Walking On Glass

Watching the praying mantis walk across the window; she on the outside, I’m on the inside; I had a perspective unique to more typical points of view.  She seemed unaware I was so close and yet, she seemed to look right at me.  She seemed to see me, too.  Her delicate steps and swaying movements to counter the wind blowing against her fragile body were remarkable to witness.  Perfect balance.  She glided along as if skating so high above the earth. 

I remember years ago walking on the Skywalk, a glass walkway 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon.  At first, walking alone in the middle. Then quickly recognizing my uncertainty and need to hold onto the rail.  Stepping so very carefully with great care.  We wore cloth slippers over our shoes so not to scratch the glass walkway.  This added to the feeling of vulnerability and desire for secure footing.

Our life experiences and the unexpected surfaces upon which we find ourselves may sometimes feel as if we’re walking on glass.  We know we need to tread carefully while we renew our balance and sure footing.  So how?  What allows for strength to emerge when all seems so breakable? 

Watching the praying mantis, I witnessed her strength at holding on.  She moved slowly, yet she was persistent in her efforts.  She adjusted to the pressures of wind as she stepped precisely and accurately. 

As I ventured along the Skywalk and holding onto the rail, I realized the unsteadiness in my legs and feet matched my uneasy breath.  I paused…waited for my breath to still and calm, and then legs and feet to steady.  Then I moved on.   

What allows for strength when all seems so breakable?  For me, breath is key.  With breath, the steadiness returns.  With breath, uncertainty transforms into knowing.  Vulnerability lessens as confidence emerges with each breath and each step forward.   Move with breath... allow the breath to bring clarity and strength as you walk each path… glass or otherwise.