MAZE OF CONFUSION

Distraction and his company run far a head of Awareness and his companions on the path. At every junction, they remove road signs and camouflage the alternative road with bushes so only the way to their snare is distinguishable.

At every crossroad Distraction averts their attention towards the direction he desires them to go. He lures them with sounds that heighten their curiosity. He attracts them with smells that enhance their pleasure. He inspires them with visions that enrich their desires. All the while enticing them into the place he knows few ever find their way out of...The Maze of Confusion.

Once inside the Maze, Deception further beguiles Awareness and his companions with sounds of merriment. Enlightenment warns Awareness that there may be danger in entering the Maze but Awareness is hypnotized by Inquisitive and he ignores the warning. And so the others follow Awareness into the Maze. The sounds of festivity are so intoxicating that Awareness can think of nothing else. He so desires to see what celebration the people might be having. Awareness begins to run. His companions try to keep up but Awareness runs too fast. He runs around several corners, this way and that way chasing the sounds that grow louder and louder as he rounds each corner. By the time the others catch up with him, Awareness is sitting despondently in front of a large speaker on a cart that Distraction was using to lure the three deep into the maze.

“I was so sure I would find some joy in Castle Glade”. Awareness says sadly. “As I turned each corner my hopes increased.”

“There is still hope Awareness”. Enlightenment says with a smile. “There is ALWAYS hope. Remember what Wisdom told you. ‘Origin will guide you by your experiences. Whatever you experience will be necessary for you to fulfill your purpose. There is nothing that can or will happen to you that is unnecessary for you to fulfill your purpose’, she said ‘Each experience will build upon another and will lead to your objective’. It is not to find joy nor to give hope but to only to find the Wounded Child”.

“The more we experience in Castle Glade”. Illumination marvels. “The more I am beginning to understand. It is not within your heart, Awareness that you find this doubtfulness but it is in the nature of this place. And it is not in your body that you have acquired this wariness but it is from the instability of this land. Castle Glade has its foundation in the Land of Uncertainty. The soil is unsettled, shaky and slippery. We have been kicking up this dust since we came into this maze. We have it in our hair, on our clothes, in our mouths and up our nose. Awareness you must cling to your purpose. It is the only sure thing in this castle. For Wisdom has told you that you are to bring light and wholeness to this dark and broken place.

“Then let us get back to our mission,” Awareness says picking himself up and dusting of his distractions. “Does anyone know the way out of here?” Awareness asks after he realizes that he didn’t pay attention to the turns he had made or how many of them.

“No.” Illumination says, “We were trying to keep up with you.”

Awareness decided to go forward because he knew that going back would only take him further away from his purpose and forward seemed to be a more logical direction.

It came about as Awareness and his companions walked down the road discussing their new revelation that they came upon a strange spectacle. Walking, or a reasonable fact similar there of, just ahead of them was a peculiar sight. It appeared to be a set of Siamese twins that were attached at the butt. They were both equally strong, equally stubborn and both bent on going their own way, and so consequently they went nowhere.

It occurred to Awareness as he came closer to this strange character that he might be able to give them some directions out of the maze.

“Good morn… Awareness hesitated. Good eve….” Well he just didn’t know what time of day it was to give the proper greeting and so he asked. “Sir, can you please tell me the direction in which we might be able to find our way out of this maze?”

The nice twin walks over toward Awareness dragging the mean twin behind and says, “The way out is straight down that road 22 blocks and turn right then forward 15 blocks and make a left. Keep going straight until you come to a white gate and that’s the way...”

“No it ain’t.” The mean twin interrupts. “It’s straight down the road that way…” He says pointing down the road perpendicular to the direction the nice twin was indicating. “25 blocks turn left then 5 blocks and make a right. At the end of that road you’ll find a Redwood gate and that’s the way out”.

“No it’s not”. The nice twin says emphatically.

“Yes it is.” The mean twin snarls.

“Whoa!” Awareness referees. “It’s not that important. We’ll figure it out. May I ask your name?”

“I am Ambiguity,” the nice Twin says.

“No! I am Ambiguity!” the mean twin interrupts.

The nice twin ignores the outburst, turns, and gestures toward the group of characters behind him. “And this is my family. My wife, Indecisive…” motioning to a formless, shapeless, undefined woman. “And these are my children, Doubtful, Confused, Double-minded and Vague. Now may I ask your names?”

“I am Awareness”. He says politely. “And these are my most loyal servants Enlightenment and Illumination”. The two Beings of Light bow majestically. “May I ask your purpose?” Awareness inquires.

“My purpose is to wander around”. The nice twin says proudly. “I keep the Maze of Confusion in a state of agitation. I stir up the dust in this place”.

“And how do you do that?” Awareness asks.

“Well, I’m not sure,” The nice twin, says thoughtfully. “Most of the time, I walk around in a fog, then out of the blue I’ll do something stupid…”

“Who you calling stupid!” The mean twin interrupts.

“Now don’t get started!” The nice twin scolds. “You know what happens when you get like this.”

“Get like what!” The mean twin snaps. He then reaches over and smacks the nice twin hard on the back of the head.

“Why you!” The nice twin turns around in anger, leans back and smacks the mean twin across the back of his head. The mean twin hurls around and grabs the nice twin as he takes hold of the mean twin and they begin spiraling in a circle, twirling in a whirlwind and whipping up a dust storm as they wrestle each other down the road.

“Well, that was interesting.” Awareness says. “We had better be on our way.”

Awareness, who is now standing at an intersection, looks down the street one way and then the other. He then looks down the street that Ambiguity whipped all the dust on.

“Let’s go that way.” Awareness points in the direction that Ambiguity went down. “I think the nice twin was right.”

