On the evening of the eighth moon, as the moon rose over the setting sun, Ana once again walked along the water’s edge in search of the Wise Woman, this time singing and dancing, “I’m Yours,” for all to hear. “Woo hoo” she shouted.
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 on this, their eighth meeting, she was eager to learn more.
“Your middle finger, the largest finger, represents your Family Life. This is where you create, develop, and build a relationship with family members. Whether your family consists of blood relatives or cherished friends, this life allows you to work with your loved ones as well as build your legacy to pass onto future generations.”
“Sometimes, though, whether we are fully aware of it, we allow past pains placed upon our family life – either by our own infliction or by the infliction of others – to consume us. Out of fear of being hurt again, we never fully bond with our loved ones due to indifference, a lack of participation, prolonged absences, refusal to work cooperatively, or withholding much-needed attention, affection, and appreciation.”
“This life too, I suppose?” Ana asked.
The Wise Woman quietly nodded and said, “You’re learning.”
As they continued their conversation, they built a small fire along the water’s edge.
“Are you ready for a Spiritual Bath?
“Yes,” Ana said.
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. Her legs, including her knees, calf, ankles, feet, and each toe, were all that remained.
She opened her eyes and looked into the flame on the water’s edge. As she did, Ana recalled how her relationship with her sisters declined over the years. Never incredibly close, their relationship strained even more when their gravely ill mother needed to transition from a place she knew for 34 years as home to a “safe home.” Ana’s mother was so precious to her. She wanted so much protect her, to love her, to care for her, and most of all … to appreciate her during her final days. This “safe home” would be very much like home – a place where her mother would be able to socialize, have all the comforts of home, and most of all… be safe. Ana thought… it’s easy to consider a physical place a home, but is it really a home if her health and safety are at risk? A physical place without proper attention, without someone to tend to her every need, without a sense of safety and well-being is just an address, a temporary shelter.
For a time Ana cried uncontrollably. While she wanted to honor her mother’s wishes to make medical decisions on her behalf, she hated the conflict that swirled around her. The task was made more difficult knowing what was best for her mother was not necessarily, what her sisters or father wanted.
With her tears finally diminishing, she looked up at the moon for guidance as she slowly returned to shore. She knew instinctively she was at home. Once on shore, she stood by the warm fire to dry off before getting dressed. She felt safe and warm. Free to be herself, the relationship Ana shared with the Wise Woman was a safe one; missing her presence when apart.
Lost in thought, Ana changed her focus to listen to the Owl say, “Ana… work together, acknowledge imperfections, be more accepting of yourself and others.”
Looking up at the moon, Ana noticed it was one-half full by the sun’s direct light. As she did, she spoke with the Owl about all she learned tonight about family; about working cooperatively; and how to love and care for others, even when the same is not returned. Offering a safe place in her heart, she could love, protect, appreciate, care for, and provide emotional support to others so they feel truly loved.
At last, in a safe place herself, Ana felt at peace and at home. Calmness followed.
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…
