This morning, after breakfast and before going to work, Jon and I sat down for a ten minute meditation.
I was thinking about creating the new path in my brain that I wrote about yesterday. The one to rid myself of an old fear, which originated with my father, that is no longer relevant in my life.
Then, suddenly, the words turned to pictures in my mind.
This is what I saw…
My father was dead, laying in a coffin under the earth. The giant, hundred year old Oak that was in the backyard of the house I grew up in, was growing over him.
But there was something wrong with the image. My father died over 30 years ago, by now his body would have decomposed.
Now I saw a younger oak, it’s leaves spotted with disease. As it grew, my fathers body turned to soil with just a few bones and pieces of the casket left. The tree was even bigger now, shooting straight up to the sky, with healthy green leaves and bunches of acorns.
Then I was walking through the gate from the pasture to the path into the woods that I cleared yesterday. And the giant old oak was on the other side of the fence, the in pasture, behind me.
As I walked, I saw Asher and Issachar come through the gate and walk with me. It was such a delightful surprise to see them. So I thought, why not have all the animals walk the path with me. All those feet and hooves will help create the new path and keep it from growing over.
So I pictured the rest of the sheep then Fanny and Lulu, the bobcat whose footprints I see in the snow, Fate, Zinnia, Zip, the deer and rabbits who use the bridge and even Bud walking with me on the path.
And as we walk, the remains of my father’s body continuing to create rich, healthy soil beneath the oak.
For me this image is so much more powerful than any words I could repeat to quell my anxiety and panic. Being able to put myself on that path with the help of the animals, and my father behind me, brings me into the present and makes me feel safe.
I’ve experienced this kind of vision before. Where some images just come to me and others I have control over. It’s like having a dream and being aware that I’m dreaming so I can make things happen.
I don’t know where this kind of vision comes from. Maybe it’s my brain conjuring up a way of healing that works best for me. What is it is, I’m grateful for it.
That was beautiful Maria. A healing vision for sure, to ensure you of all the love you have around you now. Many animals and people love you Maria. You know all your fans have a special place in their hearts for you, just like I do.
You are a very special, caring, talented, wise, kind, loving, beautiful person. Always remember that.
Thank you Sue.
Using the mind for active imagination and the weaving of a story , building a pathway with your animals, allowing the decomposition of your father to feed the soil, combined with the visual image in the photo – it’s all one, a gestalt of healing in what feels like a Jungian approach. I’m geeking out here , but you are quite literally rewiring your brain.
And it’s beautiful to witness with your ability to express your Self in so many different ways. You offer so much of yourself to your readers like me.
I know just a little about Jung, but I’ve always been drawn to what I’ve read. The story telling and imagery part comes naturally to me. I’m glad to write about it and know that it speaks to you Lois Jean.
Profoundly beautiful, Maria. I’ve always believed animals truly want to help us heal. At least it has been my experience time and time again. Imagery is so powerful as well as the love from animals.
Barb, animals in my imagination and in life have always been a comfort to me.
Read what you wrote and then sat back and felt what you wrote. The powerful images are able to take you far away from trauma of the past. Hopefully we will all find our way to heal and move forward. You brought along all of your animal compatriots in your journey.
It was interesting how Asher and Issachar came without me asking. These kind twin wethers.
What a beautiful vision. I could see you with all of your animals creating your new path! I had a healing vision when my brother who was my best friend growing up died much too young. I woke up and wrote down what I saw. It brought me peace knowing in my spirit that he was safe. Our minds and spirits do great things when we are in tune with ourselves.
That’s very beautiful Josie. I feel fortunate to have these images come to me. I’m so glad you found peace so long ago in yours too.