The Princess of Freedom

GWENDOLYN

She came upon a stone pathway and obliged its silent invitation to walk along its timeworn slate and shale. Her eyes opened wide with wonder to see a thatched roof cottage as she had envisioned in fairy tales from long ago. Standing before the door was a radiant older woman offering a handful of seeds to a black raven. The raven hopped about her feet unafraid, as if they had known one another from a distant time.

Looking at Kriya with shining eyes, the gentle woman gave the young visitor a welcoming smile. “My name is Gwendolyn,” she introduced herself. “Please meet Lilo, my guide and companion, a raven descended from an ancient lineage of avian nobility. His royal bloodline is recognized far and wide for its spiritual wisdom.” The raven took flight and landed on an overhanging branch nearby, observing the scene from above.

“My name is Kriya. I come from the meadowlands on the far side of the Mystic Forest.”

Lilo cocked his head to one side, eyeing her carefully. “In the depths of the forest, the mysteries of life are revealed,” spoke the bird of wise words.

“I am a seeker walking the Golden Path on a quest to find myself. My cat set out before me, on her own journey of discovery,” Kriya explained.

“Listen to your cat,” Lilo advised Kriya. “Learn from her. For this phase of your life, she is your guide and teacher.”

Gwendolyn stepped forward, “Young lady, please come in,” she graciously invited Kriya into her domain. “Please join me for a nice cup of hot chocolate. Take a respite from your travels and rest your weary feet.”

With the excitement of a child, Kriya entered Gwendolyn’s domicile, delighted to converse with her and explore her storybook cottage. Spicy scents of cinnamon and cloves wafted from the oven. A Cheshire cat was curled up by the fireside, napping on an oval braided rug. Grateful for this interlude of repose, Kriya made herself comfortable in an oak rocking chair, closed her eyes for a moment, and breathed a sigh of relief.

“What brings you here so far from home, so deep into the Grandmother Forest?” asked the kindhearted woman.

“I am looking for my beloved cat, Princess. She has been away from home seven days and seven nights. Please look.” She handed Gwendolyn a recent snapshot. “See those blazing eyes, fierce with determination and strength of will. Princess is definitely a cat who knows what she wants!”

“Sorry, dear, but I have not seen your cat,” she replied as she studied the photo with her inner sight. “No need for you to worry though. A shield of white light surrounds her, keeping her safe and protected from harm,” said Gwendolyn, seeking to console her. “Destiny has designed a path that is opening up before her now. It is time for her to awaken her deep instincts and primal nature. She is learning the ways of the animals of the forest — how to commune with them and bond with them. The animals have much to teach us. Even the trees and flowers would speak to us, if we would only listen. Even the mountains and rivers have stories to tell.”

THE SPIRIT OF NATURE

Gwendolyn handed Kriya an earthen mug of steaming hot chocolate with creamy marshmallows floating on the top. Pouring another cup for herself, she savored for a moment the delectable cocoa flavor.

Kriya was intrigued by this remarkable woman who could see with inner vision. She asked of the seer, “Why do you live deep in the forest, far from cities and towns?”

“After my dear Roland died with no forewarning,” she began, “in my grief I began to search for answers. What is the meaning of life? Who am I? As I looked within and listened, I sensed the Spirit of Nature calling me to come to this place to create a new life for myself. Here I have been healed of my grief, and I have found the inner peace I have been seeking with all my heart. The quiet solitude of the forest has been healing for my soul.”

“Did you find the answers you were searching for?”

“This is what I learned: Everything is made of love. I am love. You are love. We are children of the God of Love,” she replied.

“I see.” Kriya knew, “Love is the teacher of the lessons of living.”

“Love opened the door for me to talk to the animals and hear their messages,” Gwendolyn explained.

“Love is the gateway to all that is good,’’ Kriya agreed.

 Gwendolyn walked to the window and looked with wonder at the magnificence of Creation. “Feast your eyes on Nature and sense the presence of God. Feel His Spirit radiating from every animal and plant. Witness the beauty! Behold the Glory! Through the ministry of Mother Nature, God reveals the divine qualities of beauty and perfection to humanity.”

 Kriya understood. Daily she marveled at the beauty and perfection of the natural world.

 Gwendolyn continued, “The Earth is a precious jewel, the home of life for myriads of creatures. She is a conscious being, able to sense and feel what humanity is thinking and feeling. Sadly, most people do not understand that their anger and hatred create pain in the heart of the Mother.”

“I shall pray that we make peace with one another and unite as brothers and sisters of the one human family,” Kriya spoke from her heart. “What can I do to heal the Earth?”

“Try this simple exercise,” Gwendolyn suggested. “Gently rub your palms together and separate them about eight inches. Then visualize the Earth between your hands and focus your attention on healing the Earth. Feel the love in your heart. Send love to the heart of the Earth and to all beings everywhere,” she answered.

 Inspired by Gwendolyn’s idea, Kriya was eager to try out the healing exercise. As she visualized the Earth between her palms, she saw the blue planet change into a sphere of white light and start shining like a star. As she sent love from her heart, she heard a silent voice of gratitude, Thank you for the gift of your love.

 “Every person can make a difference,” she realized. “Every person has a part to play. If we all work together, there is no limit to our power. If everyone sent love to the Mother, maybe we would learn to love each other.”