“It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than to be busy all the time with both hands trying to catch the wind.” ECC 4:6 So busy looking for what was lost didn’t even notice what was had!
I had a dream just before waking. How do I know it was just before waking because in the dream I could not open my eyes for the brightness and had to depend on others in the dream to guide me with words, while still seeing my dream. When I did wake the sun was shining on my face as it lifted over the horizon. I had to move in bed, out of its shining, to open my eyes.
I have drapes, however, a few minutes before sunrise I had awakened enough to see the orange and red on the horizon. I marvelled at the beauty and the colour as I pulled back the drape to look. Knowing it was soon time to get up I drifted back into slumber and this is when I dreamed a dream.
I was at a swimming pool with another very beautiful person who I was trying to impress. I went to the change room to put on my swimsuit. I went into the room and there were changing stalls. I set down my bag and pulled out my suit preparing to change. Before I did this, I had put all my perceived valuables, purse, keys, phone etc., into the bag. It was labelled “good life” on the bag (I own two). Leaving it there I went into the stall to change. When I came back out there was a good life bag there, however, the contents were different. I freaked out, running from the room hoping to catch whoever had made the switch. I was yelling at the top of my lungs to stop the thief, who seemed nowhere in sight, and yet I continued to call out. I was yelling that someone had stolen my bag containing my valuables. My good life bag was gone, and they had left me with their good life bag in its place and I wanted mine back. It had all my valuables in it.
I went swimming anyway with this person I was trying to impress and get their attention, noticing they cared little whether I was there or not. They were involved with others, ignoring me and going so far as to insult me with looks I perceived as being demeaning and in jest and mockery. I felt sad and crushed. While I couldn’t see well because of this bright light in my eyes I could feel they were not for me and, beyond that, they were not an energy I wanted to pursue. I was looking for help and could find none. I felt alone.
Returning once again to the thought of my “valuables” being gone or taken I went back into the change room and saw the other good life bag sitting on the floor. My vision was no longer impaired. I could see more clearly. I stepped up to look in the bag and there was something white and pure in this bag and seemed to be waiting for me. As I reached in the bright light shone once again into my eyes and I was awakened to find the sun beautiful and bright in its glory popping over the horizon to greet me and the day.
I wondered all day, what might have been in the other good life bag that had been left for me and replaced all my valuables? Am I being prompted to reassess what I consider valuable in my life? Am I being asked to re-evaluate who I seek to impress or garner for their attention? Is there a chance I will drown in a pool of water looking for help from those who do not care about me? Am I being called to look more clearly with the help of universal light at my intentions and directions?
Dreams are so interesting and can be read in many ways or discarded as nonsensical drivel. I listen to my dreams when I can remember them, and when they are vivid like this one, as I see them as symbolic wisdom from the deep source of mystery that I call divine. Wisdom literature tells us “it is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than to be busy all the time with both hands trying to catch the wind.” Ecc. 4:6
It is here I am reminded of a story of a boy who was picking up rocks on the beach. He filled his hands with what he thought were the most beautiful and then came upon one that was so stunning he was mesmerized! However, his hands were so full of the rocks he had already collected he had no room for this one. He had a choice. Let go of what he carried in order to gather the new. What do you think he did?
What is a good life? As I was shouting and chasing the one who stole my valuables, I was missing out on the possibility of something more valuable left in the other bag. What if it was more valuable and more precious, richer, and in my haste to hold on to what I had, I missed the opportunity to be gifted something more?
What do you value? Is it worth valuing or is it just safe? Is it simply easier to circle the wagons and keep safe that which you think is your good life out of fear in searching for more? Are you settling for a good life that could be so much better? There is safety in staying where we are, however, spiritual growth, personal discovery and wisdom lie in trusting in guidance that is beyond the scope of our imagination! Let it go and see what wisdom can teach you!
Cynthia Breadner is a grief specialist and bereavement counsellor, a soul care worker and offers specialized care in Applied Metapsychology with special attention to trauma resolution. She volunteers at hospice, works as a LTC chaplain and is a death doula, assisting with end-of-life care for client and family. She is the mother part of the #DanCynAdventures duo and practices fitness, health and wellness. She is available remotely by safe and secure video connections, if you have any questions contact her today! [email protected] breakingstibah.com
