The Aakowa Parables Vol. I - Life Studies: For A Happy Heart

By Sid Aakowa

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Life Studies: For A Happy Heart contains 25 entertaining parables, with multiple choice questions and writing exercises after each parable for you, the reader, to analyze the scenarios presented. While there are practical pieces of advice and insight for consideration, ultimately, you will have the final say about what course of thought leads to happiness for the characters in each story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jan 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9780988101012

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PARABLE:

THE WISE MAN OF THE HALLAWAYA

Chapter 1

Papina’s five sons, three daughters and 12 grandchildren gathered at her home with their spouses to help her pack and see her off. After 40 years of marriage, Papina’s husband had recently passed away, and she felt compelled to visit Kanwa, the village she was born and raised until the age of 16.

At the time, a wealthy businessman from across the seas was visiting Kanwa, and found great interest in Papina. In exchange for a fee, and the promise of a better life, it was the decision of Papina’s father to let the wealthy businessman take Papina with him to be his wife. She was leaving behind a close-knit community of family and friends, which she would miss very much.

Papina quickly discovered her new life offered much more, in terms of material pleasures, and became accustomed to the lifestyle. She would often think of her life in Kanwa, but because she was busy caring for a household and keeping up with the demands of being a good wife and mother, those thoughts would fade. Only now with her husband passed and all of her children grown, did an opportunity present itself.

The Kanwa village, which resided beside the gorgeous Hallawaya Mountains, was no longer a village. More businessmen from across the seas saw potential in the land and transformed it into a resort. When it happened, Papina was saddened to imagine all of her people being displaced from their homes and forced to move to other nearby villages. The urge to go back grew stronger, but ultimately, there was nothing she could do.

Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you to the airport, Mother Papina? one of her daughters-in-law asked as she helped pack with the others.

No. I’ll be fine, dear, Papina gently smiled. Don’t worry about me.

One of Papina’s grandsons, a toddler, jumped onto her lap, saying, I’m going to miss you, Mother Papina!

Oh, I’ll miss you, too! But I’ll be back before you can count to 100!

The toddler jumped off her lap and ran off, trying to count as high as he remembered.

The entire family stayed until the middle of the night, and then left Papina to rest. She had a flight to catch early in the morning.

Chapter 2

On the plane back to Kanwa, Papina did not know what to expect. Without her blood-related family or old friends present on the land, she imagined it would be strange. She did, however, believe that the air itself would still be rich with the life and energy she once loved. Growing up, she and all the other Kanwa kids were taught about Mother Earth and its wondrous qualities. They were expected to know how to communicate with the land, air, and sea, enjoying it all in mutual love and respect. For that reason, Papina had always known that the Kanwa land was resilient. A modernized resort could not steal its essence or change its beauty.

She was right. As she arrived to Kanwa, it certainly looked different, but it felt the same. The earth seemed to hug her as it would a long lost daughter, and it instantly began sending her memories that had long been forgotten from her childhood. It was as though she had never left. She had forgotten what it felt like to truly feel at home. There were many foreigners enjoying what the Kanwa resort had to offer, but Papina was sure that none of them were experiencing it the same way as she.

That first night when she went to bed, a full moon outside her window shined on the Hallawaya Mountains. It triggered memories to the fact that every Kanwa villager was meant to climb up the mountain when they were of age. The mountains earth was told to be the richest and possess unique spiritual qualities every Kanwa person should experience once in their life. Papina had left before she had the chance, so she decided that first thing in the morning, that was what she would do: climb the Hallawaya Mountains.

Chapter 3

Papina woke up at 5 a.m. to begin her climb. There were easy trails to follow to a certain point, but for how high she wished to go, she started to create her own path. Between moments of rest and taking breaks to eat, her journey to one of the mountainous peaks ended up taking nearly six hours.

As promised, the air was wonderfully clean and the view was majestic. The earth’s voice was clear and inspiring. She put down her knapsack, and sat to look. After a few minutes, she began to cry.

Why are you crying? a man’s voice suddenly said from behind her.

Papina was so startled that her scream echoed through the mountains. The man laughed.

Where did you come from?! Papina asked angrily.

I live here, he shrugged.

He was an older man, possibly Papina’s age, but just like Papina, still looked very youthful and attractive.

What do you mean, ‘you live here’? Where is ‘here’?

The old man smiled. In the mountains... I live here, in the mountains.

Why?

