Originally published one year ago, from the Gust Ranch where my roots were chosen to first grow.
Mom and I used to whisper wishes down our family’s wishing well. I wonder what other wishes were sent down by others, to this Well of Desires? Placed upon the windy path through the rock garden, you have to Choose to visit.
Though it is 45 years old, it’s still doing its job proudly in front of my father’s house. It is worn out, but strong, like him. I Wished for a lot throughout my life. As a kid on a farm, I wished for the city. As a bumpy teenager, I wished for a new body. When I first got a good job, I wished for the next. When I moved to a new home, I wondered about the next. Why did the Well of Desire feel like a pit of emptiness?
I was doing it wrong. Wishing for Elsewhere is a path to Nowhere. What I was really seeking all along, was Peace and Joy, right here, right now.
Today, I’m learning. My well is full today. And, from Here, filling with Desires of my future. Joseph Campbell teaches us “Follow your Bliss.”
One step at a time, through the rock garden, take a left, to the Well.