Lake Lesson 2

Last winter, my injured foot was finally healed and I was able to walk to the Lake again. On my way there, I noticed a piece of sheet music lying on the ground. The lyric that stood out to me was “It’s insanity to worry” which reminded me of the mantra I learned in the book, "Living the Reiki Way" by Penelope Quest. “Just for today, do not worry”. I also found a small white credit card receipt belonging to someone who paid fifty dollars for advanced counseling. 


I approach the Lake. My retreat, my sacred space, my church. It happens to be Sunday morning, but I come here every day. This is where I find peace, connection and inspiration. It’s a grayish day, all the leaves are gone and clouds are strangling the sun away - but the fresh air, open space and the sound of the waves crashing are calming. I find a short log on the shore, the size of a large shoe box. It’s smoothed from a rough journey and still wet from the waves, that pushed it to where I stand in sturdy boots.


I have a strong desire to kick the log back into the water. I also have a strong desire to kick my worries away. Just for today, do not worry. This piece of wood represents ‘Worry’ and I don’t want it as my main focus anymore. I decide to kick Worry to the Lake. Let it go. I pull back my leg and give it good whack with my foot. I do it in one go and Worry is bobbing around in the water. Funnily enough, I’m worried that my Worry log will be tossed right back up on shore by these persistent, strong waves. For goodness sakes, I tell myself, LET GO! You just gave it up… that means completely releasing your idea of outcome. Trust. Trust that the universe is in control. It’s out of your hands and into a natural flow. My instinct is to keep looking and checking the log to see where it will go next. Life is unpredictable, but the current in the Lake has a confident plan and guides Worry behind me. I tell myself to let it go and move forward, Worry is taken care of. 


So here’s the thing… once the worry is gone, what do I look at now? Worry takes up so much space that when it leaves, I feel strange and different. Who am I now without Worry? What do I focus on now? It feels good to release it but odd now and I can feel the hole where it used to be. Then it comes to me in an instant - Gratitude and Hope show up and I feel lighter and whole. 


I can’t help but smile. I remember the receipt for advanced counseling. I just saved fifty dollars. 


Beauty is Everywhere

- Holly