Steps

        "How many steps a day do you take? Do you walk and move about in many places? Is it a constant movement or perhaps you walk very little or not at all. We take so many little things for granted. A baby's first steps is an exciting moment, and after that, it then becomes commonplace.

        There are those who are gifted with the speed of their steps or the stamina and they translate that into a gift for athletics. Their are those whose mind directs their steps each day for it is not a natural, unconscious movement. There are those who use their will to push themselves in what they must accomplish and when their steps become slow with fatigue, they still move on.

        Survival has sometimes been dependent on steps. One step at a time, one foot in front of another. Sheer will power has been needed to move the feet. And there is the other opposite example when the feet play and they dance. Some may feel they cannot master these steps, but it is a lightness that the feet enjoy.

        Our lives are made up of steps. Little ones, big ones, stumbling ones, and giant ones. Sometimes we move forward and we are not aware of it, and other times we move and climb and struggle and know and are aware of each step needed.

        It would appear that lives are organized into steps by the marking of birth days and the celebrating of educational accomplishments. There is also that which many spend their time on and that is the step shown by increasing financial gain, a ruler of "success."

        But how does one celebrate and recognize steps of growth? Steps of spiritual development, of personal graduation in the steps of life? Too often the steps which have been gained through much struggle are not recognized and the sense of accomplishment is missed. It takes quietness and reflection to measure one's growth. It takes a sense of what I was, what I am, what I am to be. It is an uncomfortable experience for many people because, first of all, it takes patience. Just like a puzzle, one does not put all the pieces together at once. And like looking in a mirror, it is difficult to be aware of an honest picture. The make-up of the mask we show the world must be uncovered. Who is behind the mask?

        Change is an uneasy experience. We can explore new territories and our feet take steps in new areas and we think nothing about it - that is unless we overdo and our feet hurt! Taking steps is sometimes a momentary hurt, a necessary stretch of the spiritual muscles. And as we take these steps, we must be aware of the journey and aware of the destination. Are we moving back and forth in the same steps? Are we moving in various patterns of new experiences? Are we advancing in our understanding of what is needed to take new steps?

        Steps can sometimes not be hurried. As you walk the little steps with your feet, you may cover much space, but inwardly the steps may take much longer to show advancement. Be comfortable with yourself when your spiritual steps hurt. We cannot glide through life, we are connected to the earth."