Recently, a friend of mine had an unusual dream. She was watching a group of people (including herself) who appeared to be trapped in a dank, dark prison. But from her bird’s-eye view, my friend could also see that the prison was open at one end. Everyone inside was familiar with the structure. In fact, everyone was free to come and go as they pleased, yet nobody was leaving.
We Are Already Free!
Outside the prison walls, a man was encouraging everyone to leave. He said he would show them the way, that it was all very simple. He even walked inside the prison and then walked out again, just to show them how simple it was.
Many agreed to leave, but when it came time to go, they couldn’t pull themselves away. One said she had to go back for something she’d forgotten. Another said this was not the right day, that he might go tomorrow or the next day. A third decided she couldn’t leave without her friends. And on and on. Everyone had a good excuse.
As soon as she saw the truth, that everyone was making excuses for their suffering, something happened. My friend “disappeared.” She could no longer find herself among the prisoners. Now there was only herself watching, seeing the truth of the situation.
But We Make Excuses to Stay Stuck
We humans are so funny. So often we act like those prisoners. We have good excuses. We complain about our suffering, but we don’t have the courage to drop it. We talk about our hopes and dreams but don’t take simple steps to make them real. When it comes right down to it, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Or more accurately, fear. And why not? Beyond the familiar is the unknown. Change is scary. Besides, who would you be if you were free?
Well, guess what? You would be you! And guess what else? You’re already free! Just like my friend in the dream, each of us is already the watcher. Each of us is already the person we’ve been waiting for, both the one who can guide us out and the one who is already out.
We Can All Find Our Way Out
Sure, we all have busy lives and obligations, and many of us even have serious diseases and handicaps. But people before us have overcome all these and more. Prisoners before us have found their way out. So can we. And the reward for taking those steps is far more fun than suffering and confinement. The reward is being happy and whole.
The next time you feel you can’t be, do, or have what you want, look at your prison walls. Look at your excuses, your “good reasons” for hesitating or procrastinating or complaining. Then look at the opening and remember the way out. It’s so simple, so obvious.
Start With One Small Step
Then take one small step. Then another. And another. Day after day, follow your heart. Walk in the direction of freedom and joy. Step by step, you can do it. And as you watch yourself taking those steps, smile with wonder and gratitude over this simple fact: You once imagined you were in prison, but that was only a dream. The real you is the watcher, the one who was already free.
Blessings and Love,
Brandt