Riding the Wave

“As I watch the shore fade into the distance I know I must trust”
The water is calm as I step into the boat. I sit down and get comfortable for I feel this journey to the distance shores may take some time.
The sun is shining, I feel its warmth upon my body. A gentle breeze begins to carry my boat from the shore. I am excited, it is a calm and peaceful day. I am venturing into the unknown…the great sea. I am relaxed and content knowing that this is the right choice.
About mid morning the breeze picks up, clouds fill the sky and the waves begin to rock my boat. Although I am feeling a little uneasy I think positive thoughts, I have been brought to this place so I trust I will be safe. The winds are quickly moving me out to sea. By noon I can no longer see land anywhere, I am surrounded only by rough waters. My thoughts have turned to fear, to upset, even anger towards myself. Why did I get in this boat? Why did I feel I could make this journey? How could I not have known how rough it would get?
Fear is really over taking me now. The waves are throwing my boat about. I paddle as hard as I can ...not sure which direction will bring me to safety. Water is filling my boat; I must stop paddling and bail. The water is coming in faster than I can throw it out. I am overtaken with emotion, my heart is pounding, my breathing short and shallow, my stomach is in a knot, my muscles are tight. At that moment a wave so big hits the boat, it capsizes. I am thrown into the water… My life flashes before my eyes. I know now the fight is over and I surrender.
I surrender my fear, my upset, my anger. I feel a emptiness filling me. I can let go of the fight… it is over. I release all muscle tension as the water takes me. Sinking down to it depths. I wonder why I was fighting it…it is much easier to surrender, a deep peace is now filling me as I sink ever deeper into the dark abyss of the sea. The water at this depth is calm and clear but dark.
I know I am ok, as I close my eyes I become aware of a great white light… in my mind I think this is the light people speak of. I am dying. I wonder why I am so aware of my own thoughts if I am truly dying. I open my eyes to realize the light is emanating from me. I am the Light. As love fills me, the light grows – the sea becomes illuminated and I can see for miles. My light has penetrated the darkness so that none remains. I am in awe of the beauty beneath the sea.
I become aware of floating upward. As I break the surface, I gasp for air… I am alive. The waters are now calm, the sun is shining and the storm is over. There before me is my boat, I climb aboard and sit comfortably. The gentle breeze carries me back to shore.
And I realize no matter how rough the sea nor how deep the emotions… I will survive.