Monday, February 25, 2013
I was sitting at the workbench of the production studio (working on my latest project; getting one of Danny's pieces of rackmount audio gear in working condition,) when I suddenly felt a presence behind me. I turned around, only to be startled by Danny! I feel like I jumped out of my skin and stayed glued to the ceiling, if for a few seconds. "Don't do that!" I shouted. "You scared the bejeezus out of me!"
He nodded sheepishly, and apologized. "Sorry, Art. I did it again," he sighed."You're not the first to be surprised when I approach." He continued, "It happened on Thursday or Friday night too. I was at the gig, and I walked up to someone just to talk to them. They had their back turned, and all I did was say, "Hi!" That was enough to make them jump and admit I had scared them too. I was still puzzled, as we were in a public place, and there were lots of people around; it wasn't like it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop!"
I nodded and continued to listen intently, "I have had this unique "problem" for most of my life. I can just walk down a hallway and do the same thing to the person walking towards me around the corner. I don't know why it happens, nor do I know how I can benefit from it. I've "scared" people twice my size, and these were people who claimed to be tough and fearless. Perhaps you can shed some light on this, Arthur. I'm perplexed. Do you have any ideas?" He paused and waited for my response. I took my time and thought about it for almost a minute, then the light came on.
"You be like Ninja" I said jokingly. The look he gave me was an indication that he was looking for something at least a little more meaningful. "C'mon, Art. I'm being serious here!"
I chose my words carefully, so as not to sound as if I was putting him upon a pedestal. I took a deep breath and began, "Well, here's how I see it. Remember when I said that I saw something in you that you weren't even aware of?" He nodded and answered enthusiastically, "the aura, right?" "Yes," I replied. "Danny, I don't know how to say this, but within you is a power that is just now beginning to really show itself. What you witnessed in your younger years was just a sampling." He nodded slowly, continuing to listen. "You know how you're always thinking about that book....The Way of The Peaceful Warrior? Honestly, you ARE more of the warrior than you believe yourself to be. You possess unique talents and abilities." He grinned, but kept silent. "Yes, there are others like you, but no two are alike. In reality, everyone has SOMETHING special inside of them, and it's up to THEM to find it. NO ONE can do it for them, and nothing man-made can ever do it either. Because you've done so much interior work, you've uncovered so much of it, without even realizing it." I paused and let him have his turn.
He began, "I never really thought of it that way, Art. So, you're saying that I've already got the makings of what I wish in my mind to be?" I nodded. "Nothing was wasted, and everything happened for a reason, right?" I nodded again. " I do believe that, but I'm confused; if I've always had these unique talents and abilities, then why in the world haven't I been able to use them to their fullest extent." It was then that the light came on in his head, and I didn't need to answer his question. "Oh, I get it! Because I didn't believe in them, or myself, I wasn't able to see what was already there in the first place!" He smiled again and took a deep breath. I could see the wheels turning just by the look in his eyes. I also knew of his tendencies to glorify things, good and bad.
"Now, don't romanticize them, or you'll miss the point entirely. These gifts aren't so much for you, as they are for others. They are meant to be SHARED, not kept to yourself. If you don't share them, you WILL lose them. Big Guy made this point clear to me the day that we talked about my abilities. Yes, you can enjoy them, but only if you give them away in the process. It's yet another great paradox for the ages!"
He nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I do tend to romanticize things more than a bit, don't I? It's the creative part of me that does that, thinking that if it looks good enough, it will be good enough. It's all perception, and a form of resistance to reality." I nodded and gave him a high five. "Not every part of your journey of finding yourself is going to be a well-groomed and perfect path. Sometimes it's going to appear treacherous, scary, and sometimes downright impossible. One moment it may well be paved and well-lit; the next it might be a narrow walking suspension bridge that sways with each step, revealing a raging river below. Regardless, you must stay focused on your journey, not allowing the feelings to dictate what you are to do in that moment.
Your heart knows full well it can make it, but your mind does not, and it needs to be taught that it can. It will resist and invent excuses and reasons why you shouldn't continue, or worse, turn around and go back. Your heart isn't afraid, Danny; your mind is afraid of everything, even itself. I know you have a good heart, and you are stronger than you realize." He nodded and retorted, "I've also been told that on more than one occasion, usually by people I hadn't known for very long. It turns out they were right. I may not have done exactly what they said I would. Many times, it was better than what I expected! My heart holds onto these powerful words whenever life seems to turn my world upside down. Somehow, some way, it ALWAYS works out in the end."
I smiled and chimed happily, "NOW you're getting it! That's the spirit! I know it's more than just a case of "moving the furniture" with you. Expecting everything to change overnight is only asking for disappointment and heartbreak. Remember it's one step, and one breath at a time. Always forward, no matter the size of the step. Yes, you do fall into some of the old traps sometimes; however, I do see your tenacity and desire to climb out and get back on the path. That in and of itself is a gift. Be grateful for having the deeper inner will to continue forward. To paraphrase something I heard years ago, "it's progress, not perfection." The little things you work on each and every day DO matter. Please keep this in mind, Danny."
Cheerfully, he answered, "I will, Art. I won't take it for granted either, as much as I can help it. Once again you helped me to look deeper within, past the hustle and bustle, the potential chaos of the modern world, and the negative vibes I tend to receive and transmit so effortlessly. I will embrace the Spirit of the Warrior each day. Please feel free to remind me when I slip up and forget."
"Oh, I won't do that," I replied. "I won't need to. You already know when you've missed the mark; when you do, you do your best to make amends and hold yourself accountable. That is the sign of a true warrior. You're on your way, my friend. Just be, and let life take you on the journey you were born to take. Remember, I'm just a guide."
"Thanks, bud." He reached out and gave me a big bear hug. We both smiled, and tears were in our eyes. We laughed out loud and he let go. "Time to move forward," he declared. I turned and looked over my shoulder; he was gone again, and I didn't even hear him close the door. I thought to myself "He be like Ninja!" and chuckled softly.
I returned my attention back to the workbench and my project.