There are many houses on many streets in this Maze. It is much like a city street in any city of the world. Awareness looks at the names of the streets as he comes to them. The first street sign he comes to is Disorder. The next corner street sign reads Chaos. They walk down the street until they come to Turmoil. On the corner is a Three Ring Circus. As they walk farther and farther they notice that the dust that Ambiguity has stirred up is obstructing their view making it harder for them to find their way through the Maze. Down the streets sounds of commotion can be heard. As they come to the corner of Turmoil and Uproar they notice a riot is beginning. There are characters brawling with one another. Then they come to Bedlam. On one corner there is a Madhouse and on another a Free For All.

“I have noticed that as we get farther into the maze things seem to be getting more and more confusing and violent and it looks as though there is a storm beginning”. Enlightenment says, “Maybe we are going the wrong way.”

“That storm is Ambiguity,” Awareness says. “I think he is trying to lead the way.”

“How can you trust that character.” Illumination says. “I didn’t understand a thing he said.”

“Well,” Awareness says, “Wisdom said ‘One experience would build upon another.’ I’m just following my experiences.”

And so they move farther into the Maze until they reach Disorientation. Staggering down the street further they come to Embarrassment. Still moving forward they reach Humiliation. They all walk with their heads bowed low as they drag their feet down this street. In the center of the block there is a bakery where all they sell is Humble Pie. This leads to Demoralization. This street seems to go on forever. Their spirits are crushed. They begin to loose courage for going on and their moral is at an all time low, then they come to Shame. There are signs of Bankruptcy at the storefront windows of every business on this street. Disgrace lives here with his wife Deflated. Their children are Slander, Slur, Smear and Libel. Each one takes turns being drug through the mud. Then they come to Mortification. Along this entire right side of the street is a cemetery.

On the left side is a row of skyscrapers, from which many have leaped to their death. The streets are now deserted.

“How do we get out of this place?” Illumination asks.

“Good question”. Awareness replies. “Maybe we should climb up on top of one of these tall buildings and see if there is any way we can see the edge of the Maze.”

“Looks like a tall one up ahead.” Enlightenment says.

They all walk up to the tallest skyscraper whose name is Overwhelming. They climbed the stairs to the roof and look across at a sea of buildings and streets trying to see the end of the Maze. They notice that all through the streets below the sand storm is growing increasingly worse.

“Have you ever seen such a place as this?” Enlightenment asks with great perplexity.

Awareness simply stares in awe.

Enlightenment and Illumination turned up their light as bright as they can so the night is transformed into day. Just this side of the horizon they catch a glimpse of greenery. However a great wall whose name is Self Denial borders it.

“How will we ever get over that wall?” Illumination asks in bewilderment.

“We’ll find a way when we come to it.” Awareness says confidently. “One step at a time. At least we know that there is an end to this Confusion.”

They start down the stairs to the street below. Halfway down they run into Discomfort and his wife Repressed climbing up the stairs with their children Beat Down, Overburdened and Crushed dragging far behind.

“You all don’t look like you’re from around here,” Discomfort says between his huffs and puffs.

“We’re not,” Awareness says “We are from another land called the Land of New Beginning sent on mission by our king, Origin to Castle Glade to find the Wounded Child.”

“I have heard of such a child.” Discomfort says breathing a bit lighter. “He is being held in the Tower of Perspective by King My Way’s men.”

“And how do we find this Tower of Perspective?” Awareness asks

“That I don’t know.” Discomfort says sadly. “But I do know of someone who can lead you to it. His name is Patience.” Discomfort says, “ He knows the way out of Confusion. He was raised in this Maze and it was here that he found his nature.

“Wait here,” Discomfort says to Awareness. “I will beg my leave from my wife and children and lead you to Patience.”

SNIPER ATTACK

Awareness walks to the end of the corridor and takes the handle to the door and turns it.

“This one.” He says as he opens the door and walks in.

They find themselves in the middle of a jungle. Sounds of birds and monkeys can be heard as they walk carefully down the narrow path before them. Unbeknown to them there are two of King My Way’s snipers lying in wait for them. The names of the snipers are What If and If Only.

The two Snipers formulate their strategy on how they would ambush Awareness and his companions. What If locates a subtle hiding place in front of his targets and If Only positions himself behind them. As the three unsuspecting preys step into the kill zone What If gets off a dart and hits Awareness in the stomach.

“Ugh!” Awareness grabs his stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Enlightenment asks.

“I feel butterflies in my stomach.” Awareness answers, “What if I fail to accomplish what Origin expects of me?”

“You know you’ll do fine.” Enlightenment smiles.

What If gets off another two shots and hits Awareness in the each foot.

“Oh! I think I’m getting cold feet” Awareness shivers. “I can’t go through with this.

What if we get lost in this place and never find our way out? What if we wind up wandering in this place forever?”

Awareness turns around and starts to walk back. Just then If Only gets off a dart and hits Awareness in the hand.

“Oh rue the day that I ever took on this assignment”. Awareness bewails “If Only I would have told Origin ‘No.’”

Enlightenment and Illumination each take Awareness by an arm, turn him around and head him back on the path.

What If shoots two arrows that hit Awareness in each leg.

Awareness hesitates, “What If King My Way knows better than Origin and what if we are interfering?”

“You understand that isn’t true!” Illumination exclaims.

If Only shoots an arrow and hits Awareness in the back.

“If only we were back in the Land of New Beginning.” Awareness pines, “I’m so homesick.”

It is then that Enlightenment realizes that they were under attack.

“Quick Illumination,” he says “Shield Awareness with your body from behind and I will shield him in front and we will turn our light up so we will blind our attackers.”