He answered her as he picked up sticks. Well, a long time ago, I used to live in the village down there. Some foreigners came from across the seas, fooled our elders into thinking they would help our land, but made it into a resort. Unlike the others in our village, I refused to leave. He stopped what he was doing and looked directly at Papina saying, The truth is, even before they made our village into a resort, I had made my decision to leave for the mountains.

Papina thought over what he said, and wondered why he kept saying our? She inched closer to look at him. He smiled as if he knew something and Papina’s face lit up. Sani! she shouted as she ran to hug him. Is it really you?! Papina and Sani were close as children, and he was one of the people she knew she would miss the most in having to leave.

There were so many questions Papina wanted to ask. She wanted to know what she had missed after she went away. She demanded updates about their old friends and family that left for other villages, and she wanted details about how they reacted when they lost the land. They spent hours re-living memories long passed in Kanwa, but Sani had something more in mind after a time.

What about you, Papina? What has your life been like? How have things been in your new world?

Papina became solemn and looked out at the mountainous view. Well, I now have five sons, three daughters and 12 grandchildren.

Oh, wow, Sani chuckled. That’s quite the family. It sounds like you’ve done very well for yourself, Papina. So why do I sense you to be sad?

My husband – the same man who took me away from Kanwa – he died recently.

I see. I’m very sorry to hear that.

No, Sani. That’s not why I am sad. I am sad because my life has been wasted. Don’t get me wrong, I do not regret any of my children, but...I only feel as though I was fulfilling a duty. I was sold for a price and with a promise. Yet, I never truly loved as I believe I could. Being here, right now in Kanwa with you, I can feel an entirely different path that I missed. My husband and family always loved me and treated me well, but in my heart of hearts, a day did not pass where I did not long to be home.

When Papina turned to look at Sani, his eyes shined. I understand Papina. It was hard for all of us to see you go. I even believe your father regretted it until the day he died.

They sat in silence for a long time after that, looking out at the sky as the stars began to appear and the moon started to shine. Looking up, the possibilities in the universe seemed endless, and the earth, they so loved, worked to heal the sadness in the air.

After they ate, Sani invited Papina to stay the night, since it would be too dangerous to trek back down the mountain in the dark. Papina agreed. As Sani lay out their sleeping essentials, Papina was shocked by the primitive way he was living. This is where you sleep every night, Sani? How have you managed?

My dear friend, you’ve been spoiled! All those years of comfortable living have made you soft, Sani teased.

You may be right about that, Sani, but I am being serious. Even as children, a visit to the Hallawaya Mountains was just that – a visit. This is not a place to live. Why are you doing this? Why will you not join the others who made homes in the villages nearby?

As I told you, even before our village was made into this resort, I had come here to live.

Yes. Why?

One day I will tell you the whole story. For now, let us just say that only Mother Earth was willing to let me keep faith in something that seemed impossible. I needed to be away from all people that disturbed my belief. In the mountains I’ve been able to connect with our creator in ways I never believed possible. I am completely focused. Clear of any distractions. I have gained access to certain truths, unlike the average man. Sani’s words lingered in the night air. The earth covered them in sheets of love as they drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 4

Papina woke up in the morning with the sun shining in her face. There was a peace in the air unlike any she had ever known.

I think I can understand why you’ve chosen to live here, Sani. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well, Papina said as she stretched. When she turned to look at where Sani had been sleeping, he was not there.

Sani? Where are you? Papina called out. There was no answer. Papina assumed that he had simply gone to get wood for a fire, so they could have breakfast. Or maybe he went to clean up himself in a nearby stream. In the meantime, she packed her belongings, found some fresh water to freshen up, and waited. She waited for nearly two hours, and began to realize to her great sadness, that Sani was not coming back.

She began the long trek down the mountain with a broken heart, wondering if she had done something wrong for Sani to leave her without saying good-bye. Seeing him was the best reminder of a life she once loved, and just like that, it was all ripped away – again.

Once she reached the bottom and went back to the resort lobby, she was greeted by the desk clerk. I see you just came back from the Hallawaya Mountains. How was it?

It was lovely, Papina responded with a forced grin.

Did you meet ‘the wise man of the Hallawaya’?

Who?

You never knew about ‘the wise man of the Hallawaya’? Then why did you go up there? There’s this guy in the mountains that has answers to everything! People travel from all over the world hoping to meet him so they can get some advice. Most of the people here are visiting because they have some type of personal or business crisis in their life. They make the trek up the mountains, and if they’re lucky enough to meet him, they come back renewed.

Very interesting. I honestly don’t know if I met him, Papina said, wondering if there was another person living in the mountains aside from Sani.

