Your browser lacks required capabilities. Please upgrade it or switch to another to continue.
Loading…
I enter a deep forest and discover a world that is filled with vibrant color. Flowers cascade in a tangle of brilliant hues and twisting paths lead in every direction. I wander along a narrow trail, which is golden in bright sunlight that streams through the leafy canopy above. It is tranquil here. I stop and take it all in, breathing deeply, listening to the calls of birds in the trees and the gentle blowing of the wind.
[[Meet Marlow, the Mouse]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Fantasy-Land.jpg" alt="A photo of Iallethra"/>Shaking my head at the oddity of a talking mouse, I follow Marlow more deeply into the woods. We soon come upon a clearing with a deep blue lake at its center, ringed by a mossy shore. My gaze falls on a slender elf who sits by the lake at the base of a huge oak tree. She is regal, unmoving, her eyes closed, skin smooth against high chisled cheekbones. Long copper colored hair cascades down her back, highlights glinting against the bright sun. Marlow quietly leads me closer, then stops and stands silently before her.
"Welcome Kim. We have been waiting," she says as she opens her eyes and looks at me. Her gaze is piercing, as if she can see directly to my core. "I am Eallryl Glyniera, guardian of the land of Iallethra and we are in great danger."
I shake my head confused and uncertain. "I am not sure what you want me to do or how I can help."
"You have been chosen." Her eyes hold my gaze firmly, her beautiful face serious. "There are great shadow beings, the Discordians, who are to come. They will drain all the color from our land and destroy it's creatures. You have within you the power and strength to overcome the shadows. But first you must grow stronger and show mastery of all that is within the realms of mind."
"But how can I do this?"
"We will train you to be a warrior healer. But you must undertake great quests to gain strength and power. In order to defeat our enemies you must understand yourself fully, both your stengths and your weaknesses. Are you ready, Kim?"
I take a deep breath. "Yes, I can try."
"Good." She nods, her stern expression softening in approval. "Then let us begin. You must first learn to understand the nature of your mind and where it can lead you." Eallryl points to a place beside her. "Sit beside me now and listen. We will start your training by focusing on the breath."
I sit as Eallryl commands and [[listen to the sound of her soft voice and calm instructions->Breath Focus Audio]].
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Eallryl-3.jpg"/>
I touch an emotion with my wand.
"This is good start toward awareness," says Marlow."But you must also learn how your emotion plays out in your body. Turn now and look at the lake and tell me what you see."
I walk to the lake and see myself reflected in the blue of the water.
"My reflection." I turn and look at Marlow as he moves up beside me.
"Now close your eyes and bring your emotion to mind. Where do you feel it in your body? When you know, point to that part of your reflection with your wand."
I close my eyes and immediately feel the emotion deep inside my body. I look again at my reflection and point my wand toward my image reflected in the lake.
"Here. [[I feel it here->Body Map Image]]."
Player has choice to open Magic Box #2. Box includes meditation tool set- might consist of small games within the game to teach meditation skills and/or a series of meditation audios such as:
Breath Focus
Sound Focus
Movement Focus
Walking Meditation
Meditation on Thought
Guided Imagery
Each time audio is used a reward is given. Might consider combining with heartrate variability monitor or other device - rewards could be associated with changes in heartrate variablity.
I sigh, looking beyond situation and bringing thought to mind. The words "I have no friends" seem to flicker across the screen of my mind. I write them on the tablet. As I lift my wand a new question seems to shimmer then materialize. [["Was there another thought beneath this?"]]
I look more deeply, knowing that there was, that the things deep inside are not always obvious on the surface. I take up my wand to write yet again.
"What was the situation that caused you to feel this emotion?"
[[Thought Question 1]]I have written the words, "I can't get along with anyone" as a sense of deep loneliness wraps it's arms around me. But the tablet is relentless, prompting me once again with a question. "And yet another thought?" it asks me. I put down the wand and look at Urisk. His eyes are firm but lined with kindness.
"Dig deeply Kim. I know how difficult this can be. There are often layers of thought that live, many times unknown, inside us. We must peel back the layers to find the truth that is our core belief. You need this knowledge to build strength for the battles ahead. But Eallryl can help you learn to observe thought. [[She asks that you sit once more and listen->Thought Focus Audio]]."
Double-click this passage to edit it.I am standing silently, lost in the beauty of my new world, when I notice that a rather large mouse is nibbling gently at my toes. He sits up and looks directly into my eyes, paws outstretched.
