On the evening of the seventh moon, as the moon rose over the setting sun, Ana once again walked along the water’s edge. This time in deep thought for she was most appreciative of having the Wise Woman in her life and the mentoring experience they shared. She cherished every moment – the purpose, guidance, and direction offered. Time seemed to stand still when with the Wise Woman yet without fully knowing its origin or end, it felt so very precious. As the moon rose over the setting sun, Ana was deep in thought about their relationship as she searched for the Wise Woman for a seventh lesson.
Once again, the Wise Woman was waiting for her. Ana sat on the grass along the water’s edge and opened her left hand, palm down, to show her she was eager to learn more.
“Your index finger represents your Individual Life and the relationship you have with your self. This life allows you to learn more about and share your unique gifts and talents with others. This form of self-expression not only allows you to share your talents with others, but it also encourages others to do the same. It is with this life you can achieve all your dreams; explore and experience all your desires; and integrate all your lives to form a holistic view of your self.”
“Sometimes, though, whether we are fully aware of it, we allow past pains placed upon our individual life – either by our own infliction or by the infliction of others – to consume us. Out of fear of being hurt again, we prevent full development of, refuse to share, or even abuse our unique gifts and talents in our interactions with others.”
“This life too?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Oh brother!”
As they continued their conversation, they built a small fire along the water’s edge.
“Are you ready for a Spiritual Bath?
“Yes”, she said hesitantly.
Ana disrobed, walking carefully into the gently moving stream. Once comfortable, she closed her eyes to clear her heart, mind, body, five senses, and spirit of all the day’s emotions, thoughts, dreams, and desires.
Totally relaxed now, Ana envisioned her ten fingers as a drawing instrument, her body a canvas.
She touched her soft hair and outlined the shape of her head. Her facial features followed, from her forehead to her chin. Downward still, she touched her neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and each finger.
As she drew, she started to see and feel who she was with her mind as well as her heart, five senses, and spirit.
Her breasts followed, along with each nipple. Moving downward, she touched her stomach and the sides of her body.
She then allowed each of her ten fingers to enter and then slowly exit her navel. Further downward, she touched her genital area and her buttocks. As she touched, she relaxed even more. Her inner thigh areas came next, including each of her buttock cheeks… Like before, just like the first time.
She opened her eyes and looked into the flame on the water’s edge. As she did, she recalled how as a young child regardless of time of day or circumstance, she loved to sing. Oh how she loved to sing and was known for singing in the middle of the night. It was in the quiet stillness of the night that she would sing one of her childhood favorites – “Ma, He’s Making Eyes at Me.” In the absence of a loved one, she didn’t feel quite alone when she sang aloud. Soothing a restless soul, the gift of song brought a comfort that lulled her back to sleep. That is when voices throughout the house did not yell at her to “Be still!”
For a time Ana cried uncontrollably as it was then she realized the root of her hesitation in using her beautiful voice; not only to sing, but to speak up and openly express herself in so many ways. She no longer sang around the house or in the church choir. She was scared to share her thoughts and feelings aloud and feared public speaking even more, hearing an inner voice admonishing her before her mouth ever opened.
With her tears finally diminishing, she looked up at the moon for guidance as she slowly returned to shore. Once on shore, she stood by the warm fire to dry off before getting dressed. As she did, she listened to the Owl sing, “With messages and meanings coming to call… walls of pain crumble … crumble and fall.”
Looking up at the moon, Ana noticed it was only one-quarter full by the sun’s direct light. Now singing along with the Owl, her song was a different tune this evening; one about breaking down barriers and letting go of pains from her past that prevented her from sharing her thoughts and feelings, her hopes and dreams along with her gifts and talents with others. In letting go of her own fears, she learned she was also giving others permission to do the same. That night, the voice of her heart, mind, and spirit burst out in song, a song that grew stronger and more confident with each verse. Feeling more alive, calmness soon followed. She not only started to feel more empowered to speak up for herself, but for others who did not yet have a voice too.
Ready to learn more, Ana searched for, but discovered the Wise Woman was no longer with her. “Where did she go? Have I learned all I need to know yet?” she asked herself.
“Have patience,” the Owl whispered. “There is still so much more to learn.”
Very weary from the journey thus far, Ana returned home to rest.
To be continued…
