"You may not believe it now," Alvin said as we had lunch at the writers' conference, "but in time doors are going to open." He took a careful sip of coffee and added, "Whether you're a writer or doctor or Indian chief, sooner or later you'll realize there's this inner spark deep inside. It's your deepest self."
I asked, "Are you saying that I won't be a writer until I find my inner spark?"
The elder man shook his head and a shadow of a smile crossed his face. "No, just that you'll need to realize this inner spark before the world begins to open. Then, oh boy! everything will unfold!"
Dreams I had when I was young morphed over the years, naturally. But indeed the day came when I finally understood where I fit in. I understood what Alvin had meant those years ago and understood my inner self. Then indeed, doors of opportunity opened ahead of me while the past vanished, folding into itself. I began striding in the eternal shadows of my kindred brothers and sisters.
As we come to know our inner radiance
opportunities manifest themselves.
When we realize our impermanence,
we understand eternity.
Meanings and purposes change like
the seasons of this Dance.
Understanding where we fit in Life's grand scheme,
we stride in warriors' eternal shadows.
