Adapted from “Francisco in the Stormy Seas” (by Rev. Lucio B. Mutia) - A Southeast Asian / Pacific Islander story
On an island in the southern Philippines, there once was a young man named Francisco who lived in a small town close to the sea. His father Eugenio was a farmer and a fisherman, and Francisco often accompanied his father to go fishing.
One day, a worrisome news came: a typhoon (a very strong storm from the sea) was coming and about to crash into their island.
Eugenio called his son: “Francisco, take our bangka (our canoe) out into the sea now! Paddle out into the deep waters and ride the waves.”
Initially, Francisco wanted to protest. “Why would I have to go towards the storm on a bangka? Wouldn’t that be unsafe? The storm would probably sink it.”
However, Francisco didn’t have much time to ask and protest, and simply did what his father had commanded.
He paddled their bangka out into deep waters. And soon enough, the strong winds and giant waves came. Francisco carefully rode the canoe on the crests and troughs of the giant waves.
While riding the waves, Francisco noticed that the bangka had less chances of capsizing and flipping over if it faced the waves head on.
He paddled their bangka out into deep waters. And soon enough, the strong winds and giant waves came. Francisco carefully rode the canoe on the crests and troughs of the giant waves.
While riding the waves, Francisco noticed that the bangka had less chances of capsizing and flipping over if it faced the waves head on.
After an hour or so, the storm ceased. Francisco was relieved and started rowing back to the shore. As he arrived on the shore, he was surprised to see that all of the bangkas that stayed on the beach were utterly destroyed, broken into pieces by the giant waves that crashed the shores.
When he got home, he thanked his father for the wisdom he had received from him. Because of that wisdom, their bangka remained safe and intact and they were able to continue to use their boat to fish.
When he got home, he thanked his father for the wisdom he had received from him. Because of that wisdom, their bangka remained safe and intact and they were able to continue to use their boat to fish.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What storms and deep waters have you ventured? What shallow waters (that you thought might be safe, but in reality are places of danger) tempt you to return back to?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
REFLECTION ROUNDS + SONG
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Our Storms
Art#1
Art#2
Reflection,
Drawing Prompt
Drawing Example
Live Background
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Our Storms
Art#1
Art#2
Reflection,
Drawing Prompt
Drawing Example
Live Background
The Sea of Life (by Chaplain Donnel) Lyrics/Chords
VERSE 1
Rowing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Rowing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
CHORUS
Seeking peace in the storm
Find my breath in the wind
Riding on the mighty waters flow
VERSE 2
Sailing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Sailing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
[Back to CHORUS]
VERSE 1
Rowing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Rowing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
CHORUS
Seeking peace in the storm
Find my breath in the wind
Riding on the mighty waters flow
VERSE 2
Sailing to the sea of life, sea of life, sea of life
Sailing to the sea of life and dance with waves (2X)
[Back to CHORUS]
