No Such Thing as "I Have No Enemies" in the Streets

Nobody's exempted in the streets. We're all targets. Bad things can happen to anyone. To be safe in streets, never think you're innocent and have no enemies. This mindset of assuming the street is a paradise makes people easy targets for attackers. That's why we often hear of victims shocked and frozen to inaction when danger suddenly strikes them.

You say you have no enemies? You're nice and kind to all? Well, truth is, you really can't tell. You can't control people's thoughts and motives and inclinations. They can like you so much one moment and want to kill you the next. That's street reality in most places---it's street reality in most places in Manila.

I'm not saying you should be paranoid and think everyone's out to get you. I enjoy places I go to and appreciate the scenery. I smile at people in the streets and show kindness to them. I often pray to God. But my mind is always steadfast and alert. I'm always on combat mode---in the streets, at home, or anywhere I am. It's not paranoia---it's being realistic.

We've often heard stories of a good person mistaken to be somebody and shot dead. You want to end up that way? If not, then you should always be alert, aware of your surroundings and always living in the "here and now." Be aware. Don't walk in the streets and let your mind wander off to fantasy island. Never use headphones or earphones. They're guaranteed to make you dumb and an easy target.

At home, I stay alert. My ears and senses stay sharp (frequent meditation and quiescence help a lot here). Once I step out into the street, I quickly survey everything. I checkout the street from end to end, see anything or anyone unusual. Is that guy supposed to be standing there? What is that guy doing over there? I can do this in a quick, unsuspicious glance.

I've trained myself to assume this mode without being paranoid. I'm like this while enjoying everything. I'm alertly watching while relaxed. It's a lifestyle. Well, sometimes I miss and have something else in my mind take me to places far away from my present reality. It happens. You daydream. I'm still human. But I quickly snap out of it and resume surveillance. That's why I'm also in constant prayer mode. I ask God to always guard my rear, front and sides and be my shield and protection at all times. I always talk to God.

I often pray for safety for people around me.

I always watch people's eyes, shoulders and hands. The eyes reveal intentions and emotions. The shoulders tell you intended moves so you can preempt danger. The hands tell you what they're holding. At a glance, at half a second, you hold people in check. You have to train in this if you want keeping safe in the streets.

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