"Hello," he says in a brisk voice. "I am Marlow."
"Hello there," I answer in surpise. "I am Kim."
"Could you come a bit closer?" He beckons, waving a paw at me. "It's a bit hard to hear you down here."
"Alright." Carefully, I bend down and he leaps gracefully into my hand.
"We have been waiting for you Kim," he says climbing up onto my shoulder.
"For me? But why? I don't understand."
"There is a great evil that is coming into our land and and only you have the strength within you to help us. But we must go. Eallryl is waiting."
Marlow quickly jumps from my shoulder down to the ground and begins to hurry along a narrow path through the trees. But sensing my hesitation, he soon stops and turns around to see if I have followed.
"Really you must come," he commands impatiently. [["Follow me and you will see."->Meet Eallryl]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mouse.png" alt="a photo of Marlow the mouse"/><<audio breathfocus play>>
[[Eallryl's Question]]
<<cacheaudio "breathfocus" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/breath-1.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "breathfocus2" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/breath-2.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "thoughtfocus" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/thought-focus.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "standingyoga" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Mindful-Movement.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "thoughtfocus2" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/choiceless-awareness.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "theoak" "\http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/the-oak-1.mp3">>
"What did you notice as you tried to focus on your breath?"
[[Eallryl's answer]]
Eallryl nods and smiles at me with encouragement. "You have done well, Kim," she says. "This will be one of your greatest challenges in the days to come. To understand the way your mind works and where your thoughts lead you and ultimately to become master of that which is within you. But do not worry if you found it difficult to focus on your breath today. Remember that it is the nature of the mind to wander. With practice, you will learn to see this and your observational skills will sharpen. You will begin to understand the nature of your thoughts and how they effect you. I encourage you to return to this lesson often. For the more you practice, the easier it will become and the powers within you will grow and strengthen. But this is a good start. As a reward you may choose to take a healing elixer or a gemstone. The stones can be used to fight and capture the Discordians when they appear before you. The elixers will help you to heal the land or the animals if they have been touched by the shadow creatures. Simply imagine your choice and it will come to you."
[[Choose gemstone->Gemstone #1]]
[[Choose healing elixer->Healing Elixer #1]]
Gemstones are used to throw at the Discordians when they appear. When a gemstone hits a Discordian it is frozen and captured.
[[Choose healing elixer->Healing Elixer #1]]
[[Eallryl's Wand]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gemstones-copy.png"/>The healing exlixers are used to heal plants and animals that are faded by the presence of the Discordians.
[[Choose gemstone->Gemstone #1]]
[[Eallryl's Wand]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/healing-elixer.png"/>Eallryl stands beside the old oak and beckons me to rise. She reaches towards the tree and takes down a small, low lying branch. I watch as she closes her eyes and incants a slow chant. As her clear voice sings out, the crooked branch turns into a smooth, slender wand.
"Take this wand, Kim." she says, handing it to me. "It is your connection to the land. The power of your mind will control it. As you grow in strength, the wand will grow in power. And as you take on this quest of mental mastery, you will find other things along the way that will help you in your fight against the Discordians."
Eallryl turns and picks up a gold plated box that is lying at the foot of the tree. Reaching inside, she lifts a small key and hands it to me.
"Along the way, you will fnd hidden boxes full of magic. In each box is a tool that will make you stronger. As you discover the boxes, you may use this key to unlock them. And as you use the tools contained within each box, they will give you power."
I watch as Eallryl's shape seems to shimmer and then slowly fade. But her strong voice remains. "Follow Marlow and he will guide you on your way."
The mouse bows deeply towards the place of Eallryl's disappearance. Then he turns to me, small face serious.
"Guard the wand and the key safely, Kim. There are those that will want to take them from you. As you grow, the wand will gain power. Remember that the key will aid you in your hours of need. There is a box hidden now here within the Old Oak. [[Find it and unlock it, if you wish->Gratitude Journal]]. Know that once you unlock a magic box, it will always be there for you to use again. Each time you use the tools inside a box, you will gain even greater mastery of all that is within you. Or you can [[follow me and find the box later->The Sensing Stone]], when you are ready."
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gold-box.png"/>
<<audio breathfocus stop>>
As the sound of the chime gently fades away, I open my eyes to find Eallryl watching me closely.
