Dragon in the Cave

There's a wonderful story my energy teacher, Jo Dunning, likes to tell about the ways in which we let fear run our lives and define who we are. She tells it so much better, but I'll make an attempt to re-tell it using my own words.

Each one of us desires a life filled with joy, abundance, prosperity, love, security, ease, and freedom. These are the treasures that overflow the bejeweled chest hidden away in a remote cave.

For each of us, there are things in life that we are afraid of: financial ruin, health problems, death (our own or of someone we love), loss of a job, not living up to the expectations of others, loss of love, feeling out of control, and so on. These are the fears that come to define us and create the monster--the fire-breathing dragon that guards over the treasures hidden away in that remote cave.

In this story, the cave is our heart center, the place where we live our lives. Are we afraid to live from love and compassion? Afraid to take risks? Afraid to show our strength? Afraid to accept the idea that control is not an option? Afraid to believe in the eternal nature of our spirit? Afraid of the quiet mind that will unlock the treasure chest?

With each fear, the dragon becomes bigger and more menacing and more ferocious. The more we believe each frightening, fire-breathing roar, the more our body chemistry changes to support our fears, creating even more fears.

Will you allow the dragon to roar defiantly in your face as you approach the cave? Will you shake with more fear? Will you cringe and run away?

Or, will you stand tall, showing your full strength and courage. Will you laugh in the dragon's face and walk past it with confidence and determination? Will you gather the treasure and rejoice in it?

If you can do these things, the dragon will be silenced and will crawl back to its corner of the cave. It has a new master.

The treasure is now yours!