Illumination immediately does as he is commanded and they shield Awareness with their brilliance blinding What If and If Only until they are out of range from any harm.

Awareness and his two servants run for cover. Awareness is weary with pain. His wounds are bleeding and he needs to find rest. They come to a clef in a rock along a jagged cliff that Enlightenment notices just off the path ahead. The three duck into the shelter to give their selves rest and give aid to Awareness’ wounds. Struggling to catch his breath Awareness asks his two companions.

“Why didn’t the suit of armor protect me from being wounded by the darts and arrows?”

From out of the darkness of the cave comes an unexpected answer, “The suit was only designed to protect you from mortal danger but not to keep you from experiencing the emotional effects of your wounds.”

“WHO’S THERE?” Awareness shouts.

“Fear not it is only I, Insightful.” The voice echoes back. “I am one of the inhabitants of Castle Glade that has not yet been discovered by King My Way and his evil hoard.”

“How is it that you know so much about the suit of armor belonging to Victor, son of Origin, Almighty Lord of the Land of New Beginnings?” Awareness asks.

“I have the ability to see and understand the inner nature of things.” Insightful replies with confidence.

“Well then explain to me in detail why the suit did not protect me.” Awareness commands.

“Every arrow and every dart carries an experience with it. Pain is not an enemy but a friend. Pain is your teacher. That which doesn’t kill you will only make you strong. That which doesn’t destroy you will only make you wise. Pain will make you more in tune to your environment. Pain will reveal your mortality. Pain will introduce you to Compassion and make him your friend. Yes, it is good that you felt the darts of the enemy and it is good that you have experienced the arrows of your adversary. Do not lose faith in your armor but do not think that because you wear it that you will not experience the pains of this place.”

“I can see you have a clear understanding of the inner nature of this suit of armor.” Awareness replies with respect. “I wonder if you would care to join us on our quest to find the Wounded Child. We could sure use someone of your ability.”

“You do have a keen intuition of discovery. I foresee the beginnings of a great friendship.” Insightful praises Awareness. “Rest here while your wounds heal and we will become better acquainted.”

Out on a limb wrapped around a large branch in the form of a great snake, Hardly Noticeable watches the entire attack of What If and If Only on Awareness and his companions. As he slithers down the tree he transforms into his hideous form and addresses the snipers.

“It appears that your weapons were ineffective.”

“It appears so my lord,” What if answers. “What If King My Way learns of our failure.”

“If only I would have been more accurate.” If Only bewails.

“Well what is done is done.” Hardly Noticeable replies, “We will…”

As Hardly Noticeable speaks with What If and If Only he is interrupted by a hologram of King My Way appearing in the midst of them.

“Where are THESE intruders?” the king snaps abruptly.

“They have escaped O Wretched One,” Hardly Noticeable answers.

“I am surrounded by incompetence.” The king replies with disgust. “Call for Distraction. Have him prepare a snare for them. I want them out of my way.”

“As you desire my king,” Hardly Noticeable bows.

THE SEA OF DREAMS

Awareness and his two companions come upon a door. Over the door is a sign that reads IMAGINATION. Awareness opens the door. In the center of the room is The Sea of Dreams. The three enter the room and they walk along the beach until they come upon a fisherman standing at the surf break with a silver scoop.

“What are you doing?” Awareness asks.

“I am collecting Ideas,” He says.

Ideas?” Awareness asks.

“Yep,” He replies as he picks out a few little ideas from the silver scoop and puts them into a cup that he has tied to a string around his neck.

“And what do you do with the ideas when you collect them?” Awareness asks.

“I use them as bate to catch Aspirations.” He replies.

Awareness then notices a flock of funny looking birds. They are running back and forth as the surf comes in and goes out again. They have long narrow beaks. Awareness wonders what Origin had been thinking when he created such a odd looking feathered creature.

“What kind of birds are they?” Awareness asks the fisherman.

“They are Idea Snatchers,” He replies.

“Why do they have such long beaks?” Awareness asks.

“To dig down into the sand and snatch ideas. Once an Idea Snatcher grabs a hold of an Idea it steals away any opportunity to use it to hook an Aspiration.”

“Are Aspirations the only fish in the Sea of Dreams that you can catch with an Idea?” Awareness asks.

“Oh no,” The fisherman replies, “You can also catch Desires, Hopes, Wishes, Cravings, and if you’re really lucky you’ll be able to hook a Purpose. They are really fun to reel in.”

“A Purpose!” Awareness exclaims. “How do I hook a Purpose? I would really want to catch one of those!”

“Well it’s not easy.” The fisherman replies. “But it’s not impossible. The main thing is wanting. You have got to really want to acquire one.”

“Oh I do! I do!” Awareness exclaims.

“Well,” the fisherman thinks a moment. “Let’s see.” He takes an idea out of the cup he has tired to a string around his neck and stabs it with the hook attached to a line on a pole. He then hands the pole to Awareness. “Ok cast it out into the sea and as you do make a conscious longing to catch a Purpose. But don’t doubt because every creature in the Sea of Dreams can sense your doubt traveling through the line and it will chase them away.”

Awareness looks at Enlightenment and Illumination with great excitement. They smile back at him with confident anticipation. He takes a deep breath and pulls the pole back over his shoulder. He then closes his eyes and with all the conscious longing he could find within himself he hurls forward casting the line into the deep waters of the Sea of Dreams. Almost immediately he feels a great tug on the line. He grips the pole tightly and plants his feet into the sand. The reel on the pole begins to rapidly unwind the line as the fish struggles to be free. Awareness locks the line in place. He then begins to reel in the line as it lashes back and forth to the left and then to the right. Awareness pulls the line back and the pole bends like a bow and almost looks like it’s going to break. Awareness leans forward pointing the pole toward the fish and it straightens like an arrow. His servants look on with amazement, as Awareness with great determination appears to conquer whatever he has attached to his line. Whatever it is, they think to themselves, has got to be big. Awareness feels the struggle subside as the fish surrenders to his contender. Awareness reels in his catch. A great fish lies beached in the surf and the four walk over to retrieve their prize.

