Friday Ramble - Odyssey

Odyssey: (a) an epic poem by the Greek poet Homer which describes the exploits of the mythical hero Odysseus as he attempted to return home after the Trojan wars; (b) a long interval of wandering and adventures filled with trials, tribulations and insights; (c) a long voyage; (d) a vision quest or quest of the spirit; (e) the journey to enlightenment.

It's the long long walk we are all taking together through the world, in this lifetime and many others - a walk which began light years ago when our essential matter danced its way into existence on a faraway star. It's a winding road of hard climbs and slippery descents, replete with twistings and turnings.  There are gauntlets and testings aplenty along the way, but now and then there are kindred spirits to walk along with and fine conversations - there are surprises waiting around every bend. There are gifts and serendipity experiences, all kinds of them.

The road is bounded (for the most part) by hedgerows, old trees and peaceful waters.  It makes its slow way through heights and valleys, spinneys and clearings, sunlit fields and orchid bogs. The light is entrancing, especially in early morning at the lake, and sunsets there are amazing too.  Maybe, just maybe, there is enlightenment waiting somewhere up ahead on the trail. For now, I am content with moments of fey insight and shy wild knowings. In the immortal words of J.R.R. Tolkien, "the road goes ever on and on. . ."

I awakened this morning to rain beyond the the windows, still moored in a fine night's ramblings.  There were clouds and mountains and sunrises in those ramblings, a brisk wind in my sails, the sound of canvas and creaking ropes in my ears -  there was the clear sense of wild journeys and fine adventures waiting somewhere up ahead.  These dreams are something special.