The Universe: Hello?

Alexandra: Hello! I’m here!

U: Good! We’re pleased. We were beginning to wonder.

A: Me too for a wee while, but here I am.

U: What made you hesitate?

A: Oh, you know… the usual. Does it really matter? What’s the point? Why bother?

U: Ah… Then we congratulate you for showing up, despite all those discouraging thoughts.

A: Thank you. I appreciate that.

U: How did you break through the negativity trying to bind you?

A: I saw a video on Instagram yesterday that made a strong impression on me, and also I heard something this afternoon at a Buddhist meeting that made me sit up and take notice.

U: Tell us about the video.

A: It was about being creative. I think the man doing the voiceover was John Cleese. He’s a funny and clever Englishman who helped create Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and he also co-wrote and starred in Faulty Towers. Anyway, he made the point that you don’t have to be talented to be creative. And that the biggest block, by far, to being creative is fear. Fear of making a mistake, fear of not being good enough, fear of…

U: We understand.

A: Well of course that was me he was talking about. And he further said how important it is to play. Or, to quote something I heard David Bowie say in a 1970s radio interview, it’s not a life-threatening situation. So I can have the willingness to play, and be open to what comes of it. Like a voyage of discovery, really. An adventure!

U: Very good. And the Buddhist meeting?

A: That was about setting a target.

U: Not a new idea, surely?

A: No! But new for me, if I actually do it.

U: Tell us more.

A: Well, until this year, I was too afraid, and, I suppose, too full of self-doubt, to express my prayers as determinations. And for the same reason I couldn’t set a target. I didn’t believe I could achieve it. I knew intellectually that trying to do so would help me grow, but I chose instead to avoid the disappointment that I was sure setting a target would bring me.

U: Avoidance. You humans practise it a lot.

A: Yes, we do.

U: If you don’t mind us saying so, it’s very foolish. It guarantees stagnation.

A: I’ve noticed! Then we complain about having little lives instead of the great lives we long for.

U: Tell us more. It seems you’re awakening.

A: Haha! “Buddha” means Awakened One! I told you Buddhism is great.

U: Just so. Tell us more please.

A: This is by no means the first time I’ve said or thought this. Yet I hope I understand it now at a better, deeper level.

U: Go on.

A: The wall I put up to avoid things or people because I’m afraid, the wall I hide behind to keep “bad things” out, also keeps out “good things.” And now I see that I’ve been signalling that I’m not strong enough, not capable enough, to tackle what you, dear Universe, present me with to assist my growth. So my own behaviour has brought me more of the stagnation you mentioned.

U: We have wondered for some time why you turned your back on the gifts we sent your way.

A: Sorry. I’ve always been a late bloomer.

U: No matter. Now is what’s important. And so, have you set a target?

A: Yes! That’s why I’m here! I’ve determined to chat with you every week, if that’s okay with you.

U: We’d be delighted. And we will continue to send you challenges.

A: Yes please. I apologize for being so unappreciative of them in the past. Lucky for me that you don’t bear grudges!

U: Just so. However, we, for our part, appreciate the changes in you we’ve remarked this year in particular. You’re really making progress, young lady!

A: Young lady! That’s good! I didn’t know The Universe has a sense of humour!

U: Well now you do. See you next week?

A: Yes. Thank you for always being willing to give me another chance.

U: That’s our pleasure, and our job: Compassion. Bye for now, dear one.

Photo by Jigar Panchal on Unsplash