(My project in English IV

Didactic Essay)

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. Truly, perfection can only be achieved within the boundaries of surmounting predicaments. To do that, man usually stands firm – never shaken. He usually deals with trials head on without further ado. He usually struggles and never gives up in spite of the paucity of the tribulation. These are what man usually does. Consequently, though, man also usually gets tired and weary in the long run. In facing trials, therefore, it is necessary for man to stop and retreat – to listen, to reflect and to be himself.

Primarily, to conquer tribulations, one needs silence. He needs to relax, meditate and listen to heed his inner voice. Through the silence of the heart, one is relaxed and can reflect properly. Through the silence of the mind, one is meditating and can think efficiently. Through the silence of the mouth, one listens and can establish himself efficiently. Silence prepares one to reflect and be he. Through the silence of the heart, mind and mouth, man trains himself.

Secondly, to overcome trials, one needs to reflect. One needs to know his own self. Amidst tribulations, one must know what he wants to happen. He must also know his strengths. Consequently, he must know his weaknesses. Reflection helps man visualize his destination, nourish his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. Through reflection, one knows and is not afraid of who he is.

Lastly, to prevail over predicaments, he must not pretend. After knowing himself, one needs to live by by who he is, no matter how others try to make him be someone else. He must not only know his wants, but also keep his composure and aim to what he wants to reach. He must not only recognize his strengths, but also manipulate them. He must not only realize his weaknesses, but also accept them and try to nullify them. Being his true self entails him to be focused to his destination, manipulative of his strengths and cagey on his weaknesses. Thus, it is easier to prevail against predicaments.

A retreat helps someone overcome their problems; that is why one needs to have a retreat. After preparing, knowing and being himself, man can surmount all his trials, predicaments and tribulations. Silence prepares one’s heart, mind and mouth to his challenges. Reflection brings the realization of who one really is – his dreams, his strengths and his weaknesses. Being oneself is being focused, manipulative and cagey. Silence, reflection and being oneself, together, lift man to triumph over his challenges. And, like polished silver, a man who retreats, surmounts his trials and later blooms towards shimmering perfection.