“It’s a Purpose,” the fisherman says “and it’s a good one.” The fisherman reaches into the mouth of the great fish and unhooks the hook and pulls out a message. He hands the message to Awareness. The fisherman then pushes the fish back into the sea and it swims away.

‘Your purpose’ the message reads, ‘is to make the unconscious conscious.’

Awareness smiles big.

Suddenly, over the Sea of Dreams a bright light appears on the horizon, like the sun rising after a dark night. But instead of getting higher the light appears to be getting closer. As if it were the headlight of an oncoming ship. Awareness and the others stare in the direction of the phenomenon.

“What could it be?” Awareness asks.

“I don’t know”. Enlightenment answers.

“It’s beyond my understanding”. Illumination adds.

“I have never seen anything like it in all my days”. The fisherman says with amazement.

Meanwhile the light become brighter and brighter as it approaches them. And unlike a headlight that directs its beam forward this light glows with an aura of brilliance. Much like a halo around the Holy Beings that Awareness remembers meeting from time to time in the Land of New Beginnings. Only the Ancients exhibited such a glow. Yet he had never seen anything like this. Perhaps because when he had experienced it in the Land of New Beginnings it did not appear as bright against the light of that land, but here in this castle of darkness the light appears to be magnificently beautiful. As the light approaches closer Awareness forms a familiar image in his mind, it is that of a beautiful woman dressed in a flowing yellow gown that resembled to color of the sun. Her golden hair radiates about her an aureole of dazzling luster.

“Wisdom!” Awareness calls out.

“Yes, it is I”. Wisdom answers. She steps off the sea onto the sand. Awareness notices that her bear feet are dry as if she had been walking just above the water. “I see you have found your purpose Awareness/” She smiles

“O yes!” Awareness exclaims. “And it is a good one.”

“From the moment I met you.” Wisdom says to Awareness. “I knew you were the one who was best suited for this mission. That is why I recommended you to Origin”.

“You recommended me for this mission!” Awareness says with surprise.

“Yes, when you first asked me what the class was about you stood out among all the other students.” Wisdom explains, “When you asked me questions on the Wall of Contemplation I knew you were seeking. Then when you questioned me. I knew that you were ready. You were not afraid to ask the questions that were on your mind? You can never find your purpose without first asking what it is. And you can never hook your purpose without a conscious longing to acquire it. Now that you know it you will be even more effective. Because when you find your purpose it will always be complimentary with Origin’s purpose for your existence. By you obtaining knowledge and understanding through alertness in your observations you can best bring about integration. It is through you that Origin will bring together the parts that are necessary to make Castle Glade whole. Without you the castle is doomed to an existence of darkness and obscurity. This is your purpose.”

Awareness is speechless. He looks at Enlightenment and Illumination. They look back at him like two proud parents who have just witnessed their son receiving his college degree.

“So now what do I do?” Awareness asks.

“Now you continue on your journey”. Wisdom answers. “You will go along just as you have. Origin will guide you by your experiences. Whatever you experience will be necessary for you to fulfill your purpose. There is nothing that can or will happen to you that are unnecessary for you to fulfill your purpose. Each experience will build upon another and will lead to your objective”

“But what is my objective?” Awareness asks.

“That you will discover in its proper time.” Wisdom answers. “If you need me at any time just call out and I will be there, however if you sense my delay do not doubt for Doubt is a strong man that restrains your petitions and confines you to a prison of unfulfilled expectations.”

Hardly Noticeable reports to King My Way back at the camp in the mountaintop of Vulnerability. As King My Way sits in the darkness of his tent he listens to Hardly Noticeable report.

“Your Hideousness, I have discovered that the three intruders are of Origin’s court and have been sent here to find the Wounded Child. What they intend to do once they find him is still unknown”.

King My Way sits silently assessing the situation.

“Assign my two snipers destroy them!” The king commands.

As Awareness and his companions walk further down the beach they come across a man walking along with a long rod that resembles a metal detector. As he walks he sweeps the device across the sand.

Awareness walks over to the man and asks, “What’s that?” pointing to the device.

“This is a Fault Finder”, the man answers

“What does it do?” asks Awareness.

“It finds faults that lie beneath the surface of Castle Glade. Some faults I find in shallow places. Others I have to dig for”. The man explains.

“What do you do with them once you find them?” Awareness asks.

“I collect them and convert them into Accusations”. The man replies.

“Accusations?” Awareness questions. “What do you do with them?”

“Whenever I notice someone showing any confidence I toss a accusation at them and blow them into a huge hole of Insecurity”. The man answers.

“Why do you do that?” Awareness asks.

“I don’t know,” the man answers, “It’s my purpose.”

“What’s your name?” Awareness asks.

“Most people just call me Critical”. The man answers as he continues to sweep the beach for faults.

At the end of the beach there is a door that opens up into a long corridor. Within the corridor there are several doors that lead into to different rooms of the castle.

“How do we know which door to walk through?” Enlightenment asks, “How can we know the right one?”

“That’s easy,” Awareness answers. “Whatever one we choose. Remember Wisdom told us that Origin will guide us and there will be nothing that can or will happen to us that are unnecessary for my purpose”.

“Well,” Illumination asks “Which one will you choose?”

