Just Like Magic

I stepped into the cool, dark forest not knowing exactly where it would lead me. I was unafraid, more curious to the calling I felt. Compelled, I walked on soft, earthy ground following an instinct to an unknown.

The air was light. I had left behind all heaviness once I entered the woods. I was connected to everything around me and that intensified with every breath, every step. The pull towards the depths of the woods was so strong, I did not understand it, at least not yet.

I knew every tree, patch of moss, the stones, for I had been here before. Perhaps it was a dream? Was I still dreaming? I could not recall how I ended up at the edge of the forest, just the moment I entered into the welcoming arms of mother nature. I didn't dwell on this fact, this was not important.

As I walked, I could see the light between the trees leading to a clearing. This is where I needed to be, I knew.

The clearing was an open field of tall grass. It was soft on my feet and legs as I made my way through. The center of the clearing beckoned me and when I reached it, the tall grass had faded into a large circle enclosed by plants.

I sat down in the center and the serenity of it all renewed my being. I breathed in the cool, clean air and upon exhale the calm I felt was surreal. I looked up to the sky and sent my troubles, my worries, my fears to those in the heavens. My burden was unloaded and I felt whole.

My mind began to race with anxieties of my future. The how's and why's and what if's sweeping over me like a dark cloud. I looked to the sky again and simply asked for a sign, an omen of something good to come. I closed my eyes and could feel the shift of energy occurring all around me.

After a short time, the intensity of the shift began to slow. I slowly began to open my eyes and the plants around me were coming to life. Full blooms of marigolds were opening with their vibrant, happy colors all around me, just like magic. The pure joy I was overcome with was exuberant and I couldn't help but smile. I had been heard.

Soaking in the beauty of my surroundings I watched dragonflies hover and dive between the flowers. A signal of hope and new beginnings, I believed they were there to gently guide me to my future destinations. I was never alone, despite the doubt in my mind that tried to convince me otherwise.

I arose and gently let my fingers trace the delicate petals of the nearest marigolds. The velvety feeling of the petals soothed me and I knew I could return to wherever I came from as the answer I was seeking had been given.

I attempted to capture every aspect of this beautiful place in my mind yet it was beginning to slip through my fingers. The clearing began to fade and I was back in the woods, following the path back to where I came. Leaving the place of truth happened in almost an instant and I tried to stop it, wanting to hold on just a little longer. It was my time to leave but I knew I would be back again one day.

My body began to feel heavy and the exhaustion I felt was beyond compare. The edge of the woods slipped away and I suddenly found myself waking up in my own bed, returning once again from a night of astral projection. Despite the tired feeling in my bones and spirit, I was pleased with the journey I had just completed.

I went about my normal morning routine and prepared to leave my home. Stepping out into the hustle and bustle of the morning I noticed something in my neighbors yard that had not been there yesterday. Her garden had bloomed in full, seemingly overnight, and I was greeted by the happy smiles of bright marigolds, just like magic.