More alchemy

“Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him,” his heart said. “We, people’s hearts, seldom say much about those treasures, because people no longer want to go in search of them. We speak of them only to children. Later, we simply let life proceed, in its own direction, toward its own fate. But, unfortunately, very few follow the path laid out for them – the path to their Personal Legends, and to happiness. Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place.” (p. 131), The Alchemist

This passage brought tears to my eyes.

Several reasons, I think. First, the affirmation that what children know –and say and do – is true. I knew my own truth as a child, but very early began to shape it into what I hoped would be pleasing to the world. Now, I am watching my children do the same.

I want to stop the erosion of the truth, but I cannot. I hope I will notice and remember what is real and true in my children’s natures and be more help than hindrance when they seek to uncover their Personal Legends.

Also – I am simply sad that so many of us march out of time with our true natures and longings.

And, finally, another affirmation – that the world we perceive as threatening becomes more so. This is the crux of my struggle with the modern world. People say I’m naïve because I don’t believe we need guns to be safe. I say we create the safety of our world through our actions and beliefs.

This simple allegory begs to be re-read often, with fresh questions and perspective. If I can take one thing away with me now, it’s the knowledge that my treasure is where my heart is. Individual and indeterminable by anyone who doesn’t possess my heart – only I can find my treasure.

I’ll be seeking.