THE CHINA SHOP

Awareness and his companions climb several courses of stairs until they come to a door that reads “Open” on it. As they walk through it they come to a row of shops in an alley. Over the storefront above the display windows is a giant sign with the name CHINA SHOP on it. The three enter.

The China Shop is full of beautiful delicate handcrafted pieces of china. There are platters of hopes, vases of dreams and teacups of possibilities chattered throughout the store. Tiny figurines of precious promises are displayed in glass cases of guarded friendships, lined along the walls of beloved relationships. And in the center of the store is an enormous grand heart shaped centerpiece with delicate hand crafted design carefully and purposefully fashioned by the hand of Origin Himself. Awareness greets the proprietor of the China shop.

The proprietor bows politely and takes each hand, very careful not to squeeze the hands of each of them too tightly. Your servants seem very delightful. My name is Mr. Fragile. My wife, over at the register, is Oversensitive (she nods) and my three boys, scattered throughout the store are Easily Hurt, Easily Offended and Way Too Touchy ”

(Each wave as they are introduced).

Now as Mr. Fragile is speaking with the three a gang of small neighborhood kids come into terrorize the proprietor. Their names are Disrespectful, Inconsiderate, Insensitive and Selfishness. As they run through the shop they pick up pieces of the precious china and throw it to one another.

“HERE, CATCH,” Disrespectful, shouts to Inconsiderate as he rudely tosses him a lovely teacup.

Inconsiderate makes a dive for it and catches it just before it hits the ground. Mr. Fragile pleads with the boys not to handle the merchandise.

Insensitive picks up one of the ornamental plates of tender trust and throws it like a Frisbee towards one of the walls behind the frantic shopkeeper. He is completely irresponsible to the owners pleads.

Mr. Fragile jumps up as high as he can and catches the plate just before it smashes against the wall.

Easily Hurt sits immobilized in his distress. Easily Offended is wounded by the offenses of the gang and Way Too Touchy is overreacting to the whole situation.

Mr. Fragile runs nervously about throughout the shop. He desperately appeals to the children to stop before they break any of the precious china. Lacking physical and emotional strength he grows more and more nervous. As he does he begins to transform into a raging bull kicking and bucking his legs wildly in a circle. The precious china flies everywhere. Lovely teacups and delicate dinner plates flies into the air, smashing against the wall, destroying every piece of china before he finally kicks he heart shaped centerpiece into millions of broken pieces.

Seeing what Mr. Fragile has done the children laugh and run out of the shop, down the street leaving him kicking and bucking, spinning and pulverizing every fragment of expensive china in the shop.

Awareness walks over to the bull to try and calm him down but he is obviously too upset to console so the three leave the shop.

The three walk silently down the alley reflecting on what they had just seen.

Enlightenment is the first to speak “I do believe that Mr. Fragile made too much of the whole situation.”

Awareness astonished at Enlightenment’s comment replies, “Whatever do you mean? Those boys came in to break up the place. Didn’t you see that?”

Enlightenment responses calmly, “Yes, that is true but did you notice that the boys didn’t break one piece of china. It was Mr. Fragile that destroyed his own shop all by himself. His overreaction to the situation is what caused the destruction of the China Shop.”

“Awareness,” Illumination asks. “Have you given it any thought as to where we might find this Wounded Child?”

“You know, Illumination,” Awareness replies. “I have been so fascinated with Castle Glade I really haven’t given it any thought. I kind of thought…”

“Well you know.” Enlightenment interrupts Awareness. “It really is the core of your mission. Origin was very clear.”

“Yes that is the problem with not really knowing your purpose”. Awareness replies in frustration. “One can so easily become sidetracked.”

Following not far behind unbeknown to the three is Hardly Noticeable disguised as an inhabitant shopping in the alley, listening to them as they speak. He observes their dress, demeanor and overall appearance and recognizes that they are not citizens of Castle Glade but are indeed unwelcome intruders.

MR FIX IT

They come to a broken down cabin with the front yard full of junk. There is an old broken down car in the driveway. It has the hood up and tweaked off to the side and broken windows. Three of the tires are flat. There are weeds throughout the front yard and the porch is busted up and the cabin is badly in need of paint. The four enter the yard through the broken down gate that only has one hinge. They cross the yard and step onto the porch, as they do Awareness steps through a broken board that causes his foot to go through the porch. He pulls his leg out and Mr. Nice Guy knocks on the door. A short bald headed man dressed in coveralls with a big belly and chewing on a stubby cigar answers the door.

“Mr. Fix It!” Mr. Nice Guys exclaims. “This is my new friend Awareness and his two servants Enlightenment and Illumination. I was telling them about our invention. When I told them about you they said they just had to meet you.”

“Welcome,” Mr. Fix It says, “come in and I will introduce you to my family.”

The four men enter the cabin. It is a mess. Awareness is embarrassed to even be there. He has never seen such a house in disarray. I won’t even venture to describe it.

Imagine the worst you have ever seen. Imagine everything broken. Broken windows, broken glasses, broken sink, broken chairs, broken tables, broken dishes, broken lights, broken appliances, broken hearts, broken minds, broken dreams, broken arms, broken legs, broken noses, broken toes, broken fingers, everything is broken.

“This is my wife, I’m Sorry,” Mr. Fix it introduces her to Awareness and his companions.

“I’m sorry for the mess,” She apologizes.

Awareness searches for some kind of polite response. “O that’s O.K. It looks lived in.”

“This here’s my oldest boy, Reason”. Mr. Fix it introduces his son. “He has two pet snakes, ‘On and on’ and ‘Relentless’. They rap themselves around a problem and refuse to let go. They are very talented.”

“Please to meet you.” Awareness bows.

“I will make some tea,” I’m Sorry tells her guests. “Would you like sugar or honey?”

