Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Centre of the Universe

A young one asked an old one how to get to the centre of the universe.
"It's an awfully big place. How do I get there? How will I know I've arrived?"
"Look inside."
"I'm not the Universe."
"Yes, you are."
"It is impossible," said the young one.
"As long as you believe that you will never find it."
This answer was not good enough. It confused the young one who was used to concrete examples, boundaries, and measures.
"Very well," said the old one. "This is what you do. Find a tree. Sit at its root and lean back against it. Close your eyes.  Follow your feelings into the tree."
The young one looked doubtful, but at least this answered offered a tangible exercise.
"And then what do I do?"
"Invite the tree into you."
"Absurd," declared the young one. "How can a tree get inside of me?"
The wise elder smiled. "Go ask the tree."

12 comments:

Crabby McSlacker said...

Love this!!!!

I SO have to get "inside" more and invite the universe in.

Hmm, maybe if I start with a slice of chocolate cake the rest of the universe will follow? Worth considering...

Leah J. Utas said...

Oh, by all means, invite the chocolate cake in, Crabby, and don't take 'no' for an answer.

messymimi said...

Energy underlies everything. Now i need to go meditate -- i worked longer hours today and didn't get a chance earlier.

Tabor said...

We have so many distractions and artificial stimuli that it must take a child a real effort to crawl inside and stay peacefully for a while...then to invite in tree? Well, that is a real challenge. Lovely exercise.

Leah J. Utas said...

Messymimi, it's always good to take the time when you have it.
Tabor, peaceful moments are important. Thanks.

solarity said...

I laughed because my immediate response to the question was "Why do you want to find the center? The edge of the universe is much more interesting!"

Mary Anne in Kentucky

Hilary said...

How I love this, Leah. Thankfully the weather is turning warm and inviting for tree pondering.

Leah J. Utas said...

May you find your edge, Mary Anne.

Hilary, thanks. Enjoy your trees.

Barb said...

As a child, I always thought I was the center of the Universe. Now that I'm old, I should try this exercise. Congratulations on POTW.

TexWisGirl said...

big sigh... congrats on your POTW!

Jinksy said...

I really enjoyed your perspective in this little tale. Thank you.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks for the kind words, all.