Rainbow Staircase Vision
As I start my meditation, I find myself walking down a nondescript path. A location very familiar to me as one that I have visited many times in the past when I wanted to feel safe and at peace in a meditative state. There is a strip of grass before a small flowing stream on my left and a meadow with wild flowers on the right. Normally when I am in this space there is a bench in the meadow that I sit on for rest and relaxation. This time there is a large tree in the field and hanging from a large branch is a simple rope swing. The rope swing has one wide plank attached to the two ropes.
I approach the swing and sit. I began to swing back and forth and as I do I notice the sun on my face and its warmth on my body. It is very pleasant and not too hot. The breeze is flowing through my hair. As I am swinging back and forth, I find myself being transported to another place altogether. In this place I find myself on a multi-colored shimmering staircase. I am amazed at the beauty of this staircase as it glistens with the colors flowing through it. I know that heaven is not “above” us, but I had the feeling this staircase led to a higher level of existence. As I look up the staircase, I am aware of an old man with a requisite beard and long gray hair. This man is not God, he is a symbol of vast experience, knowledge and wisdom that one will achieve as the staircase is climbed.
As I pause to consider the staircase beneath my feet, I notice that although I initially thought all the steps were identical, I now realize they are not. Each one has its own beautiful intricate design as though detailed by a master craftsman. Each one should be savored, admired and lingered upon as we journey up. The message I am getting is that never should we rush the journey, each step is important. All the steps are needed to get where we are going. There are no rails on the staircase as it is impossible to fall off. It is simply the way to continue our spiritual path at whatever pace is appropriate for each of us. No one else can dictate the speed of our movement, this is for us alone with God to determine. Our job as we move along the staircase is to soak in and really live each of the steps along the way.
From a dear friend: “Rainbows teach us that after the darkest storms, the light of hope will always paint the sky of our souls and like a rainbow after a storm, our joy often emerges from life’s challenges, casting a vibrant glow on our journey.”
After all, it really is about the journey.
