LABAO, Christine Rose D.

4BLM

1. Prayer is generally understood as “talking to God.” For me, it doesn’t mean just that. I think
that prayer is also the state of being at peace. It is the capability of an individual to meditate
and clear his or her head. In our society today, most, if not everything, is at a fast paced which
could lead someone to become easily stressed and easily overwhelmed. Amidst the hustle
and bustle going around us, one can feel calm and be free from anxiety with prayer.

Ever since I started my college life, I get more stressed as the year goes by. There are days
where things just take way too much of my energy. So what I do in order to avoid getting
more stressed is that I meditate and breathe. I inhale all the good vibes and and energy and
exhale all the bad. The complete state of silence has given me clarity of the mind which is
very beneficial for me and my mental health. I develop this life of prayer by doing it more
often and longer. It’s very effective as it reduces stress. Additionally, I suggest this to my
friends so that I could help them in some way that I can.

2. The greatest temptation I have in my life right now is giving up. My batchmates and I
discussed how much this semester has put us in hell. We’ve been thrown so many academic
requirements to be done in so little time. Lately, I’ve been very drained and exhausted
because of school to the point I’ve become burned out. I have lost the will and initiative to
study and do any schoolwork. Being someone who is grade-conscious, this is a very difficult
experience.

I realized that if I continue to push myself to the limit and overdo it, I would really decide to
just give up. In order to overcome this temptation, I told myself to rest from time to time
while studying. Also, I found a support system through my friends. We may not be undergoing
the same thing, but having people remind you of your worth is very comforting. I would
always remind myself that I’ve accomplished so much, so why should I stop now? Eventually
and slowly, it worked. I am starting to overcome my temptation.

3. A. Self
As someone who is a shopaholic, I tend to buy things impulsively. This is something I really
want to correct because I know I could have used the money for something useful or
necessary. I’ve started budgeting my money; I’d bring money that I only need for school which
are: fare, money for food, and photocopy money (since I am a Legal Management). Since I
started doing this, I have saved so much money.

B. School
I am liberal person; I do what I want most of the time. So studying in a Catholic school with
apparently has so many rules and regulations I had to adjust. I abide all school policies
obediently because I know that the school is doing what it thinks is best for all the students
and is just trying to protect us.
 C. Family
My family and I aren’t very close but as a daughter, I obey my parents and do my best not to
disrespect them. As a sister and the eldest, I do my best to guide my brother. I teach him his
lessons so that he could easily understand them and won’t have a hard time in school. I also
call him out when he does something wrong or something that would upset our parents.

D. Relationships
There are a lot of people I’m close to, may it be friends or professors. However, I keep my
boundaries so as to not offend them. When I know we’re very close and already comfortable
with each other then that’ll be the time I’ll be more open and expressive towards them.

E. I practice discipline by obeying the law and ordinances of the country. I strictly do not litter
anywhere; if I have trash that I could fit in my pocket, I would keep it with me first if there’s
not garbage bin. I am also a responsible and disciplined pedestrian. I only cross on the proper
pedestrian lanes and follow the stoplight.

4. The Rule of Saint Benedict is a book of principles and teachings written by Benedict of Nursia
for monks living communally under the authority of an abbot. It is summed up in two: pax
and ora et labora. Although compared to other precepts such as The Rule of The Master, the
Rule of Saint Benedict provides a moderate path between individual zeal and formulaic
institutionalism.

I think the significance of the Rule of Saint Benedict is to show anyone can do anything in
moderation or do anything successfully if they work hard for it and pray for it too. Any person
could achieve what Saint Benedict did if they could discipline themselves the way he did.

5. The Rule of Saint Benedict is still relevant today. Though one may say that they have never
heard of such, it can be seen the rule is still relevant because we practice it. It is probably the
greatest legacy of Saint Benedict shared to us.

In San Beda University, the rule is practiced everyday such as humility and silence.
Benedictine monks teach us the values of the rule that it has been inculcated in us. Because
of this, we start practicing these values in school and eventually bring it outside the four walls
of the education institution and influence other people to do so.

6. During the first meeting, the class thought he was rigid and strict. There were some who fear
him and there were others intimidated by him. Although, after a few more meetings, Dom
Pedro started to become relaxed in class which all give us relief.

Just like Saint Benedict, Dom Pedro is a man of discipline. He is never late, all of his things are
arranged and organized, and he just really exudes a sophisticated and noble demeanor. He
shared us a lot of wisdom which the class will sure carry to Law School or even when we start
working years from now.