The Lighter Side (August 2023)

Editor’s Note: Reprinted from June 2001

As nature contracted during this winter season, so did my TCC classes. At first, I started to worry, but then I decided to take advantage of the slow period and go within. I meditated on letting go of my limiting beliefs. I took a hard look at some of the choices I’ve made, and their consequences. Once again, I found myself in that limbo of transition and change. I knew it was a good place to be, but I still didn’t like it. As a friend of mine recently said, “One door closes and another one opens, but it’s tough hanging out in the hallway!”

To ease this restless time, I turned to nature. I enjoyed looking at the trees and the animals outside my window. A few days ago, I opened the blinds and saw a squirrel playing in the middle of the parking lot. I was in a silly mood and said, “Come on Mr. Squirrel, come on over here and come see me… Come on…. Come on.” At that very moment he looked up at me and took a hop forward towards the window. I started laughing and continued to say, “Come on… Come on over and see me.” This happened about four more times, and each time he jumped forward in a straight line until he was about three feet from the window.

Then he got busy with a nut, and I started thinking how I wanted him to stand up on his hind legs and look at me. In a few moments, that’s exactly what he did! Then I asked for a message, and he abruptly darted away out of sight. I was disappointed at first, until it occurred to me to see where he’d gone. I went into the next room and looked out the window. I didn’t see him at first. Then I realized he was sitting completely still on top of a bench. He was motionless for a while, then he took a sudden leap off the bench onto a nearby tree and scurried towards the dumpster. I burst out laughing. I got the message. 

No, it wasn’t that I was nuts for talking to the squirrel. It was: sit still, take the leap of faith, and get rid of the garbage!

P.S. Later on that very same day, I received the March 2001 Vital Force where Ed Altman, the teacher trainer, wrote about taking his own leap of faith.