Working underground collecting video for years, I learned what dark really is. Some trips were a long way from the surface and if artificial lights weren't on, it felt intimidating. The local mine training including “learning the ropes” which were on the side so we would know which direction was toward the surface and which was back deeper in the mine. While underground, I always knew someone was leading the way and someone was watching my back. Each experience ended with a feeling of joy and gratitude when we reached the surface.
Years ago I took my dogs Scooter and Molly to one of our local trails and old railroad tunnel with a curve. At the curve, we could not see the light of the entrance or where we were headed. I had no flashlight. This was before cell phones were so smart. I was sure we did not need to go far before we would see light ahead of us. I had been there before but they had not. Scooter froze and would not budge. Molly leaned into me assuring me she would go wherever I went.
I looked ahead and looked back. Light was closer behind but I really wanted to go forward as our walk had just begun. Scooter wasn't sure about either direction no matter how I tried encouraging him. He was less trusting about what may lie ahead. Molly believed in me and would have continued. They waited for my decision. We had no one ahead of us leading the way and no one behind us watching our back. I was their guide as we stood side by side.
We turned back. This adventure could be done another day when I could shine a light to lead the way.We all make choices in our lives. In darkness we are forced to make a choice. We cannot stay there long without some anxiety. Be the light or watch for the light in the direction you choose. It's not so far away. Darkness is not an enemy. It is a friend forcing us to choose. We learn much in the process. Fear not.
