Beside Restful Waters

by Greg Hermann

“Imagine how we would be if we were less afraid.”

The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse.

By Charles Mackesy

The mole and the boy are in conversation. The mole is showing the boy his first view of the wilderness. As they look out over the vista, the mole shares:

Most of the old moles I know

wish they had listened less to their fears

and more to their dreams.

What is my source of confidence, that which overcomes fear?

I have learned the Spiritual teachings of Christian scripture summed up in the beatitudes, the commandment of love from Jesus, and Paul’s instruction on faith, hope and love. None of these is supported by fear. Rather, these are gifts of life. These are offered to connect us to each other, to Creation, to God. This connection is our relationship to each gift of creation – divinity.

My Ojibway teaching are the same. They are instructions of relationship. When practiced, a reality evolves which results in connection, meaning, and purpose. All of us, all manifestations of creation take on life – interdependence.

It appears that all Spiritual expressions reflect this Divine oneness. We cannot separate ourselves from this mystery. Yes, I can deny it, reject it, ignore it. Yet, when practiced, I become connected, meaningful, and purposeful.

I become free to dream.

I become free from fear.

I become present.

Mole guides us with a practice. He offers the practice of being present to oneness:

“I learned how to be in the present.”

“How?” asked the boy.

“I find a quiet spot and shut my eyes and breathe.”

“That’s good.” Said the boy.

“And then?”

“Then I focus.

“What do you focus on?” asked the boy.

“Cake.” said the mole.

Be present.

Dream.

Namaste.