“Sugar, please”. Awareness answers.

“I’m sorry I’m all out of sugar,” She replies. Awareness stares awkwardly at her.

“I’d like honey,” Enlightenment says.

“Honey for me too,” Illumination says.

“And these are the twins,” Mr. Fix It continues his introductions. “Beg and Plead, and over there,” Mr. Fix it points to the back porch, “we have a set of Siamese twins that are attached at the hip. Their names are Panic and Desperation. They never comb their hair, their shirt is always buttoned wrong and their shoes are never tied.

“How long have you been a handyman, Mr. Fix It?” Awareness asks.

“Since I was a small boy,” Mr. Fix It replies, “I can remember when I fixed my first broken toy. I have it right here.” Mr. Fix It reaches into a broken draw in an end table with broken legs. He pulls out a pair of broken roller skates with missing bolts that hold the two ends together. In the place of the bolts are five raps of duct tape around each of the skates holding the ends together, “Pretty handy eh?” Mr. Fix It gloats.

“Oh yeah,” Awareness exclaims. “Ingenious!”

“See!” Mr. Nice Guys praises. “I told you he was a genius”

Awareness turns to Mr. Nice Guy and smiles.

I’m Sorry walks back into the… I want to say living room, but there could be dead things laying around here somewhere, anyway, she comes into the room with the tea poured into five different cups, each one with the handle broken off. “I’m sorry about the cups. I hope the tea is not too hot,” She apologies.

“I’m sure it is just fine,” Awareness answers. “Tell me how about some of your projects”. Awareness asks Mr. Fix It.

“Well,” Mr. Fix It thinks for a moment. “I can tell you about a project that I did just yesterday. It was at the Recreation Center. They were having a pluming problem”. Mr. Fix It winks at Awareness. “That’s what I do best. The sink in the kitchen had a small drip. I was called up to fix it, so I piled my sons into the van and we drove on down to the Recreation Center. When we arrived, I had Reason go in first to take a look at the problem. So Reason goes in and begins to speak with the leak. ‘Come on leak’. He says. ‘This is no way for you to behave. You’re being entirely too extravagant. Think of all the water that you’re wasting. Look at it. It’s all going down the drain, precious, life-giving water…’ Reason goes on with his argument for about an hour to no avail. ‘Well,’ he says, ‘you’ve left me with no other choice’. So, Reason reaches into his tool bag and pulls out his two pet snakes, ‘On and on’ and ‘Relentless’. The first thing they do is rap themselves around the problem, then squeeze and squeeze. They squeeze so hard they break the pipes. And up shoots a fountain of water spouting like a geyser. Then the twins run in and Beg begins ringing his hands and beseeching the pipes, ‘Please, Please stop gushing! You are making such a mess!’ Then Plead choruses in appealing to the pipes, ‘Stop the waste! Stop the waste!’ But the water keeps gushing out. So Panic and Desperation run into the room and Panic sets off several alarms and begins running around in a frenzy screaming at the top of his lungs, ‘O THE HORROR, THE HORROR,’ while Desperation in a despondent blue funk takes out his guitar and begins to sing the blues in a fatal attempt to fix the pipes that are so obviously broken beyond repair. Finally, I come in with my trusty Pipe Wrench and begin beating the leak into submission until the pipes eventually break off at the main and flood the entire Recreation Center. But my wife made everything better when she came in and said, ‘I’m Sorry’”.

Awareness and his companions along with Mr. Nice Guy take their leave from the cabin of Mr. Fix It after they thank him and his family for their hospitality and the interesting story. They head deeper down into the rut.

“Mr. Nice Guy,” Awareness asks, “I was wondering, what is your purpose?”

“My purpose,” Mr. Nice Guy replies.

“Yeah,” Awareness repeats, “your purpose. Why do you exist?”

“You know,” Mr. Nice Guy marvels, “I don’t think that thought has ever entered my mind.”

“I only ask for one reason,” Awareness continues, “it has only just recently occurred to me that I am not conscious of my purpose. I am broadening my consciousness on the subject in hopes to discovering what my purpose is.”

Mr. Nice Guy appears to be distracted by his own thoughts in that he didn’t even hear a word of what Awareness was saying. “It is very intriguing that you ask that question. There must be a reason why I exist. I suppose that I am not here simply to take in the stale air of this rut. Perhaps I am here to please everyone else, to be their whipping boy. After all I do take a lot of abuse you know. I spend a lot of my time trying to please everyone I meet. Funny thing about it though, I wind up pleasing no one. If it wasn’t for Mr. Fix It I think that I would go completely out of my mind. Perhaps it will be helpful to me if you were to define what you mean by ‘purpose’.”

“Yes,” Awareness replies, “I believe you are right. Hmm, let me see. I am not sure how to define it. I don’t mean, ‘What am I to do with my life as far as a profession.’ It has a far deeper meaning. There have been great men and women who have lived, who were so caught up in their purpose that they sacrificed their very lives. And by doing so they fulfilled their purpose. Still, I don’t know how to define what I mean by purpose. When I look at the definition in the Lexicon of Words I find that the definition falls short of my expectations.”

“Well,” Mr. Nice Guy adds, “one thing that comes to mind is when I think of the purpose for my existence I imagine that there is Someone, Something beyond me in control of that purpose. Therefore that would mean that my purpose may be beyond my comprehension and would not be MY purpose but WHOEVER”S purpose for me.”

“Yes,” Awareness agrees, “I do not doubt that, however, I do believe that our Creator, who has given us that purpose also desires for us to discover it so we may be partners in fulfilling it. Everyone whom I have met who has conscious knowledge of their purpose finds great joy in fulfilling it.”

