“Peak Experience”

Day 100, #2026bigyearproject

There were two well-worn paths around the mountain. One led to the pinnacle and the other brought people back to the valley floor. I began my pilgrimage at the bottom, with many others whose faces reflected hope that had begun to flicker, wore eyes that were downcast, and stood on feet that seemed to plod forward on their own.

I glanced at the crowds that were descending. Most of the visitors looked lost in thought. A few had enough energy to help others if they were walking slowly. All of them looked as though their inner flames had been relit.

I was there to give my intercessions to the lady who sat in a small gazebo. No one was ever turned away, but some stopped moving on their own volition before reaching the edge of the garden. It was as though their deep, heaving sighs made the breath leave their bodies. I had heard about the miracles, both minor and major, that had come from such a visit to the top. After all I had endured, one more attempt was the last thing I could manage.

Some of my companions had been enthusiastic before we made the journey. They were convinced that the lady would give them the secret cure, the solution, the epic gesture that would fix all their ills. I was caught up in their emotions and my own certainty grew.

Once we reached our destination, my chums began to fall away. Their excuses varied, but the gist was that they did not want to lose their sense of desperation. What would they have if they lost their desire for revenge? What if they could not blame anything for their failures? How would they go on without the illnesses that were their excuses?

I had my doubts, but my desire for change overrode my misgivings. I could not continue doing what had consumed me for almost a decade. After nursing, consoling, propping up, and sacrificing for others most of my adult life, I was spent. I had become more and more invisible, less and less vibrant. When I was a child, I had had wild dreams, bright energy, and endless optimism. As I gave up more and more parts of myself, I saw that I had faded into a dim shadow.

Was this how life would reward me for my efforts?

When I discovered that a person existed who gave light and love and boldness and rejuvenation and magic in generous doses, I was ready to make that shift.

The higher I climbed, the more momentum I had. The closer I got to the mysterious destination, the more my spirits lifted. The path of those who had received their blessings seemed to be more brightly lit than the line in which I walked.

It was my turn. I was guided to the flowered archway by kind acolytes. They asked whether I wanted to write down my request or speak for myself. I did both so that I might form my words properly and have a keepsake.

The lady held the hands of the person in front of me. That man seemed to grow taller. He had arrived with a frail demeanor. He walked away looking robust. I wanted that transformation for myself!

I stood very still while we were introduced. The woman had warm eyes and a soft smile. She did not seem extraordinary, but in her presence, I felt safe and welcomed. She invited me to sit beside her and I moved closer, knees trembling and breath coming in gasps.

At first, I whispered. I read my note between sobs. She laid a hand gently on my shoulder and told me to breathe deeply. I inhaled the fragrance of jasmine, rose, and eucalyptus. I swallowed and began again. This time, I spoke directly from my innermost thoughts. I shared the horrors I had endured and asked how I could go on. I wanted to spill all the darkness from my gut and free myself of the pain.

She kept her touch light, but I could see the intensity in her gaze. While I recounted my tale, she held me spellbound. It was as though she knew everything before I said it aloud.

Only a few minutes passed, but I felt that I had given her my entire life story in a few paragraphs. When I finished, my breathing had slowed, my weeping had ceased, and the ache in my belly had dissipated.

What wisdom did she share? How did she solve my dilemmas? Did she heal my soul? I cannot say specifically. In fact, I never wrote down what she told me. As she spoke, she looked directly into my eyes and captivated me. No one else existed during those minutes.

As she completed her response, I felt my burdens shift. The heavy pack I had carried in my arms, dragged behind me, and balanced on my head was somehow less cumbersome. I knew that I could manage whatever came my way. I was no longer weighed down.

She held both of my hands and we put our foreheads together. That was all. I could have danced and skipped down the mountain trail.

Later, much later, I felt a nudge, which became an idea, which solidified into a strong pull. Once in a while, I open my garden to offer a safe place for others to find release, succor, or simply a witness.

During brief, electrical encounters, strangers share energy.

There are many havens being created by those who acknowledge the hunger for a garden which is shielded from strong winds.

#2026bigyearproject