Great Bear's Gift

Steel Backbone “Great Bear, this self-will of mine is like having a steel backbone!” “That, Young One, makes it hard to be flexible; and be with friends.” I recognize the truth in Great Bear's words when I attempt to sit down with my friends at the Council Table. They are understanding, offer encouraging smiles and well wishes. I excuse myself to go to the Reflection Pond to see I’m able to find out what this is about. I push my will to create the reflection I wish to observe in the Pond. It doesn't work, a white mist rolling over the surface hides any possibility of seeing a reflection. Still, I squint my eyes and try to see through the mist. No go. The animals, recognizing my frustration, gather around me providing calming comfort. They are aware of my need to visit Fish on my own and so stay at the Pond. Fish finds my steel backbone posture so hilarious he snorts bubbles out of his snout! I present my best indignant pose, as much as is possible when your backbone prevents you from sticking out a hip. Fish Tut-tuts. “Oh, my, that is an encumbrance! How is anyone, I mean you, expected to be creative, to create art, with so little flexibility?” No helpful advice is in the offing, so I trudge on to the Bridge of Light and Higher Power. “H.P., I’ve this most uncomfortable steel rod up my back! It’s becoming painful and discouraging.” “Young One, full of Light, allow me to remove it.” When the steel rod is removed Light radiates from the fissure in my back. I feel fearful, but H.P. assures me I will be alright and suggests I visit the Wisemen. The plants in the Path Garden lean their stems and swivel their leaves towards the Light shining out of my back. It causes a tickling sensation that makes me giggle. I continue to walk, cautiously since I'm uncertain if the Light opening is fragile. At the Wiseman’s camp, the Red Horses delight in the Light, nuzzling it until their noses come alive with scintillating Light sprinkles! It's truly funny and sweet at the same time! I relax a little. WM 1 She could dry our sheets with that Light, ha, ha! Really, they make light of this…Oh, bad pun! What an annoyance they are sometimes! WM 2 She might be grateful for this blessing. Does she want us to stitch her up? Would it be painful? WM 1 What is painful is to resist one’s Light; to remain in the shadows. Should we stitch the light out of you or into you? I shout inside my head; This was supposedly about overcoming self-will! What has stitching up my Light got to do with it? WM 2 She does not comprehend the gift. She is so little, and her gift is so large. We could stitch the Light into her heart. I can tell he likes this idea very much! I, however, find that idea frightening and respond with fearful self-inflating. WM 1 When she settles down, we will help her. Still shouting in my head; What do you mean settle down! The Wisemen WAIT. I’m surprised when I calm down and re-center in my body. I’m pretty sure it has to do with the Light shining out of my back. WM 2 The child is fine as she is. What, no words of wisdom? WM 1 The truth is, she is a child of the Light and she will find her way. I shift outside myself then back in, then out and finally settle into myself before I’m settled enough to thank the Wisemen and to walk back to the Bridge of Light. Still, I'm a little overwhelmed. “H.P., I feel unresolved.” Higher Power embraces me with Love which fills me and comforts me. I linger in love’s bliss before going on. “I see you’ve lost your post!” shouts Fish as I pass by. I ignore him. At the Reflection Pond there is Light is radiating from all the animals, including me! It’s breathtakingly beautiful! Another surprise is waiting for me in the Garden. Great Bear is glowing, and my friends are lit up with Light shining like candles on the tops of their heads. I’m truly one of many, thank Goodness! * Or any other story that strikes your fancy