I found it very difficult to shake these feelings off. I intuitively knew that if I kept dwelling on them I wouldn’t find the answer. However, trusting the answer would appear in its own time was proving to be extremely challenging.
So I chose, a change of scene to distract my mind, by continuing my journey on a parallel path, a fair distance from the river.
In the ensuing days, I struggled to divert my mind from searching for the essence of this unknown thing. I also began having feelings that my journey was coming to an end , which heightened my desire to find the answer and also left me feeling confused.
One morning I woke up early with an overwhelming desire to return to the river. I felt excited and quickened my pace as I drew closer. On reaching the river I stopped and admired its beauty, as the sun was rising and the water glistened… I really loved this river.
I noticed the reflection of the neighbouring trees on the surface of the river. Then when I finally looked at my reflection, I saw inside myself. I did not know whether I was looking deep into the river or deep into myself. It was as if the river was communicating with me.
I descended the bank and dipped my feet in the river, so that I could try to feel and listen more closely to the water.
I looked up and for a moment, and saw an ethereal nymph, (who later I discovered is known in legend as ‘Ela’) on the other bank in a gentle mist. I gazed transfixed and found myself falling into a trance like state in which time stood still….and I heard her whispering as if directly into my ear………….
“ You have fineness and sensitivity…….. You see beauty everywhere………. Learn more about all the different parts of yourself……….. You are connected to this gentle river and the river is part of you……… Understand your own ebbs and flows……….. Help those who come to the river…………”
Then the nymph, ‘Ela’ disappeared and her words reverberated in my mind while I thought about the gentle river.
The river had been my constant companion on the journey, a safe haven at the beginning, a place full of possibilities with Mur and now it felt like home. All that time it was the same wonderful river, just the ‘meaning’ I gave to it changed.
At that moment, one of the great sayings of my namesake Epictetus, popped into my mind…..
‘It’s not what happens to you, but what you make of what happens that matters…’
I thought of my journey and all the amazing characters I had met. They had all imparted such insightful ideas and wisdom, but what was important to how I thought and felt me was the way I interpreted these great ideas. It was the meaning that I chose to give that changed my thoughts, my emotions and my actions. Then, when I finally experienced a sense of my essence, my sensitivity, I realised that this was the place from which I was giving meaning to the ideas and events of my journey.
On this realisation, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I would build the ‘Meaning’ bridge. I would welcome others drawn to the river and the bridge and I would pass on all that I had learnt on my journey.
Epic turned to Milo,” You and Daisy were drawn to the ‘Meaning Bridge’ and that’s how we are here now with me telling you my story. Life is amazing! Isn’t it Milo?”
“Yes, it certainly is. That was a fascinating story Epic. Thank you for taking the time to relate it to me. I have learnt so much and so many things have become clear to me.” “That’s because you are a kindred, sensitive spirit, Milo. I knew that what I went through would resonate with you.”
Epic had one final gift for Milo. It was a gift of trust, confidence and inspiration. On parting he hugged Milo then looked directly into his eyes and stated, “You have been a marvellous student Milo, but now you are ready to be a mentor and teacher. You have great insight and wisdom. It is now time for you to help others.
I have faith that whatever knowledge you decide to pass on will help so many to heal.
I also have a feeling that you will go on another great journey, maybe to learn what it is that you are truly called to teach. I know you’ll be asking yourself questions about when this will be but there’s no need to be overly concerned about the timing. You’ll know when. It will happen all at the right time.
It has been a tremendous pleasure seeing you again and I really enjoyed finally being able to tell you my story. Don’t leave it so long before you visit again Milo!
As Milo left, his head spinning with questions about this ‘great journey’, he remembered first meeting Epic and their conversation about questions. Epic had always left him curious, wanting to ask questions and seek more knowledge. That was just one of his many great gifts.
As he set off on his journey home, he felt inspired and excited as if he was already going on another adventure!