FOCUS AND PERSPECTIVE JANUARY
2004
PATH THROUGH THE
When we read after
clearing ourselves, the words encountered go deep within, resounding with the
truth we carry in our hearts.
So let us start by an
exercise that resonates with the passage below.
Stretch yourself and
then stand – or visualize yourself standing- in tadasana [instructions : http://yogasite.com/postures.html#Mountain].
Feel the energy
pouring into you from the top of your head – the crown chakra- and the
soles of the feet. The two waves of energy meet at the heart chakra and flow
outwards, forming a circle of energy around you, and all you love; clearing,
healing and connecting. As they continue to flow, sit comfortably, and then
read on below.
The traveler finds the forest
stretching as far as the eye can see- which is not distant, because the trees
are packed densely together.
There is not much of a path here,
and the traveler is perplexed. What do I do next?
Go through the forest, or around
it? Should I search for a path, or beat my own? Look for companions, or ask for
directions? What am I to do next?
Why has this forest appeared before
me? How hard I have worked to stay on the path to my goal. I have done
everything I was asked to do: my actions, my words, and my feelings all
controlled as I was advised to do.
I achieved great honor, received
many gifts, and some of my sacrifices were rewarded.
But what of this place? This is
not the place I wanted to arrive at! This is blocking my way forward. Why- I
can’t even see the path going forward!
Why am I being punished in this
way? The nagging voice within echoed: Why does it always happen to me?
There is no reply, and the weary traveler
sits on the trunk of a tree felled perhaps by lightning. Through the wearying
chaos of limb, thought and emotion, emerges the picture of the mountain path
left behind. The clarity of the path traversed now seems so inviting.
Why did I complain about that
part of my journey? The uphill climb seemed difficult while I was struggling to
go forward; but it was clear, straight ahead, and I could see where I was going
and where I came from.
It was possible to estimate how
long it would take to reach somewhere. Feeling I could always turn around
again, I did not actually need to do so.
These are the past days of my
childhood. How easy things were then! Parents, teachers, counselors, family: people
everywhere to guide me if I was lost, bring me back when I strayed, light the
way ahead before I even asked.
Could I really have found them so
difficult?
The traveler thought of the
tears, rebelliousness and struggle, of those days - and smiled.
I was a child then, and did what
a child must, to mature into an adult. Struggle against the work and against
the adults as well. But they stood firm: if one faltered, another took the
slack, and so – sometimes steadily and at other times, chaotically - I
reached where I was headed.
Now I am where I need to be. All
the triumphs, trials and tribulations of my past have brought me to this
forest. This is a part of the goal I was working for.
And at this, the traveler smiled
again.
I am here because I am ready for
this. This difficult place can be tackled. I need to tap the strengths within
to deal with it.
With this thought, weariness
lifted. Mind and muscle rested, the traveler got up from the felled tree, that
bonding with the tree which had provided rest and renewal.
The traveler stretched the rested
muscles, remembering the yogic asanas learnt, and as blood flowed freely once
more, so did the thoughts come clearly, breath evenly and emotions lent their
strength to the task at hand.
The promise of union fulfilled
once more, the traveler looked once again towards the forest.
Like the ray of light emerging
from the rising sun, a path could be discerned among the trees.
The traveler remembered the
message heard long ago by the child within:
When the way ahead is dark, ask:
and it shall be lighted.
When you feel alone, call: and
you will be united.
When the focus is unclear, gain
perspective.
Exhale a long breath
out, and close your eyes for a moment.
Thank you. Namaste.
Meenakshi Suri
If you forward
this writing, please keep all information intact.
[FOCUS AND
PERSPECTIVE] [HOLISTIC LIVING]
[CONNECTOR]
© Jan 2004 Meenakshi Suri