"This, my friend, is only the beginning in the quest to strengthen your powers. There is much training to be done before you are ready to battle the Discordians. Each lesson will build on the next, as you will see. Your powers of observation must sharpen quickly if we are to defeat our enemies. But I must ask you, [[what did you notice as you tried to focus on your breath?->What Did You Notice?]]"
Marlow turns back towards the lake and beckons me to follow. "The first quest you must undertake is a difficult one," he says as we walk along the rocky shore. "It is a journey in which you must look inside yourself. The more deeply you look the better you will understand the Discordians and the more you will be prepared for battle."
Marlow stops beneath a tall stone that is reflected in the lake's still water. "Whenever you feel a strong emotion, whether it is positive or negative, you must remember to come here, to the Sensing Stone. This is the place where mind knowledge begins." He turns to look at me. "All you must do is tap the stone with your wand."
I step to the stone and touch it with my wand. Immediately it shifts aside revealing a wheel of many colors set into the earth and etched with words.
Marlow steps up beside me. "And so, let us begin. Look inside yourself and bring to mind any emotion you have felt strongly today. Close your eyes, breathe deeply three times and let the wand guide you."
I close my eyes, breathe in deeply then [[raise my wand towards the wheel.->Wheel of Emotion]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/sensing-stone-3.png"/>
I step to the large oak toward which Marlow is pointing. Immediately, I see a small gold box nestled in a dark hollow within the tree. I take the box and insert the key. Inside, lying on purple velvet, is a small book. I pick it up and open the cover.
"It's empty." I glance at Marlow in confusion.
"Ah, but this is a magical book. As you fill it out, day be day, the power inside you will change and grow."
"But what should I write?" I ask.
"At each and every sunrise, you must faithfully write down three things for which you are grateful. If you do this, you will grow in strength. And as you enter these good things you will be given the chance to obtain other sources of power, such as healing elixers or magical gemstones. [[Try it now->Gratitude Journal Entry]] and you will see."
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gratitude-diary.jpg"/>Take a moment to close your eyes and then focus your attention on three slow, deep breaths. Then bring to mind three things that you are grateful for and write them in your journal.
[[Follow Marlow]] Tell me what emotion you have felt strongly today? Touch it with your wand.
[[Where do you feel this emotion in your body?->Body Map]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Wheel-of-Emotion-1.png"/>Describe where you feel the emotion in your body. Then tell me what the sensation feels like. Is it sharp, tight, tingling, other?
[[Eallryl's Reward]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/emotion-map-1.jpg"/>Marlow sits up on my shoulder and tilts his head, as if listening. Suddenly, Eallryl's image appears to shimmer in the air before us.
"You have done well," she says. "As a reward, you may create something for our world that we have never seen before. Or you may again choose to take a healing elixer or a gemstone. Close your eyes, still your mind and what you wish for will appear before you."
[[Create something new->Creation]]
[[Choose gemstone->Gemstone #2]]
[[Choose elixer->Healing Elixer #2]]Create a new plant or animal for the world of Iallethra.
[[Choose gemstone->Gemstone #2]]
[[Choose elixer->Healing Elixer #2]]
[[Eallryl's Choice]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/magical-animal2.png"/>
[[Create something new->Creation]]
[[Choose Elixer->Healing Elixer #2]]
[[Eallryl's Choice]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/gemstones-copy.png"/>[[Create something new->Creation]]
[[Choose Gemstone->Gemstone #2]]
[[Eallryl's Choice]]
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/healing-elixer.png"/>"And now you must again choose your path", Eallryl says. "There is second magic box hidden deep within the [[Cliffs of Discernment->Magic Box #2]]. If you choose to go there, simply touch the cliff with your wand and even greater magic will open to you." Once again, Eallryl's brightly lit form begins to fade but her voice remains. "Or, you may [[follow Marlow on your journey->Move With Intention]] and see where he will lead you. The return Cliffs of Discernment will always be there for your when you are ready."
I look at Marlow. "I want to find the box. How do we find the Cliffs of Discernment?"
"I know the way. I will take you there. Follow me." Marlow jumps from my shoulder and down to the ground. Once again, I follow as he runs along a twisting path. But soon the trees thin and I see large boulders strewn against the face of a rock wall. Coming out of the woods, Marlow leads me up to a steep cliff that is streaked with rust colored reds and pale orange hues.
"These are the Cliffs of Discernment." Marlow points to the patterned rock. "Tap this place with your wand."
