In a remote village in Bukidnon, Philippines, the author learns about coexistence through their encounter with a large spider in their hut. Initially afraid, they seek advice from locals who view the spider as a part of their environment, rather than a threat. This perspective shift leads to introspection about fear and acceptance. The experience teaches that perceptions of others’ actions often reflect their own inner state, and by understanding this, one can find peace and react less to external fears.
If you are willing to look at another person's behavior toward you as a reflection of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will, over time, cease to react at all.
Their response to my inquiry was simple: 'It lives there.' That perspective changed my initial fear into a deeper understanding of coexistence.
At first, I couldn't sleep. Every creak of bamboo startled me. I imagined the spider descending on my face in the middle of the night.
Slowly, I began to accept the presence of the spider, learning that coexistence means overcoming initial fears to find peace.
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