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Fil BosmansBelgian priest
Country:
 Belgium |
Content:
- Biography of Phil Bosmans
- The Recipe for Happiness
- A Grateful and Happy Life
- Finding Meaning in Adversity
- Finding Meaning in Illness
- Giving Back to Others
- A Happy and Content Life
- Supporting and Forgiving Others
- Appreciating the Beauty of Life
- Philanthropic Work
Biography of Phil Bosmans
Phil Bosmans, a Belgian priest, is a renowned author whose books have been published in millions of copies worldwide and translated into more than 20 languages, including Esperanto. Despite this, Bosmans does not consider himself a writer. He believes that his texts are not born at a writing desk; rather, they are the result of encounters with numerous people who have fallen into despair, unhappiness, and lost faith in themselves or the joy of life in the never-ending routine.
The Recipe for Happiness
According to Bosmans, happiness is a state that every person inherently possesses, although many have forgotten about it. People have mixed up the pursuit of happiness and often trample on it. The most important things in life are already given to us for free; we just need to open our eyes and hearts to understand and see them. However, time is also crucial and is something we always seem to lack. The phrase "Time is money" is a lie that can cost people their lives. Humans are born for love and joy, but these concepts are gradually becoming archaic. They are increasingly associated with material possessions, implying that happiness means having everything. However, happiness cannot be bought. Fortunately, there are many things in our lives that are given to us completely free, but we often fail to notice them. As the fish embarks on its journey through life, it is only at the end that it discovers water.
A Grateful and Happy Life
When asked if he is a happy person, Bosmans emphasizes that happiness is closely related to gratitude. He expresses boundless gratitude himself. After being bedridden and isolated for two years, feeling like he was on a deserted island, Bosmans stepped out onto the street on his own feet. He will never forget the feeling that the world around him is a miracle. Bosmans fell seriously ill at the age of 32. He was young, full of enthusiasm, and dreamed of changing the world. "Now everything is gone," he thought at the time, "this is the end." After two years, doctors told him that he would remain a miserable cripple for the rest of his life. Compared to having nothing, this was at least something. But gradually, he began to feel better and better. To this day, Bosmans is extremely grateful for that period of suffering because it taught him more about God than all his years of theological education. He accepts life with joy and gratitude for every moment and everything it contains, down to the smallest detail. This is happiness - when life becomes a source of joy.
Finding Meaning in Adversity
Unfortunately, not everyone who faces difficult situations can find the strength to perceive them as blessings. Bosmans believes that often people create their own misfortunes from what are considered life's hardships. In reality, 90% of these so-called difficulties are self-imposed, and people either heroically overcome them or tragically suffer due to their perceived insurmountability. It is easy for us to become immune to other people's suffering. Therefore, we fully indulge in our own misfortunes, and the most painful question becomes, "Why?" and "Why me?" Bosmans argues that everyone has their own "cross" to bear in life, and if we do not carry it, it will simply crush us. Even in the darkest night, one can see the stars, even if through tear-filled eyes. Bosmans has learned throughout his life that one must accept their "cross," no matter how heavy it may be, as it is a sign of a positive direction.
Finding Meaning in Illness
Bosmans shares a personal story about an incident that occurred several years ago. He was supposed to attend a meeting in Münster, Germany, to speak at a gathering of the "Union Without a Name." However, his life took a different turn. Instead of the meeting, he ended up in a large hospital, with needles in his hand and tubes in his nose, surrounded by plastic bags hanging from his bed. Every day, he was subjected to various medical procedures. This was called a "stroke," which paralyzed the entire right side of his body. Bosmans acknowledges that he had some inkling that this would happen sooner or later, but he thought it would be better if it happened "later." Internally, he questioned, "Why me?" but it quickly turned into, "Why not me?" Was it the will of God? It certainly wasn't his own will, but perhaps he was needed by God at that moment and in that hospital. Maybe it was so he could be there for Heidi, who was grieving the loss of her husband to suicide? Or to support Sylvian, who was terminally ill in his final days? Bosmans does not know for sure, but he firmly believes that everything has meaning, even what may appear senseless at first glance. The search for meaning may sometimes be long and arduous.
Giving Back to Others
Bosmans has always been joyful in using his earnings from book sales to help others. One day, he encountered a woman on the street who was crying in the rain because she had nowhere to go. Her husband was abusive, and she couldn't return home. Bosmans realized that she was not the only one facing such situations. This encounter inspired him to create a shelter called "House for Women." It provides refuge for women who have nowhere else to go, and their whereabouts are not disclosed to their partners until they want it to be known. Bosmans also built a hostel for those who have recently been released from prison and haven't found work yet. Additionally, the "Bar without Beer" was established for former alcoholics. It is a place where they can feel like ordinary people sitting in a cafe without being tempted by alcohol in plain sight. Bosmans believes that there are numerous beneficial things on which money can be spent.
A Happy and Content Life
Bosmans is not a poor nor a wealthy person; he is a happy person. He lives in a monastery, where he has a beautiful room with a comfortable folding couch. If he falls ill and needs help, assistance is readily available. What more could he ask for?
Supporting and Forgiving Others
As a priest, Bosmans often encounters people who come to him with problems, expecting him to have a secret key to solve all their issues. However, he reminds them that he does not possess such a key. He can offer guidance, support, encouragement, and, as a priest, forgiveness. People often need these things. Nevertheless, each individual must ultimately live their own life.
Appreciating the Beauty of Life
Bosmans believes that it is essential to start with oneself. Sometimes, all it takes is to stop, slow down, and observe. People need to see how many wonders surround them and recognize the humanity in others. Unfortunately, we often fail to do so. People have distanced themselves from each other by millions of light-years. They rush, elbowing their way through life, only seeing obstacles in their path. Often, life revolves around overcoming barriers. We are incredibly busy searching for the basics of life, engaging in political debates, and, most importantly, fighting for survival in these "difficult times." Unfortunately, this struggle often involves the survival of others. When we overhear conversations on the street, in transportation, or at work, it often seems like humanity is made up of evil colleagues, foolish bosses, bad wives and husbands, and envious neighbors. However, at funerals and memorial services, we witness that there are no bad people in the world. Bosmans emphasizes that kindness could have been expressed to someone before their passing. Flowers could have been brought to bring joy before placing them on their grave. We must remember that each day, our lives become one day shorter. There are certain things we should never forget. For example, if we never forget that we have a heart and see the human in every person we encounter, perhaps there would be less suffering in the world.
Philanthropic Work
In his time, Bosmans established the first shelter in Belgium for those who found themselves homeless for various reasons - the social institution "People in Need." He also created the telephone service "Vitamins for the Heart," which received 600 calls per day from individuals in need of kind words. "Bond zonder Naam" – "Union Without a Name," which Bosmans led for several decades, provides support not only through words but also through concrete actions to those who have experienced misfortune, such as illness, injustice, or violence. Branches of this charitable movement exist not only in Belgium but also in many other countries around the world.
Ten years ago, Bosmans' book was being prepared for publication in Russia, and at one point, he received a letter from the Russian translator filled with despair. She apologized for not knowing if she could continue working on the translation because her child was seriously ill and likely needed complex surgery. Bosmans immediately responded, asking her not to worry about the translation and not to think about it at all. He assured her that he would pray together with her. Just a week later, she received an unexpected call from the "Union Without a Name." They had initiated a campaign to organize the necessary medical examination and treatment for her child at a specialized clinic in Germany. This support became possible thanks to the contributions of thousands of completely unknown people.