“Well, that makes perfect sense,” Mr. Nice guy smiles in agreement.

“So,” Awareness says to his companions and Mr. Nice Guy, “What would you think if we were to help Mr. Nice Guy explore the possibility of discovering his purpose?”

“Can that be done?” Mr. Nice Guy asks.

“I am not sure,” Awareness says with uncertainty, “but it can’t hurt. Because I have a great feeling of satisfaction helping you become more consciously attentive to your purpose. I think it has something to do with discovering mine also. What do you think?” Awareness asks Enlightenment and Illumination.

They smile and nod in agreement.

“Well then,” Awareness says as if he were taking on a school project for a final exam. “How shall we begin?”

“I suppose asking Mr. Nice Guy some direct questions might be a good place to begin.” Enlightenment says.

“Good idea,” Awareness claps his hands together and then pauses, “What kind of questions?”

“How about,” Illumination thinks aloud, “Do you like who you are?”

Everyone looks at Mr. Nice Guy while he thinks of the answer.

“I am not sure,” Mr. Nice Guy replies, “sometimes I think I am a really bad person and that is why I have no friends and so I do everything I can to try to impress people and I make sacrifices for everyone, but I wind up being used and taken advantage of. Other times I think I am ‘so good’, and surely everyone loves me and wants to be like me. But I don’t think I am, really, either one. Inside I think I am no different than anyone else but my shame seems to overpower me. I hate conflicts and I will do anything I can to not make anyone angry with me. I hate it when others are angry, especially at me. I feel like I am really bad and it rips me apart inside. I abhor the pain that it gives me. When I am rejected for any reason I feel worthless. I try to treat everyone the way I want to be treated and I think, because I do that, I ought to be happy. The only problem is that it doesn’t make me happy. People take advantage of me and think I am weak because I am sensitive. Many people laugh behind my back and I am never included in the events that others partake of together. I feel like I am on the outside looking in. I guess you can say that I just don’t like who I am so I am always trying to pretend I am someone else. But that doesn’t work either. That’s why I think I live in this rut. My rut is so great that everyone in this community voted me to be its caretaker. Even though I smile I am not a happy guy. I don’t really think I am very nice either.

You know I have this other neighbor. His name is Performer. He is married to Pretend. His children are Fake, Hypocrite and Try Harder. Now Try Harder has this little annoying dog whose name is Strife. All the while Try Harder performs Strife barks and barks and barks. The harder Try harder tries, the louder Strife barks. He lives in the rut too.”

“I think I am beginning to understand your purpose, Mr. Nice Guy.” Awareness says.

“Oh pray tell kind sir.” Mr. Nice Guy replies.

“First of all, I see your greatest purpose is as a Guardian of Castle Glade.” Awareness begins, “It appears to me that you are masking some great wounds that have occurred many years ago, that have really never healed. Perhaps it occurred during the abandonment of Castle Glade’s caretakers and the inhabitants were left here to fend for themselves. Possibly because of that abandonment, the inhabitants believed that it was because of something that they had done, bringing great shame upon the entire domain. This also made the castle vulnerable and open to the attack of King My Way. You should not feel guilty of who you are. You do serve a purpose, and you are very nice.”

“Thank you so much,” Mr. Nice Guy says to Awareness, then turns to Enlightenment and Illumination, “Thank you also, O mighty lords of light.”

“You are very welcome, sir,” Enlightenment and Illumination say in unison.

“I must take my leave now,” Mr. Nice Guy says, “I will never forget you.” Mr. Nice Guy begins his hike back to his home at the Logjam of Human Effort.

Further and further the three walk down into the Rut of Complacency. Quietly and calmly they walk together in the peaceful serenity of the rut.

“I can get used to this,” Awareness says to his companions.

“Yes, this is quite restful,” Enlightenment replies with a yawn, “but I am feeling very sleepy.”

“I’m becoming drowsy myself,” Illumination says not quite understanding why.

It suddenly occurs to Awareness that the rut is affecting them and if they do not find a way out soon they will be forever lulled into a false sense of security.

It is then that Awareness notices that they are splashing water as they walk.

Upon realizing this they stop. The three look at each other, they stand frozen for a moment and then Awareness yells, “RUN!” All three run as hard as they can down deeper into the rut. Awareness knows they can never make it back to the elevator before the logjam breaks. So they run deeper into the rut, not knowing if there is an escape. They look frantically to each side of the rut to see if there is some kind of a crack they can crawl through or some kind of a cliff they can climb. The walls are smooth as granite and tall as mountains. So they run. Awareness looks back just as the logjam breaks. “RUN!” He yells, “RUN FOR YOUR LIVES.” They run, splashing up water as they race. The more they run, the harder it becomes because the water is getting deeper. Awareness begins to doubt if they will ever find a way out. Just when it looks like all hope is gone Awareness notices a door on the side of the wall further down the rut on the right. Awareness points to the door. The others nod and run with all their strength to the door. The two servants run through the doorway and just when Awareness arrives at the door he looks back and on the wall of the water racing towards him is the face of the demon, Rage with his mouth wide-open eager to devour Awareness and anything else in his path. Awareness stands there in horror unable to move. Just then Enlightenment and Illumination grab Awareness and pull him in and the wall of water slams the door shut behind them. The three lay on the floor panting with exhaustion.

In the Tower of Perspective Feelings and Wrong Focus stand post reacting to two silent alarms that have gone off in the southeast quadrant of the castle? Feelings calls King My Way to get directions on how he is to react.

On the teleprompter King My Way’s head image appears.

“What is it Feelings?” King My Way asks impatiently.

“There had been several silent alarms that have gone off in the southeast quadrant of the castle your Lowness”.

