“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” ― Plato

When I was a little girl, my father moved us to a house in the country. And though, it was such a beautiful setting – I have to admit, that initially I was quite intimidated by my surroundings.

The woods were vast and deep, and I – at just barely 4 years-old – feared that I may become forever lost inside.

But, with each new day I forged through – until one day, those woods became my most trusted friend.

Oh, and I discovered such incredible things on my many explorations.

I found boulders the size of houses, leaves that turned to silver in water. Oh, and there were massive trees, as well! Too tall for climbing – but, with the most perfect of ‘swinging vines.’

And, to this day, I am so ever-grateful – grateful I found the boldness to venture inward.

You know, I often wonder, what my life may have been had I simply run away?

Oh, and it would have been so very easy, too.

But, running away from this half of the experience – would have robbed me of my path to peace.

Sometimes, we must find our own way through.

My dears, all emotion – including, that which we may label as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – contains within it, a ‘mirror like’ wisdom. And, it is only through our willingness to stay – to pay attention to the details of our discomfort – that we gain access to our most authentic self. In this way, these emotions serve as ‘guideposts’, if you will ~ to help us better navigate our journey to self.

And, just as we must learn to navigate this earth as “fearless explorers” – so too, must we adopt the same courage as we begin to look within.

In pressing through my fear, I discovered the most invaluable aspect of my human existence – that is, the beauty of this earth is defined by the heart that can ‘see’.

And, perhaps more importantly – that a head full of fears leaves no place for dreams.

The Explorer by Rudyard Kipling

“There’s no sense in going further —
it’s the edge of cultivation,”
So they said, and I believed it —
broke my land and sowed my crop —
Built my barns and strung my fences
in the little border station
Tucked away below the foothills
where the trails run out and stop.

Till a voice, as bad as Conscience,
rang interminable changes
In one everlasting Whisper
day and night repeated — so:
“Something hidden. Go and find it.
Go and look behind the Ranges —
Something lost behind the Ranges.
Lost and waiting for you. Go!”

So, come with me, my loves ~ and let is lean softly into the spirit of discovery.