Over the next few days, I kept returning to thoughts of the treasure chest within. The water vole’s words had intrigued me. I felt somehow that a world of potential lay inside me. I kept pondering, “How could I find this treasure chest of possibilities? If I found it, how could I unlock it?
I wanted some advice, so I sought out some friendly voles. They told me of a sage creature, revered above all others. This creature’s ability to help and to influence others was legendary. An air of mystery and wisdom surrounded him. Although solitary by nature, a constant stream of creatures visited him. He lived a morning’s travel from the river.
Despite my eagerness at finding answers, I felt sadness at leaving this little river; especially after I learned that it was the same little river which had provided me with a safe haven after my escape. However, my mind was set.
I set off early, recalling the directions given to me by one of the voles. The vole I sought lived by a very distinctive log, gnarled by age and exposure. It would be simple enough to locate and I found that by the time I stopped to enjoy a mid-day break, I had already come upon it.
I paused, glancing up the length of the weathered, mossy bark. A soft rustling drew my attention. My eyes landed on an unusual looking creature with dark and pale brown velvety fur, with a tuft of white colouring his chest.
He looked and reminded me of Sig, but what struck me most was his long pointed nose. This creature was a shrew.
“I am Milt,” said the shrew, guessing my question before I could ask.
“Hello, my name is Epic.”
“Have you sought me out, Epic?”
“Yes,” I admitted, intrigued by Milt’s powerful gaze.
I could see that the shrew struggled to move the lower part of his body and guessed that he needed help looking for food. I found myself eager to forage for him, such was the shrew’s kind and persuasive disposition.
We sat down to eat together and Milt asked me about my journey. Milt appeared genuinely interested and exuded a strange sense of inner knowing, that in turn, fascinated me. The shrew showed particular interest in my experience by the river and my search for the treasure chest. Like many of the friendly mentors I had met along my journey, Milt asked probing questions and upon listening to the answers that I gave, began to talk.
“I wish to help you, if you don’t mind?”
“Certainly,” I nodded.
I had never heard a voice quite like Milt’s. The shrew spoke in a slow monotone voice – it felt hypnotic. I sat entranced, listening intently. I became aware of the same feelings and sensations as those I was longing for by the river a few days before. I found that I had to re-focus my eyes and attempt to correct my blurring vision. I fixed my gaze upon Milt’s nose. Inwardly I chuckled, because with the whiskers sticking out, Milt’s nose reminded me of a key. As I felt myself sinking into a trance I could hear Milt’s words, drifting in and out of his mind:
“You can hear my voice and feel sensations…in your arms and your paws while you become aware of your breathing. You can wonder as you wander on your journey…….as you go on a journey inside to find the treasure chest…your very own treasure… that other part of you……..a gift………your unconscious mind…”
Then I was floating…..totally absorbed…..a unique timeless experience. Then I heard Milt’s voice calling me back. “You can come back to the log and river in your own time…and open your eyes.”
I opened my eyes and re-orientated myself to my surroundings. I felt completely at peace. A wonderful feeling permeated my whole body and mind; a stillness which kept other thoughts at bay.
The rest of the day Milt talked and Epic listened. The shrew weaved wonderful stories about hills, climbing hills, both large and small. in his steady, hypnotic voice and I found myself drifting in and out of a dreamlike state, absorbed in these magnificent adventures he was conjuring up in my mind.
I remember that he would pause and in a calm, comforting tone suggest, “I want you to give yourself a present in the present moment, wherever you are on your journey. Remember and appreciate exactly where you are, without looking forward or back are, knowing you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Hearing these words, I could feel a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.
I didn’t quite understand at the time what seeds Milt was sewing, but now when I look back I understand and I’m eternally grateful.
Later Milt showed me what to do to create this very relaxed state by myself. In so doing, he gave me a vital key. A key which I knew would finally enable me to unlock the treasure chest within. That night my dreams were peaceful, my mind at ease.
I awoke to a greeting from Milt. The shrew already had another visitor in need of his wise, entrancing words and he bade me farewell.
“You are ready to find what you are looking for,” the shrew announced. “You can go back to the river by this path.”
“Thank you so much for this amazing experience.” “You’re very welcome. Now remember,” Milt advised, “if you find any obstacles on your journey you can always choose to view them another way.”
“I’ll remember.”