Well, I don’t know if this is true, the clerk continued, "but people say he’s been there for nearly 40 years. He was one of the original inhabitants of the village that used to be here. The folklore is that that he climbed up the mountain, waiting for the girl he loves to come back. They say the only way he’ll ever come down is with her. So romantic, isn’t it?" the clerk gushed.

Papina felt her heart begin to race. She turned around, and Sani was standing at a distance, staring at her. The wind blew in his hair, and in that moment, she felt he looked perfect.

Both of them slowly smiled. THE END.

LIFE STUDY #1:

FOR YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN

Wise Man of the Hallaywaya - Question #1: Papina seemed to have a good life after her father sent her away with the rich man from overseas to be married. Do you think her father did the right thing by giving her away to be married so young?

Reflections of a happy heart: Matters of Love

A. Papina’s father saw an opportunity to give Papina a better life, so he had no choice.

B. Papina would have been better off staying in her village with her friends and family until she was older.

C. It wasn’t a good idea, but it ended up working. So no harm, no foul.

D. Papina was going to have to get married one day. It’s not easy, but its life.

*Select your answer and then complete the following writing exercises in a separate notebook

Is there only one right answer in your mind? If so, give yourself (1pt)

Can you explain why you didn’t choose the other options as answers? For each successful defense, give yourself (1pt)

Sid Aakowa thoughts:

In the spirit of wanting the best for their kids, many parents make choices on their children’s behalf, which they believe will benefit them in the future. In closer examination of those decisions, it is evident that the projected expectations and fears clearly represent the issues of the parents, and have little to do with what the child has asked for.

In actuality, as first priorities, children just want their parents to give them quality time, attention, validation, and love. That is the foundation, and then everything else is a bonus. It is not to say providing a better life is wrong. It is rather to suggest that if the price of that better life is that the parents are not even around, or are emotionally and mentally withdrawn when they are present, then, the whole purpose is defeated.

Parents, it’s nice to give your children a head start in life with opportunities you never had, but really, children are not that complicated. All they want is you. At the end of the day, your loving presence is what will give them the confidence to build and maintain their own future.

For A Happy Heart:

Keep in mind that though we want to give our children the whole world, from the eyes of a child, the definition of the whole world is you.

Do you want to change your answer? If so, deduct (-1pt)

NOW TALLY YOUR POINTS FOR EACH QUESTION AND RESPONSE

LIFE STUDY #2:

OUR ROOTS

Wise Man of the Hallawaya - Question #2: Papina always felt the urge to re-visit her native village after she was sent away to be married. If she had not gone back, would she have still found peace with her life?

Reflections of a happy heart: Matters of Love

A. Of course she would find peace. Her new family obviously loved her and that is more than enough.

B. At first she might still feel the need to go back home to visit, but with time, the feeling would have passed.

C. The only way she was going to have any real sense of satisfaction was by going home to her native village.

D. Satisfaction in life is all in the state of mind, so it didn’t make a difference if she stayed or went.

*Select your answer and then complete the following writing exercises in a separate notebook

Is there only one right answer in your mind? If so, give yourself (1pt)

Can you explain why you didn’t choose the other options as answers? For each successful defense, give yourself (1pt)

Sid Aakowa thoughts:

Something feels missing in life when we have lost touch with our roots, be it our culture, our childhood, or any other place we see as our beginning. It is as though we are missing important pieces to the puzzle of who we are, and a void is created in our development. There is a reason we feel that way: We are part of huge story being told for the human race, and if we forget where our ancestors have been, it is difficult to contribute and continue their work and build on their story. Without keeping in touch with our cultural roots, it becomes easy to get lost in our mere existence and forget that we are part of something bigger.

Learn about your roots so you can edit, redirect and improve the areas of error of past generations. As our story continues to be told, we, as a whole, can then progress for the collective good and have better understanding in loving others and ourselves.

For A Happy Heart:

Keep in mind that we become lost in life if we are not aware of the roads that people have paved for us to travel.

Do you want to change your answer? If so, deduct (-1pt)

NOW TALLY YOUR POINTS FOR EACH QUESTION AND RESPONSE

LIFE STUDY #3:

THE POWER OF LOVE

Wise Man of the Hallawaya - Question #3: Sani waited for Papina in the Hallawaya mountains for many years. If and when you love somebody and they leave you, how long do you wait for them before you move on with your life?

