Angkor Wat © Jojie Alcantara (click for large view)

“We too are called to withdraw at certain intervals into deeper silence and aloneness with God, together as a community as well as personally; to be alone with Him — not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything — to dwell lovingly in His presence, silent, empty, expectant, and motionless. We cannot find God in noise or agitation.” ~ Mother Teresa, In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers

Deep inside the elaborate temple ruins of majestic Angkor Wat, I found people in zen-like composure, individuals who opted to stay away from the crowd, find their own quiet corners to meditate, and suck in all the spiritual energy these ancient walls have accumulated through time. Whatever it is, it must be a positive force, because we each end up going out of the archaeological wonders in a state of serenity, submission, and mystic calm– somewhat like a recharging of life.

Okay, okay, she did remind me of that morbid character from “Drag Me to Hell”, so I was a little subtle in capturing her furtively– like hiding behind a pillar from across the temple (with the white lens sticking out like a sore thumb) — and in many of my shots, I did catch her staring at me, which gave me the shivers.  Still, you can’t judge a person from a movie character lookalike.  Besides, she seemed to be relishing her solitude, and merely regarded me as one of those pesky tourists carrying a heavy telephoto lens without knowing how to operate it.

She did give me a penetrating stare, though.  Hope she wasn’t mumbling incantations.