Spiritual revival

If you won two free plane tickets, where would you go?

Hopefully with first class plane tickets , my wife and I would travel to Jerusalem searching for a profound spiritual experience for the following reasons:

1. Historical and Religious Significance: Jerusalem holds immense importance for multiple religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is home to significant religious sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, making it a sacred destination for millions of people.
2. Sense of Connection: Being in a place with such deep historical and spiritual roots will evoke a sense of connection and awe, allowing us to feel a part of a larger, timeless narrative.
3. Cultural Diversity: Jerusalem as a melting pot of cultures and traditions, should allow us to experience various religious practices and rituals, fostering a greater appreciation for diversity and global unity.

What’s the story behind your nickname?

I don’t have a nickname, so I will explain the origin and meaning of my given name : Manuel. The name has its origins in Hebrew and Spanish. It is derived from the Hebrew name “Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” In Spanish, the name Manuel is widely used and has the same meaning, emphasizing the idea of God’s presence and support.

People named Manuel are often described as kind, compassionate, and empathetic, with a strong sense of responsibility towards others.

My name Manuel, serves me as a reminder of the importance of faith, guidance, and the support of a higher power in our lives.

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

To maintain a healthy body, nurture my spirituality, and build a strong network of love with people, I have adopted a well-rounded approach to my lifestyle. I focus on a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities like playing pickleball three times a week and taking a daily one-mile walk to keep my body active and energetic.

In addition to caring for my physical well-being, I also prioritize my spiritual growth. Each day, I dedicate time to prayer and meditation, seeking a deeper understanding of my relationship with the Divine. This spiritual practice helps me find inner peace, purpose, and connection to something greater than myself.

Furthermore, I actively work on building a network of love and support with my family, friends, colleagues, and students. I am committed to touching their spiritual lives positively by being there for them, offering a listening ear, and providing encouragement and compassion. I believe that by nurturing these meaningful connections, I can create a supportive community that uplifts and inspires each other on our spiritual journeys.

In summary, my approach to life encompasses physical wellness through exercise and a balanced diet, spiritual growth through daily prayer and meditation, and the cultivation of a loving and supportive people network. This holistic approach allows me to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life while positively impacting the lives of those around me.

What are your future travel plans?

At this stage in my life, I spend 9 months in Florida and 3 months in Bolivia, with occasional short trips to visit my children in New York, Atlanta, and Detroit. During my leisure travel, I often find myself reminiscing about the wonderful experiences I had in Spain, France, and Italy. The fond memories of India, Japan, China, the Philippines, and Thailand also bring a smile to my face. Additionally, I cherish the exotic moments I experienced in Nairobi and Johannesburg. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore and visit so many remarkable places in our beautiful world.

What would you change about modern society?

Great social engineering projects that start with noble goals for humanity sometimes end up in disasters and create horrible dictatorships. Historical figures like Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Castro, and Chavez are examples of leaders who were initially hailed as saviors but ultimately caused massive death and suffering. Therefore, I firmly believe in the importance of peaceful evolution under democratic regimes that prioritize and uphold individual freedoms, including the freedom to worship, elect rulers, and live according to our own beliefs and identities without any discrimination.

Furthermore, I am a strong supporter of managed capitalism, which fosters not only substantial economic growth but also promotes equity and human development. This approach recognizes the benefits of market-oriented systems while ensuring that the government plays a role in safeguarding fairness, social safety nets, and opportunities for all members of society.

In summary, my beliefs align with the notion that progress should be achieved through democratic principles and the protection of individual rights, and that a well-managed capitalist system can lead to both economic prosperity and social well-being.

What do you listen to while you work?

As a business professor and researcher, achieving total concentration is essential for my work. Simultaneously, my passion for music demands complete immersion. Whenever I indulge in Beethoven’s works or the operas of Verdi, Puccini, or Bellini, my mind becomes wholly absorbed in the profound musical experience.

During my lengthy showers or while engrossed in literature, I find solace in listening to the captivating melodies of old American folk singers like Simon and Garfunkel, Brother’s Four, and Joan Baez. Additionally, the enchanting tunes of South American folk music enhance my moments of relaxation and literary exploration.

This harmonious combination of intellectual focus and musical passion enriches both my professional life as a business professor and researcher and my personal life as a music enthusiast. The interplay between these two facets of my being makes my journey all the more fulfilling and rewarding.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

When I am feeling homesick, I find comfort in my Bolivian roots while living in Florida, USA. One thing that always brings back fond memories and soothes my soul is a steaming cup of hot chocolate accompanied by Buñuelos. These delightful treats are sweet or savory fried dough balls that evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction, connecting me to my home country, wonderful family, and happy childhood. The combination of the rich hot chocolate and the delicious Buñuelos creates a comforting experience that helps me feel closer to my roots, even when I’m far away from home.

What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?

The only game that captivates my interest is the game of life during my Sannyasa Ashrama: A stage of renunciation and absolute dedication to a spiritual quest. During this phase, my foremost objectives are to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible, to deepen my relationship with the Divine, and to shower my family and friends with boundless love and affection.

What foods would you like to make?

The divine plan for this wonderful planet has indeed granted us humans an array of complimentary skills, and among them is the art of cooking fine foods, which I thoroughly enjoy but humbly admit I do not possess. Fortunately, I am fortunate to live in the multinational, pluricultural USA, where I can delight in tasting a variety of cuisines, including Spanish, French, Italian, Indian, and Japanese dishes. I also have a longing to explore the flavors of African delicacies, even though I don’t aspire to cook them myself. Just as I understand I will never become a great quarterback, opera singer, or plastic artist, I accept that cooking may not be my forte, and I’m content to relish the culinary expertise of others.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs and cats can be seen as special companions that can teach us valuable lessons about our relationship with the Divine. They possess qualities that can inspire us to cultivate a deeper connection with the world around us. Dogs exhibit unwavering loyalty, while cats demonstrate independent companionship. By observing and learning from them, we can strive to emulate their positive attributes and apply them in our own lives. They can serve as reminders for us to practice unconditional love, loyalty, and the importance of maintaining a sense of independence. Therefore, we can look to these remarkable creatures as examples to guide us in our pursuit of a more meaningful connection with the Divine.