MY friends know that I have a small leisure farm in Cavite. It has a few farm animals—turkey and chickens, to name a few—and lots of fruit-bearing trees like pineapple and calamansi. I finished writing my book on servant leadership while I was at that farm. I write more challenging law exams every time I am there. Together with my dogs, I always find peace whenever I visit the farm. Amidst the cool breeze and fresh air, one particular verse always comes to mind, Psalm 62:1-2, which says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” My communication lines to Him appear to be stronger when I am at my farm. Of course, I get added relaxation when I see my dogs at play!
But this article is not about my farm in Cavite. Let me tell you about a different kind of farm, one that provides a holistic kind of sanctuary. Some say that The Farm in San Benito is a place where you can detoxify and jump-start a weight- management program. Some say it is where you can embark on a wellness journey (spa and yoga, among others) to rediscover vitality and regain energy. Others say The Farm is where you can find serenity, and ultimately escape the stress and pressure of the outside world. Accommodations at The Farm can be pricey, but I truly believe that every business leader or corporate executive should try the many programs offered. With about 47 hectares of lush plantation and virgin forest, any tired and restless person will be able to reconnect with his spirit, reinvigorate his body, and reenergize his mind. I have been at The Farm a few times. It works!
I had the fortunate opportunity of meeting one of the owners of The Farm—Naresh Khattar. Having experienced the indescribable feeling of being one with himself and Mother Nature, he decided to invest much of his savings and buy The Farm with his long-time friend from India. An engineer by profession, Naresh recently introduced more wellness facilities, such as aqua therapy equipment (Vichy shower, floatation chamber, etc.), and will soon launch a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) chamber.
In a recent talk at the Asian Institute of Management, Fr. Lucien Larre, a Catholic priest with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, explained the benefits of allowing high-grade oxygen to circulate all over our bodies while inside a hyperbaric chamber. Initially, HBOT was developed as a treatment for diving disorders, such as decompression sickness. While HBOT is also considered as a good way of treating brain damage, people who work in stressful environments can reap the benefits of breathing almost 100 percent oxygen. I have tried HBOT several times at the Advance Hyperbaric Life Support Center along 11 Tagdalit Street in Quezon City. It truly works!
During our stressful moments, we need to find peace in Him. We were physically designed to have some rest. The Bible tells us of a Sabbath day of rest for us to draw near to Him and rest in His holy presence. Psalm 23:2-3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Hebrews 4:9-11 says: “So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So, let us do our best to
enter that rest.”
Regardless of religion or spiritual orientation, leaders must find time to rest. Spending a few vacation days outside the workplace does wonders to our physical and mental health. Reading a book or meditating can be a good way to rest our minds. Having a good massage is my favorite way of relaxing my body. Watching a movie marathon is another way to relax and rest.
Resting gives us quiet quality moments. Silence, some say, is the difference between happiness and joy, between fear and faith. Silence allows us to step back and appreciate what we are given. The noise we hear due to our busy schedules distracts us so much that we fail to hear His voice. Christian author Mark Batterson said, “God speaks loudest when we are quietest.” Psalm 46:1 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The Farm is not a luxury resort, and is way beyond being just a health spa. For me, being at The Farm is simply the best way to rest. Rest in silence. It really works!