“What areas have been compromised?” The king asks

“The Trash Compactor has blown and the Logjam of Human Effort has collapsed releasing the River Rage flooding the Rut of Complacency”. Feelings explain.

“I will send in Hardly Noticeable to investigate. In the meantime have Wrong Focus project the Spotlight in that quadrant and see what you come up with.”

THE RUT OF COMPLACENCY

As Awareness, Enlightenment and Illumination leave Limbo they step into one of the most awesome sights that any of them have ever seen. Towering above them is a gigantic Logjam whose name is Human Effort. He is made up of giant redwood trees with diameters of ten feet stacked one upon another. The Logjam is two hundred feet wide and four hundred feet tall. The logs of the Logjam still have life within them as manifested by the green growth that is visible on their branches.

“Look how beautiful the Logjam looks!” Enlightenment marvels “The logs are still alive. I have never known such a marvel!”

“Your Brightness! Your Brightness!” Awareness panics, “Quickly! Turn your brilliance down! We will be discovered!”

Their brightness is quickly depleted as the two Beings of Light reduce the luminescence to its obscure dusky luster.

“Thank Goodness!” Awareness says with relief. “I forgot all about the darkness when you had turned up your luminescence in the elevator to see who was talking to us.”

“Yes thank you for remembering”. Enlightenment says with gratitude. “I too forgot about the darkness. And I must say that I know it wasn’t hard to do. It appears so unnatural for a Being of Light to dwell in such obscurity”.

“I understand just how you feel”. Illumination replies. “I was also more comfortable in that cramped old elevator with a light on than I am out here is this large…. What is this thing that we are in?”

“It’s a rut,” A strange voice speaks from just out of sight of their fading glow.

“Who are you?” Awareness asks straining to identify the shadow approaching.

“People call me Mr. Nice Guy,” The voice answers. His image comes into view as he walks towards them. “This is my domain. You are in the Rut of Complacency/” Mr. Nice Guy is very handsome and well dressed, in fact, very much overdressed for being the caretaker of a rut. He appears to be well bred and his manner is pleasant.

“The Rut of Complacency,” Awareness questions. “Isn’t that a paradox?”

“Some people might think so,” Mr. Nice Guy answers, “but can you imagine a better rut to be in? Here, let me show you around.”

Awareness and his companions follow Mr. Nice Guy as he leads them further and further down into the rut. As they walk deeper into the rut the walls on either side of them become higher and higher until they look as tall as skyscrapers.

They come to a small cottage that sits adjacent to the south wall of the rut. It looks so tiny against the majesty of the wall.

“Come in, come in,” Mr. Nice Guy beckons them.

“What a lovely little place!” Awareness compliments Mr. Nice Guy.

“Why thank you… You know, I seem to have forgotten my manners. I don’t even know your names,” Mr. Nice Guy apologizes.

“I too have forgotten myself sir.” Awareness replies. “I am very sorry. I am Awareness and these are my most devoted servants, Enlightenment and Illumination”.

“Oh, Beings of Light,” Mr. Nice Guy marvels, “I have heard about you but I have never had the pleasure of ever meeting one of you. Welcome, welcome all of you to my humble abode."

Awareness looks around at the décor of the cottage. The parlor in which they are all standing is decorated rather modestly. There is a floral couch with two floral matching chairs surrounding a simple maple colonial coffee table. On either side of the couch are matching maple end tables with colonial lamps on them with their cords cut. On the far wall of the room is a simple brick fireplace, which is boarded up, since no lights are allowed in the castle, since the invasion of King My Way.

Off to the right of the parlor there is a dining room table with a chandelier that does not light hanging over it. Against the wall that faces the front of the cottage there is a window with white lace drapes tied back to show off of the view of the rut. Against the adjacent wall is a maple hutch with nice china displayed.

There is a door to the kitchen, or what is imagined to be the kitchen that has a padlock on it. Also there is another door out of the parlor that leads to what Awareness imagines to be the bedrooms, that is locked with a great padlock also. Awareness thinks to himself. Mr. Nice Guy must have a lot of secrets that he wishes to hide. Awareness is surprised when Mr. Nice Guy unlocks the door and allows them to view the back room.

“I want to show you something”. Mr. Nice Guy says to Awareness as if he was going to show him a special secret.

The four men walk down the hallway past several padlocked doors to a small room at the end of the hallway. In this room there is a toilet, a sink and a bathtub.

“This is my special invention”. Mr. Nice Guy tells the three. “I had my friend, Mr. Fix It design it for me. Here is the secret to my niceness. This is where I get rid of all my insecurities, all my badness, all my anger, all my toxic shame, all my thoughts of guilt, all my needing, all my wanting, all my not having, all my wishing, all my hoping, all my rejection, all my dreaming, all my nightmares, all my fearing, all my hurting, all my desires to be someone else. I flush them down the toilet”.

“But then where do they go once they are flushed?” Awareness asks. “Is there a refuse tank below? Or one further down the rut where the waste is processed?”

“No! No! No!” Mr. Nice Guy says enthusiastically. “That’s the beauty of this invention. There are pumps. They pump the waste up the rut. It is pumped behind the great Logjam of Human Effort. When it becomes full I simple add another log. Behind the Logjam is the River Rage. I empty the waste into the river. I have been adding logs for years.”

“And this Mr. Fix It is the one who built the pump?” Awareness asks.

“O yes! He is a genius”. Mr. Nice Guy says excitedly. “I come up with the problem and he fixes it. He can fix anything! Would you like to meet him?”

“Yes I would”. Awareness answers.

“Come, Come” Mr. Nice Guy says as he hurries out the front door and leads them further down the rut. “Hurry, come on you’ll love him. He’s a genius.”