Congratulations, fellow travelers, we have arrived at the first meditation-contemplation rest area and vista situated on this journey towards Truth. Clearly, we were wise to discard Purpose A and follow the guidance provided by Purpose B.

Resting with clear minds, let us remember from whence we came and the value of the knowledge we chose to keep as we consciously observe the new surroundings.

We stand upon fine flakes of pinkish sea coral formed by the crushing of living coral animals by the local parrot fish. These flakes settling to the sea bottom and later washed upwards onto the shoreline by uncountable waves crashing thereon. This beach encircles a small island of low elevation. Turning to look inland, we see a wee stone fence, no more than 60 cm in height. This wall following the contour of the shoreline and enclosing a garden carnival of fair blossoming roses. A kaleidoscope of every color namable by mankind, each fragrance blending together perfectly–one scent and many scents enjoined. Underneath the flowery canopy spreads a lush, green carpet of short grass waving in the small wind.

I ask you to move to the garden and climb over the small wall. Several of you try unsuccessfully . . . for as soon as you touch the wall, you cannot lift either leg . . . step back and you can . . . you have a puzzled expression. I laugh, saying, “Sorry, I forgot to tell you that no one enters the secret garden without intoning the proper vowel sounds. But, there is a lesson herein. Never presume to take the next journey until your heart tells you it is time. Remember, finding and sorting through knowledge is difficult, but, seeing true understanding is near impossible.”

Gazing outward from the beach, we find that our flower isle rests between two very large islands, both mountainous and covered in trees, bushes, flowers, and grasses. Colorful birds fly about everywhere. Looking across from one island to the other, thoughts begin to stir within our stilled minds, little butterflies arising into the air in a whirlwind of color. Soon, half fly away to one island and half to another. You ask yourself, “what can this signify?”

Gently you ponder this question, forcing nothing and demanding nothing. But, an answer appears out of nowhere and everywhere. “How simple, how pure,” you think, “Of course, this first rest stop is telling me that I must remain open to new vistas so to gather new information to process for answering my question. The answer to be found by searching for various pieces of insight everywhere possible. Two islands means that the final answer is a combination of more than one point of view. About complementarity and not polarity.”

You turn towards me to gauge my reaction to your insight. My smile is reinforced by a sparkle in my eyes. “Good. Answers are found within even when they arise without. Our stopping has been profitable and soon we take a seven league stride once again. Rest, child, for rest is good.”