The first step is always the hardest. For Gemma Sumague, that was undoubtedly true on November 30, 2024, when she embarked on a transformative journey that would forever change her life. As the Chairman of SB P4MP (Santa Barbara Pambansang Mannalon-Maguuma-Magbabaul-Magsasaka ng Pilipinas), a Rural-Based Organization (RBO) that promotes agricultural and fisheries extension in rural areas, Gemma is no stranger to challenges. However, it was the Lakaran—a profound part of the Inner Conditioning Workshop (ICW) in Bulacan—that marked the beginning of her most significant personal transformation.

What is Lakaran?

Lakaran, which can be translated as “a journey” or “a path,” is a reflective process aimed at inner growth and self-awareness. It involves walking a physical path, which symbolizes the metaphorical journey of life and self-discovery. For Gemma, Lakaran was much more than just a walk; it was a profound spiritual experience that helped her shed old limitations and reconnect with her true self.

As P4MP Chairman, Gemma is dedicated to fostering community development, promoting agricultural sustainability, and advancing the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk in the country. Her role extends to guiding regional presidents of P4MP through specialized training programs offered by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), covering vital topics such as enterprise development, vegetable production, community organizing, and understanding the Rice Tariffication Law.

A Walk of Transformation

Gemma recalls her first steps onto the narrow, slippery path, unsure of what lay ahead. “Madulas ako” (I feel like I might slip), she thought as she hesitated, sensing that something significant was about to unfold. The road was uncertain, much like the start of any major life change. But little did she know, this moment of discomfort was the beginning of her inner transformation.

“It felt like birthing my zero consciousness,” she says. The early darkness and difficulty of her journey symbolized the limitations of her old self. It was as if the journey mirrored the emotional and spiritual shedding she needed to undergo—a cleansing of her former identity to make space for growth.

As she continued on the path, it began to widen, just as her heart and mind started to open. “The road became wider, with paths,” she reflects. What once seemed dark and confined blossomed into light, full of beauty and new possibilities. The landscape, once dull and murky, transformed into a vibrant world filled with flowers and fluttering butterflies. It was as though the universe was guiding her through a process of growth and awakening.

“It’s developing my consciousness,” Gemma explains, recognizing that her experience was an unfolding of awareness and self-realization, a journey of both internal and external discovery.

A Metaphor for Life’s Trials

One of the most significant symbols on Gemma’s journey was the yellow bridge. It was not just a physical structure but a powerful metaphor for the challenges and trials she had faced in her life. “The yellow bridge signified the trials and obstacles I’ve encountered,” she explains. As she walked further, she realized that every obstacle was connected to a larger purpose. “Every path is connected into a whole,” she reflects, understanding that life’s challenges are interconnected and lead to personal growth.

Along the path, Gemma encountered words—diorama messages—that spoke to her deeply. These weren’t mere words on a sign; they were life lessons, affirmations of the truths emerging within her. “I appreciate the diorama messages,” she shares. They became gentle reminders of the greater truths about herself and the world around her.

The Heart of the Journey

Finally, Gemma reached the heart-shaped pool—a serene and spiritual landmark on her journey. This pool, calm and reflective, represented the ultimate truth Gemma had been searching for. “The greatest life is the love of God for us,” she says softly, realizing that this divine love is the force that nurtures, heals, and connects all beings. To her, the water was not just a symbol of life—it was life itself, embodying the flow and power to transform. “There is life in the water,” she affirms.

The Fibonacci Spiral

Gemma also reflects on the Fibonacci spiral, a symbol that governs much of her journey. “Everything in nature follows a pattern,” she notes. From the flowers along the path to the stars in the sky, the Fibonacci sequence revealed a perfect harmony in creation. Her journey, with its twists and turns, mirrored the divine order that connects all things, leading her back to her center.

A Journey of Rebirth

As Gemma reached the peak of the path, the breathtaking view before her reminded her of the divine beauty of creation. “The beauty of creation was created for us,” she says with awe, recognizing the miraculous world that surrounds us all.

For Gemma, Lakaran was not just a physical walk; it was a spiritual rebirth—a renewal of her consciousness. “The Lakaran is my rebirth story,” she concludes. It was a journey of growth, shedding old layers, and awakening to a deeper understanding of herself, life, and the divine love that connects all beings.

In the end, Lakaran taught Gemma a profound lesson: Life is not just about the path you walk, but how you walk it. Each challenge, each trial, and each step is a part of the interconnected tapestry of life. And with love as its foundation, every journey becomes an opportunity for self-discovery, rebirth, and a connection to the divine.

“The greatest love is the love of God for us,” Gemma reflects again, filled with gratitude. She knows, in her heart, that this love will continue to guide her along every path she chooses.