I tap the cliff face and a door shimmers and appears. I insert my key and the door slowly opens. We enter a cavern that is softly lit with flickering candles. In the center of the stone floor lies a golden box. I kneel down, Marlow on my shoulder, and gently lift the box and insert my key. When I open the lid a warm light glows from inside and Eallryl's voice surrounds us.
"These are the tools that will help you understand the nature of your thought," Eallryl says. "Listen to my words and see how your mind will wander. But know that thought is just that, simply thought and not necessarily reality or truth. And when you find that your mind wanders, simply bring it back to the focus of your attention. Choose one of these tools to use daily. The more you do this, the more powerful you will become. And also do not forget to enter gratitude daily into your magic book. Remember that the Discordians are coming soon and you have been choosen as our warrier healer. You must become stronger."
I choose a tool from the box and, together, Marlow and I sit and [[listen->Breath Focus 2 Audio]].
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/magic-cavern.jpg"/>
Marlow looks at me with an earnest expression on his small face. "Are you ready to begin the next stage of your journey, Kim?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Then it is time to meet Urisk. He is a wood elf who sees deeply and has the gift of wise awareness. He will be your guide as you discover the hidden things within your mind. Follow me and I will take you to him."
Once again, Marlow sets off and I follow. The path twists and winds under a dark canopy of trees until it opens into a bright meadow filled with wild flowers. I stop and smell the sweetness in the air. Marlow stands beside me and we take the moment to appreciate the surrounding beauty. Suddenly, Eallryl's form shimmers before me as her soft voice fills the air.
"Would you like to stop here Kim and learn to move with dignity and intention? You have developed the focus to follow your breath but there is more to uncover. [[Learning to move your body with awareness->Standing Yoga Audio]] will allow you to become stronger. Or you can [[follow Marlow->Meet Urisk]] and I will teach you how to be present in movement later, if you wish."
I take the book and write three things for which I'm grateful before returning it to the box. Carefully, I close the lid and place the box back in the hollow of the tree.
"This is a good start," Marlow says. "You must remember to return to this tree daily and enter those things for which you're thankful. Each time that you do this, you will receive a gemstone or an elixer. Choose one now and it will be yours.
I close my eyes once again and an image of a blue colored bottle filled with red liquid comes to mind. I hold out my palms and the elixer materializes before me.
Marlow nods his approval. "This elixer is a powerful healing potion for the magical creatures of Iallethra. Guard it well. But now [[follow me->The Sensing Stone]]. There is so much more to do."
[[Leave Cliffs of Discernment]]
<<audio breathfocus2 play>>I sit and breathe, now completely relaxed. All too soon, I feel Marlow gently nudge my neck.
"We must go now. There are other challenges yet to come. But remember to come daily to this box for Eallryl's voice will be here for you with other lessons. And each time you listen, you will be rewarded. Close your eyes, think it and it will be yours."
I do as Marlow instructs and hold out my hands. A multifaceted blue stone instantly appears, it's points glinting in the soft glow of the candle light.
Placing it in my pocket, I rise, Marlow still on my shoulder. [[Together we walk out of the cavern and into the sunlight->Move With Intention]] of the bright day beyond.
<<audio breathfocus2 stop>>
What thought did you have when you felt this emotion?
[[Thought Question 2]] I open my eyes and breathe deeply. I marvel at the idea that I can choose to watch my thoughts. It's almost like watching a meteor blaze through the sky, I realize. A thought flashes, then streaks hot, before vanishing from view. Eallryl's calm instructions have helped me to look inward and search for the truth I know is buried deep within. [[Finally, I take my wand and write yet again->And Yet Another Thought?]].
<<audio thoughtfocus stop>>
I take up my wand to answer."I fought with my friend today," I write.
Urisk nods in approval, his face serious. "And now, we must look more deeply and begin to peel back the layers of thought that underlie emotion. What were you thinking, Kim, when this happened? This is an important question. Oftentimes, powerful thoughts flit through our minds and effect us deeply. But we are usually unaware of the nature of the thought or of it's power. Awareness of thought will be the key to your powers in your fight against the Discordians. Look at the tablet again, Kim. It has another question to ask you."
I look down as [[another question->What Thought Did You Have?]] etches itself across the stone.
Was there another thought beneath this?
