Walking with Tiger

When Tiger the cat first came to live with us, he would cheerfully go on walks with Joe and I. We would take him to the creek, and he would get into the cold clear water up past his wee ankles and drink the flowing water. Recently though, he has been an alarmed and scared hiker. He follows us up the hill behind the apple orchard, meowing and fussing the whole way. Sometimes, if Joe and I are stealthy, we can slip past Tiger and walk on our own to the top of the ridge. But if Tiger sees us, he comes along even though he gives the impression that he thinks it is a bad idea. On the way down, he gallops past us in fits and starts with his tail bushing up and fur crowning on his back. I think he is worried for us, wandering in the big woods. He is so little next to the deer and redwood trees, but he has courage and comes along anyway.

Courage doesn't mean we are not afraid. It is the willingness to show up and be diligent in our efforts. We see courage in all social justice movements. It is there with any creative endeavor and with your spiritual practice too. Sometimes even getting out of bed in the morning takes an effort of courage. Magic happens when we have heart, and manage to show up for the things that are important. You don't have to be perfect, and like Tiger you may complain along the way, but have courage, take heart, and carry on.