The Journey Inward

"This way," The Path assured me.  "You're right where you should be."

                                          "How do you know?" I whispered in return, feeling the
                                          apprehension grow within me. 

"Because this is your path," came the reply

                                          I hesitated.  "But there are so many paths.  How do I know
                                          this is the right one?"

"Because you're on it," The Path pointed out.  "It is yours."

                                         "How far does it go?  How long will I be on it?"

"It is endless, with twists and turns, beauty and brutality.  You will journey for always, though it won't always look the same."

                                         "But you said this path is the one."

"It is.  Right now.  But there will be others, some branching off in different directions, some circling back where you've come from, some with many obstacles."

                                         "What about this fork here?  Which way do I go?"

"You know the way.  You will choose the path and it will choose you."

                                         "Will you stay with me?"

"I am always with you."

                                          Frightened, I dared ask, "Where am I going?"

"Toward all you've ever wanted.  Toward all you've ever dreamed of.  Toward all you deserve in this life."

                                         "But I feel uncertain."

"Then be certain in your uncertainty, knowing all will be revealed to you in time.  Each answer you receive will come when you are ready to hear it.  Each question you are asked will push you to the next level.  Each step you take will bring you closer."

                                          "When do I start?  How do I start?"

"You start today.  With the first step," The Path coaxed.  

                                           I moved my right foot forward, steadily on the path.

Photo:  Morales Park, Flemington, NJ.  7.26.23 by LA