Reflections of a happy heart: Matters of Love

A. I struggle to move on and look for somebody that reminds me of the person I loved.

B. I am willing to meet new people and love them, but will always love my ex too.

C. I cut my losses and forget about them. It’s their loss. I’m already looking for my next prospect.

D. If you really love somebody, you wait forever for them to come back.

*Select your answer and then complete the following writing exercises in a separate notebook

Is there only one right answer in your mind? If so, give yourself (1pt)

Can you explain why you didn’t choose the other options as answers? For each successful defense, give yourself (1pt)

Sid Aakowa thoughts:

There are moments all people should have – moments that we all deserve – where all the problems in life fade away because of the sight of somebody you love. It is far too rare to have this experience, but if, and when, it does happen, you will never be the same.

What becomes clear is that love conquers all. A delicate seed of truth enters into your soul that you can never deny; and from that moment on, you will either choose to cooperate with that feeling or resist it. But the fact is that once you love somebody, there is no turning back.

It is very scary to know love’s power over us, because we become vulnerable. Many people choose to resist that feeling because they would rather stay in control. But blessed is one that allows that love to do as it may, even if it leads to pain. More great is the one who feels the pain, but is willing to try again.

For A Happy Heart:

Know that some people claim they have never been in love, but it is more accurate to say they have fought to never embrace it when it comes.

Do you want to change your answer? If so, deduct (-1pt)

NOW TALLY YOUR POINTS FOR EACH QUESTION AND RESPONSE

PARABLE:

LOST FRIENDS & METAPHORS

Chapter 1

Only an idiot would let her get away with that, Eric said nonchalantly, as he leaned back in his seat at the back of the bus. Anthony and the other boys laughed at Eric’s comment. No, I’m serious, Eric continued speaking above their laughter. Ain’t nobody gettin’ away with nothin’ with me. That’s why nobody messes with me. The laughter from the other boys subsided. They knew that Eric had a history of violence to validate his claims. Anthony wished he had the same confidence. Eric was already a man’s man, even though he was just 17 years old. Anyways, this is my stop, Eric suddenly announced as he rang the bell and rose to leave. See you guys later.

As Eric was making his way off the crowded bus and waited for the back doors to open, a man who sat near the front, whom none of the other boys could see through the crowd, spoke to Eric, You’re a loser. You wouldn’t slap anybody, you little prick.

What?! Eric snapped, shocked that anybody dared to challenge him.

"You heard me. You’re so full of it. I’m tired of hearing you talk big. I think I should slap you in the face, is what I think."

Why don’t you get off the bus then, fat man? I’ll show you!

The man laughed loudly.

Anthony started to have a sick feeling in his gut, as though maybe Eric should back off. Just then, the bus came to a halt and the back doors opened, letting Eric off – but not before his parting words, Yeah, you think it’s funny! The next time I see your chunky ass, I’m gonna mess you up!

The man kept laughing as he responded, OK, buddy. I’ll be waiting.

As the back doors closed and gained speed, Eric looked at Anthony as the bus passed by. His empty glare gave Anthony the chills.

The bus continued along, and Anthony felt a presence looming, as if the same man were still listening to what he and his friends were saying. Anthony was correct. . Within minutes, the fat man’s voice boomed aloud, Hey! Shut the hell up back there, will ya?!

Anthony immediately tensed up. He felt that he and his friends should obey the request, but his friends burst into a chorus of laughter, saying, Why don’t YOU shut up! Nobody’s talking to you, mister. Mind your business!

Suddenly, a large body started pushing its way through the crowd towards the back. The figure that finally arrived was a very heavy-set Italian man. Each of his fingers had large rings, and from his snarl, one could see a shining gold tooth. A long chain dangled around his neck, which rested on an exposed chest full of hair. His eyes were sharp and deadly. The boys in the group fell silent.

So, who’s the tough guy? he said to the boys in a foreboding tone. For some reason, all his friends, and everybody on the bus, turned to look at Anthony. You got something to say to me?!

I...I...um..., Anthony stuttered.

The man reached out and grabbed Anthony by the throat. You got something you want to say to me?! You little...

Wake up! Anthony, wake up! Felisha shook him frantically. You’re having a nightmare! She put her hand on his chest to calm him down. "Your heart is beating so hard."

Anthony turned away from Felisha and clutched one of the pillows on her bed. A photograph of the fat man from the dream stared at him - Felisha’s father, who was allegedly part of the Mafia.

You were making weird noises, Felisha explained.

Anthony sat up. What do you think happened to Eric?

She sighed, "I don’t