[[Thought Question #3]]<<audio thoughtfocus play>>
[[Looking Deeply]]Double-click this passage to edit it."So the emotion you found at the sensing stone was a difficult one," Urisks says still holding my gaze with serious eyes. "This is good, Kim. There is much to learn here. We will dig deeply. Are you ready?"
"Yes." I nod, sighing softly in agreement
"Then follow me to the Glade of Discernment where we can sit and I will teach you."
Urisk moves off down the path and I follow, Marlow on my shoulder. The twinkling lights, high in the trees, blink and fade as we move on. Soon the forest opens onto a circular glade that is lit with sunshine and dotted with brightly colored flowers. Urisk strides to the center before stopping in a thick bed of soft grass.
"It is time to go the next level in your training," he says as he sits down and crosses his legs before him. "We must dig deeper and look into the realms of thought."
Urisk reaches to his side, picks up a stone tablet then hands it to me. "This is the Seeking Tablet. It will remember your emotions and what lies beneath them. With this tablet, in time, you will begin to understand the patterns in your mind. After you choose an emotion from the Sensing Stone and where it played out in your body, the Seeking Tablet will ask you questions about situation and thought. You are to write the answers to these questions on the tablet with your wand. The tablet will remember and you will learn and grow in power each time you do this task. Are you ready to begin?"
I look at the tablet in my hand then back at Urisk. "Yes."
"Good. Begin now by closing your eyes and focusing on your breath. Then bring the emotion you found at the Sensing Stone to mind. When you are ready, the tablet will asks you questions and you should inscribe the answers with your wand."
I do as Urisk instructs, feeling once again the emotion and recalling the situation beneath it. I open my eyes, look at the tablet and watch as words etch themselves into the stone.
[["What was the situation that made you feel this emotion?"->Situation Question]] it asks me.
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/stone-tablet-copy.png"/>
Examine your thoughts. Is what you tell yourself true?
[[True]]
[[Not True->Not True/Partly True]]
[[Partly True->Not True/Partly True]]I glance up from the tablet and back at Urisk. "I don't know. I'm not sure about what is really true. I know I feel alone, so I guess the thought is true."
"Look inside, Kim. Look more closely. Is it true that you are really alone?"
I shake my head, glancing at the mouse who sits on my shoulder. "No. It's not completely true.There is Marlow." I smile then I look up at Urisk. "And you."
"So you see. And Eallryl?"
"Yes, and Eallryl."
"Sometimes thought is just that," Urisk says. "Simply mental activity and not the same as reality or truth although there may be some truth within them. But we believe our thoughts, don't we?
"Yes, I believe them."
"You are growing stonger. And now it is time, once again, to choose your reward. Think it and it will be."
In my mind I see a yellow gemstone and it soon lies in my hand.
"Guard these stones carefully. You have seen how powerful they can be." Urisk pauses, as if listening intently, then turns back to me. "Eallryl is also pleased with your progress. What would you like to add to our world, Kim? Imagine it and it will come to you."
Once again I close my eyes, free my mind and wait for what will come. A soft touch against my arm soon brings me back and I turn to see a gray, dovelike bird nestled beside me.
"Ah," says Urisk as the bird flys to his outstretched hand. "A Caladrius. This is a healing bird. When you ask it of him, a Caladrius will draw the illness from the land, fly to the sun and burn the illness away. Use him wisely, Kim, for he will aid you in your battles. And now, it is time to answer the Seeking Tablet once more."
I turn my attention from the bird and look back to the tablet, watching as words quickly appear.
"Examine your thoughts yet again. [[Do they serve either you or the world around you?]]"
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Caladrius2.jpg"/>
I glance up from the tablet and back at Urisk. "I don't know. I'm not sure about what is really true. I know I feel alone."
"Look inside, Kim. Look more closely. Is it true that you are really alone?"
I shake my head, glancing at the mouse who sits on my shoulder. "No. It's not really true.There is Marlow." I smile then I look up at Urisk. "And you."
"So you see. And Eallryl?"
"Yes, and Eallryl."
"Sometimes thought is just that," Urisk says. "Simply thought and not the same as reality or truth. But we believe our thoughts, don't we?
"Yes, I believe them."
"You are growing stonger. And now it is time, once again, to choose your reward. Think it and it will be."
In my mind I see a yellow gemstone and it soon lies in my hand.
"Guard these stones carefully. You have seen how powerful they can be." Urisk pauses, as if listening intently, then turns back to me. "Eallryl is also pleased with your progress. What would you like to add to our world, Kim? Imagine it and it will come to you."
