By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Two weeks ago, we discussed mental health in the Igorot community. We continue the discussion today.
Indigenous societies, in general, develop traditions that support the individual and family because these societies know that “no man is an island.” I guess that is how all societies started. Otherwise, if people did not support each other, then we would not have this population explosion at present. We would have been wiped out from the face of the earth.
Traditions include practices, values, skills and systems. Traditions become traditions precisely because they have proven to be useful throughout many generations. In other words, they have been tried and tested. So adi tako lalasuyen nan ug-ugali. Two weeks ago, we talked briefly about our rich Igorot heritage of traditions that support wellness of the individual and community. In the past, our lives were mostly controlled by nature. We developed a farming culture based on the seasons – we developed a knowledge system of planting rice and other food crops that grow well in our localities. We developed intricate systems of irrigation for our rain-fed rice paddies. We developed systems of cooperation, sharing and caring to see to it that everyone was well in the holistic sense of the word- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We developed traditions to ensure mother and child health, knowing fully well that a healthy mother begets a healthy child. We prayed as a community, celebrating milestones in the lives of members and milestones of the agricultural cycle. We, Igorots, are a prayerful and grateful people.
The word “kasiyana” is an Igorot term for “you will be okay” or “all will be well” or “it will be okay”. You say “kasiyana” to someone who’s going to take the board exams that he or she will pass it. You say “kasiyana” to someone who wants to try her or his luck in politics that she or he will win. You say “kasiyana” to someone who is sick and you mean “he or she will get well”. “Kasiyana” is a prayer. When somebody shares a problem, we listen and we don’t have to say a lot. We just say “kasiyana” and hold her hand or give her a hug after she has unloaded her concern. It is a powerful word. It claims the blessing of the Unseen. It is a very comforting word and one that gives hope. Hope is very important in coping with life’s challenges and improves quality of life. Hope is a source of resilience and motivation to go on. Lack of hope could lead to anxiety and depression.
“Kasiyana”, however, does not exist on its own. Integral to it is the spirit of the community and the power of the Unseen Supreme Being. When you say “kasiyana”, you are offering the condition or plan to the power of the Supreme Being. Also, even if you don’t say it, you are including the family and community when you say “kasiyana” because who else will help the person if not the family and community? If I say “kasiyana” to a person who is sick, I have in my mind also the caregivers and health workers.
In indigenous Igorot society, we value people even if they are not yet born. When the husband of a pregnant woman gathers firewood, he would include a small bundle of “pating” (pine branches) in his load back home for the unborn. During mass feedings, a pregnant woman is given two portions, one for her and one for the baby. Etc. The community would support the pregnant woman and her husband to ensure her health so that she will have a safe delivery and a healthy baby. After the baby is born, rituals are held where long prayers are said for the health of the mother to be able to nurse her baby and for the baby to grow up brave and strong. As the child grows, the neighborhood and community take part in his/her upbringing. We have developed support systems for the whole life cycle. Thus we have sturdy, brave and strong ancestors. How great that we have inherited these rich traditions!
Our small indigenous communities, however, have been encroached into by the outside world. We are now globalized- the outside world is taking us by storm through the internet, social media and industrialization. We have grown in number, we have roads and stores, we have more cash than before. But our farming practices are now in jeopardy, our food is no longer naturally-produced and we have adopted western lifestyle thus we have global diseases, everyone now is busy attending to his/her own concerns that we miss out on people who need help mentally. We don’t spend as much time as a community as much as before. Choices for work, food and activities are mind-boggling. In other words, life is chaotic nowadays. Ngem wada nan Mentutungdo. We continue to hold on to our rich indigenous heritage as we navigate changes and we will be well. Kasiyana.***
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“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2**
