a guided meditation: the forest

Compared to the vast expanse of the universe, or the duration of eternity, one human being, one lifetime, is not the tiniest speck of dust in the vastest ocean. Much as we strive we can achieve no significance whatsoever.

In the surety of our absolute insignificance our one and only purpose comes from our faith. Faith that we exist not in isolation, but as part of some infinitely great whole. Faith that this life, this world, is not all that exists but the tiniest of fragments which together form that great vista.

From the moment of our birth we embarked upon a one-way journey to the grave. It is not our destinations or our achievements that matter, but the knowledge and experience we acquire in the journey towards them.

Victory and defeat are false friends. In the midst of the celebration of the greatest triumph, in the depth our soul we experience the futility of trying to hold the moment. Nor is there any loss, any tragedy, so great, that we cannot salvage some srap of learning, some crumb of hope, from the wreckage.

We carry an innate sense of morality, of justice. A desire to see wrongs avenged. And so we should seek a pathway of righteousness. But there comes a time for recognition. Recognition of the imperfections that exist around and within us. And with that recognition comes the realisation that in order to move forward we must turn our back on the past. Condone not that which is wrong, but punish not thyself for the sins of others.

It is said by some that we are but automata, blown helplessly by the cosmic wind and entirely at its mercy. Indeed there is much which is beyond our control, which may be called fate. But the small voice within us in the still silence of the night assures us that we do have some control over our destiny. Sometimes it matters very little, at other times it can take us to one extreme or the other. But it is always there.

Why the tendency to negativity? We are as nothing. We have by right, nothing. Every blessing, every moment, every breath, every sunrise is a bonus, a cause for great joy. But we forget. Too often until it is too late. Consider not the other man's grass. Enjoy thine own.

Knowledge is like a key in that it opens doors that would otherwise be closed. Self knowledge is the foundation of all else as without it our journey cannot even begin. And yet our knowledge continually grows and is refined by the light of experience.

Sometimes we reach a point at which a choice must be made. At other times we have the opportunity of branching off. Both situations are welcome. They show us we do possess the ability to make a difference and allow us to exercise our individuality. Decisions should not be rushed, but neither should they be postponed. Reviewing the likely consequences in the light of our present knowledge we are able to choose one path or the other. And having chosen we look not back to that which might have been but concentrate our energies to that which is.

Past, present and future are all equally real. But it is only the present we inhabit. Reminiscence can provide comfort and may stand beside us as our guide. And without dreams of tomorrow we are without purpose. But ultimately the here and now is all we possess and it is only by doing that which is right now that tomorrow's past and present will be the very best we can make them.

I am not your teacher. I have told you nothing which you did not already know, but you allow your innate wisdom to be obscured, silenced by meaningless distractions. Gain experience that your spirit may evolve. Do good in whatever way you choose, in whatever way you can. Seek satisfaction, real satisfaction, through the fulfilment of the will of the supreme and ultimate power we call God. Struggle not with your destiny. Pursue it actively and embrace it. And allow yourself time and space just to listen.