Once again I close my eyes, free my mind and wait for what will come. A soft touch against my arm soon brings me back and I turn to see a gray, dovelike bird nestled beside me.
"Ah," says Urisk as the bird flys to his outstretched hand. "A Caladrius. This is a healing bird. When you ask it of him, a Caladrius will draw the illness from the land, fly to the sun and burn the illness away. Use him wisely, Kim, for he will aid you in your battles. And now, it is time to answer the Seeking Tablet once more."
I turn my attention from the bird and look back to the tablet, watching as words quickly appear.
"Examine your thoughts yet again. [[Do they serve either you or the world around you?]]"
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Caladrius2.jpg"/>
Do your thoughts serve you or the world around you?
[[Thoughts Serve Me]]
[[Thoughts Do Not Serve Me]]My answer is immediate and I quickly write with my wand the word no.
"Remember Kim, that if this ever becomes too difficult, you can always return to the calm of your breath at any time. And now it is again time to choose. We can [[continue to look deeper->Thought Balloon]] so that you will grow into even greater levels of power. Or you can choose to [[open another magic box->Map of Iallethra]], if you wish."
As soon as I have written the word yes, another question quickly scrolls across the stone in my lap.
[["Are you able to let the emotion go?"]]
As soon as I have written the word no, another question quickly scrolls across the tablet in my lap.
[["Can you let the emotion go?"]]
I put down the tablet as we continue to sit in silence. I feel different, almost lighter. This realization, that thought is just that, simply thought and not synonymous with reality or truth has struck me deeply. I close me eyes, hold out my hand and a bottle of elixir appears on my palm.
"Very good, Kim.” Urisk inclines his head in approval. "You have grown in awareness and power. And you will continue to grow stronger. This work is not easy. You must remember to visit the Sensing Stone anytime you feel a strong emotion, whether it is joy or sorrow. Then you must answer the questions asked of you by the Seeking Tablet. In this way, your power will increase. Also, remember to be thankful. By writing your gratitude in your journal each day, you will become stronger. And practice the lessons that you have found at the Cliffs of Discernment. But now Kim, I must leave you."
I look at the elf, who sits before me with such dignity and strength. "No Urisk. But why?"
"Because you must continue on your journey. Go out and explore Iallethra Kim. Journey far and discover much. Use the map to guide you. You will find many new and magical creatures along the way. And you will learn much more about yourself. But remember, above all, to continue your training and always be ready. For you must battle the Discordians and help to heal our land."
Urisk's form begins to shimmer and then slowly fade but his voice remains strong. “Do not fear Kim for both Eallryl and I will come to you in your times of need."
I stand quietly, my gaze intent on the place where Urisk had stood, as if I could make him reappear. “Are you leaving me too Marlow?” I ask, glancing at the mouse by my side.
“No Kim. I am not leaving you. Eallryl has asked me to be your companion on your journey into greater knowing. Are you ready to go now?”
I pull the map of Iallethra from my pocket then turn back to Marlow. With a smile, I see that, rather than waiting for my reply, he is already marching off down the path.
“Well. I guess I have to be." I shrug my shoulders and shake my head in disbelief before setting off after the mouse. “ I guess you just never know where you might go or who you might meet.” I put down the tablet as we sit in silence. I feel different, almost lighter. This realization, that thought is just that, simply thought and not synonymous with reality or truth has struck me deeply. I see that I can let the thought go but the emotion is harder. I close me eyes, feeling the familiar sadness, although certainly faded, still within me.
"You are doing difficult work, Kim.” Urisk nods his head in acknowledgement. "You are growing in awareness and power. And you will continue to grow stronger. Do not feel discouraged. It is often easier to let our thoughts go when we realize that they do not serve us and are not always true. But the emotion can be harder. We can choose to see our emotion as simply our experience in the moment. [[Can you accept the emotion->Accept Emotion]] as just that, your experience in the moment, without judging it as either good or bad? [[Or would you like Eallryl to teach you once again?->The Oak Audio]]”
I put down the tablet as we sit in silence. I feel different, almost lighter. This realization, that thought is just that, simply thought and not synonymous with reality or truth has struck me deeply. But despite this, it is hard to let the thoughts go. They are such a deep part of me, of how I view myself. The emotion, on the other hand, somehow seems more fleeting. I close me eyes, noticing how the sense of sadness has faded, is almost gone.
