Out of the Woods
A couple weeks ago I wrote and posted a little fable, “Jake in the Woods”. This story is very important to me because it portrays the experience I have living in this world. Jake is searching for the way home and has lost his sense of direction. His orientation is coming from a hint of light, an unknown source far in the distance. That glowing light stands out boldly because of its contrast with the dark woods. Even though it is faint and difficult to follow, it is the only guidance he has and he decides to accept it.
This is a great analogy for my life. I have my mix of history and confusion, goals and clarity – my own personal soup. I’ve got a big pot of soup, yet I know where to go -- a mix and a direction. There’s plenty of material here to write about in this kitchen.
Jake in the Woods is a great analogy, but not a perfect one. Unlike Jake, the light I see does not come from far off. It is here within me, solid, still and grasp-able. It’s not like any other thing I’ve heard about or wanted or sought. I know it. I have it. There is no hint of “over there.” I’ve got lots to feel thankful about.
Shift in Action membership empowers you to participate in the Great Shift to a peaceful, sustainable, and healthy world.
That light, even though it sometimes seems faint, is my key to do what SIA works towards, shifting to a “peaceful, sustainable, and healthy world.” It empowers me to feel alive – a very good feeling to have while you’re living – and gives me something I want to share. It is so close that it is more than a direction or goal. Seeking it means that I want it. Wanting it means I am missing it. Missing it means I am overlooking it (because I already have it). Overlooking it means I need to be reminded. Needing reminders means I need help.
For me, help has come from a teacher. I came across a wonderful teacher who reminds me and reminds me and reminds me. He never stops. He only talks about that one thing – what I already have. I think my life’s biggest lesson has been to appreciate what I already have.
