Conversations with the Elders 110209 Getting to the It___728
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conversations with the Elders Getting to the "It" November 2, 2009 On that day, the Elder of Air told us stories from his childhood.
Each time he tells any of the stories, they change. We know it, and
he knows it. However, the essence of the story doesn't change, the
lesson of the story doesn't change, the ultimate truth of the story
doesn't change. And yet, they seem to get funnier and grow more
outlandish each time he tells them. We love them. I love hearing
them. I love listening to him. I love him. After that last story, after the laughter came to quiet and after the
inner talking ceased, all that was present were the five of us, and
our breathing. Then the energy shifted. I sensed it. From laughter
and talking of "remember that time," to a question of "what is really
on your mind and heart, young-old man?" The Elder of Earth, looking
at me with strong, yet caring and comforting eyes, waited for my
reply. "Sometimes I feel something on my heart and mind; yet I am not able to
put the right words to it. I struggle with what is truly going on
inside. I remember trying to name it. I want to know what the "it"
was so badly, I was calling it this or that. Honestly, I am not sure
what "it" is; yet I know I am feeling something. Something is on my
mind and heart. "When you asked the question, I could feel this something rising to
the surface; and then I felt myself pushing it back down. I want to
know what it is before it comes up because then I would know what to
do. If it's rage, sadness, despair, anger, hurt or whatever, then
there is something that can be done. But if it can't but a word to
it, then how or what am I to do? "Yes, the easy thing for me would be for someone, one of you perhaps,
to tell me exactly what it is, where it came from and what do to about
it. That would be easy, and I am truly okay with that. Although, I
know it will not happen that way." I stopped to look at them, hoping
one of them would prove me wrong, hoping one of them would help me
out. Nothing. "Even if its love, joy, bliss or ecstasy.I want to
know. It weighs heavy on me." The Elder of Fire spoke, "One of your teachers always says `if you did
know, what would it be?" I said, "A big rock created from previous sadness and hurt, blocking
the opening to that secret chamber of my heart, so that life can't get
in and cause hurt, pain and disappointment again, yet the secret
chamber of my heart is to be open to life...it is what life is all
about." The Elder of Water said, "You don't need us to give you the answers.
You have them." I replied, "sometimes, it takes a space and place like here, with
someones you trust, with someones you know will support you and be
there for you, with someones who hold you in their hearts and you can
feel it, sometimes it takes a space and place like here to allow me to
connect to what I know." The Elder of Air said, "Reminds me of that time when I was." We all
laughed. Copyright © 2009 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Conversations with the Elders is a weekly "e-newsletter" that shares
my experiences and conversations with the Elders, as I call them. We
meet on the front porch of a log cabin high in the mountains. They
share their wisdoms, life experiences, perspectives, stories, and
love. I listen, learn and share. Please feel free to forward to others! If you receive this from a
friend and would like to receive Conversations with the Elders, sign
up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/ "...listening to our elders is one of the most important things we can
do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You always learn a
lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to them." Herman "TJ" Laffoon Reverend Anthony Farmer Visions of the Heart www.visionsoftheheart.org
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