All Aboard

While aboard the vessel upon which I have booked passage, which has for considerable time been tided up at the dock, or for short intervals ran short harbour cruises which at no time let vanish from view the familiarity of the shoreline I attempt to bolster myself with the recitation of the serenity prayer:

God Grant me the Serenity

To Accept the Things I cannot Change

Courage to Change the Things I Can

And the Wisdom to Know the Difference

Why the need to pray, well many things are different on the occasion of this voyage – for one thing while asleep for what I’m beginning to think was a considerable length of time it would appear the ship has slipped quietly away from the marina and is now cutting through the swells of the open ocean with no sign of shoreline in any direction. I had only intended to enjoy a short nap, rocked gently to sleep upon a deck chair by the gentle arms of the incoming tide and blanketed by the warm afternoon sun.

I attempt to focus my eyes, a feat made difficult by the fact that upon the high seas the sandman has at his disposal the brine of the ocean which when dehydrated makes a formidable paste. As my vision begins to clear I realize there is another significant difference, I am not only on a vessel but I in fact am a vessel, however while I will be required to provide the locomotion I am actually not the captain of the ship - I’m told in fact I never was, oh sure I can still provide input as to “ possible destinations” but it is strongly suggested that I not become overly invested in this outcome because upon the high seas circumstances can necessitate a sudden course correction and the need for an alternative port. In fact those that cling too tightly to the rail of the ship when these course alterations are being implemented and try to enforce the adherence to the original destination will experience a “sea-sickness” of a most profound variety that will only subside when they loosen their grip - in fact relief is assured when one let’s go entirely.

Apparently this voyage has been made possible by my surrendering my will I was told. “Really” I responded – “I did that?” “Can I reconsider?” – of course you can – but you may want ask whether you would really want to – you spent considerable time doing what you were doing and by all accounts were not very happy doing it – you asked for this.

 “Are you sure? “ I don’t recall asking for this – what did I say?”

Well, you can be forgiven that you don’t recognize the specifics of your current circumstance as being that which you asked for – you are indeed where you need to be (the form however allows for shall we say, a little poetic license). As for what you said specifically – well as I recall your request really wasn’t one of the most eloquent statements you’ve made and while you seemed intent on just your ass being saved as you can see, all of you has been brought along.

“So let me see if I’ve got this straight – I’m on a journey (you’ve always been on a journey) – alright, alright do you mind if I complete a thought?”

Not at all – I’ve all the time in the world – in fact time is of no consequence – you will in time become more familiar with the idea of listening – but for now please continue.

“This journey takes place far away from anything that is familiar – it may well involve negotiating some rough water (yes now that you mention it you can expect that it will) and I’m supposed to continue blindly along and the storm is best ridden out by my letting go altogether this will in fact calm the waters”

Can I speak now? 

“Go ahead”

It’s been known to happen!

“What’s been known to happen?”

Trusting – having faith, letting go and the waters fell calm

“Yes but…………….”

You were about to say something?

“Well yes I believe I’m familiar with the reference you are making and I’m not sure we are talking about the same thing”

Why would you say that?

“Well for God – sake you’re talking about Jesus”

Now you see there is something else you might want to consider letting go of – this inclination of humans to hoist some amongst you upon a pedestal and believe that they have access to something you don’t and besides what makes you think you cannot produce similar results?

“It’s got to do with the way things have always gone”

Would you prefer something else?

“Of course – why would I want things to carry on unchanged?”

Well forgive me if I sound as though I am making light of the situation but anyone watching you create your life would naturally conclude you continue to want the same result because you keep doing the same thing. You might want to consider something else is possible (in fact infinite possibilities exist and then live into that).

“But that would mean – I would need to …………………”

Yes I know we have been through all that, you need quit trying to force results, learn to trust and let go.

“That seems to be a very perilous way to live – where is the safety, the security in this?”

Your obsession with protecting yourself has cost you dearly my friend! I’m not talking about being wreck-less, however all the sweetest of life’s fruit grow upon the branches furthest from the tree.

“I’m your friend?”

Of course – why wouldn’t you be?

“I just thought – oh I don’t know, I thought perhaps you would have more pressing matters on your hands”

Perhaps you need not believe everything you think.

Upon hearing that the ships whistle blasted the sound of which had me jump straight up from the comfort of my deck chair landing unceremonious upon the deck – sitting there as the ship prepared to dock after our day tour of the neighboring islands I realized that I had indeed been asleep and was therefore dreaming – so then, it had all been a dream?