"You are doing difficult work, Kim.” Urisk nods his head in acknowledgement. "You are growing in awareness and power. And you will continue to grow stronger. Do not feel discouraged. It is not easy to let our thoughts go, even if we realize that they do not serve us and are not always true. Oftentimes, the thoughts we uncover are part of a deeper belief system that has been with us a long, long time. But looking more deeply when strong emotion appears can be a powerful tool in understanding what your core beliefs might be. This work will help you in your battle with the Discordians. [[Would you like Eallryl to help you once again?->The Oak 2 Audio]]. If not, [[you may choose your reward for your good work->Good Work]]. But remember that Eallryl is always there for you when you need her. ”
I put down the tablet as we sit in silence. This realization, that thought is just that, simply thought and not synonymous with reality or truth has struck me deeply. But despite this, it is hard to let the thoughts go. They are such a deep part of me, of how I view myself. And how do you simply let go of emotion? It is so immediate and powerful. I close me eyes, feeling the familiar sadness still within me.
"You are doing difficult work, Kim.” Urisk nods his head in acknowledgement. "You are growing in awareness and power. And you will continue to grow stronger. Do not feel discouraged. It is not easy to let our thoughts go, even if we realize that they do not serve us and are not always true. Oftentimes, the thoughts we uncover are part of a deeper belief system that has been with us a long, long time. But looking more deeply when strong emotion appears can be a powerful tool in understanding what your core beliefs might be. And emotion is difficult to simply let go especially since we often feel it so strongly in the body. But we can choose to see our emotion as simply our experience in the moment, what is happening to us right here and now. [[Can you accept the emotion->Accept Emotion]] as just that, your experience in the moment, without judging it as either good or bad, maybe even exploring it with a sense of curiosity? If you wish, it might be helpful to [[allow Eallryl to teach you once again->The Oak Audio]]. If either of these things are too difficult for you right now, you can always [[return to Eallryl’s words later, when you are ready->Good Work]].
Marlow moves off through the meadow and into the deep forest beyond. Reluctantly, I follow him back into the leafy darkness. Time seems suspended within the cool woods and I cKimot tell if we walk for minutes or for hours. Finally, Marlow slows and then stops before a rugged tree that stretches thick arms into the leafy canopy above, Small lights twinkling from it's branches.
"Urisk, we have arrived," Marlow calls out, looking upward.
The notes of a deep, melodious voice float down from the tree above. "Good. Time is short. I will come. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and I will come."
I bend down and Marlow jumps to my shoulder. I close my eyes and focus on my breath as Eallryl has taught me. A sense of stillness immediately enfolds me. The calm deepens and I know, without seeing, that Urisk stands before us. I open my eyes to see a tall, slender elf with pale skin, high chiseled cheek bones and long silver hair.
"I welcome you Kim to our forest home. I am Urisk, prince of the warrior wood elves of Iallethra. I will be your guide for the remainder of your journey."
"Thank you," I whisper, unable to drop my gaze from the powerful, sinous form before me. Urisk's green eyes seem to pierce me, as if holding me captive with a vision that sees directly to my core.
"You have done well. But now you must go further. I will help you gain power and strength. We will begin at once as there is much yet to do. Tell me now about the emotion you found at the sensing stone. Was that emotion [[positive->Positive Emotion]] or was it a [[difficult->Negative Emotion]] one for you?"
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/eleven-wizard.png"/>
<<audio standingyoga play>>
[[Eallryl's Reward->Reward]] I lay still, my chest and abdomen pressed against my thighs, my arms relaxed at my sides. I breathe deeply and smell the flowers that scent the glade around me. I am more awake and aware than I have ever been yet a deep sense of tranquility enfolds me. I feel a gentle nudge against my shoulder and look to see Marlow, standing by my side.
"Eallryl is gone," he says. But she has asked that you choose your reward yet again."
I uncurl myself and sit upright. I stretch out my palm and immediately feel the rough edges of a gemstone.
"Good Kim. You grow stonger and stronger the more Eallryl teaches you. But we must keep going. [[Follow me->Meet Urisk]]."
<<audio standingyoga stop>>
Once again, Urisk nods at the tablet in my hand. "The thoughts that you have had, if they do not serve you, can you let them go? And the emotion, can you release that as well?
I sit, staring at the tablet as Urisk's question appears. But I can't answer. How can I let the thoughts go even if they do not serve me? They are so powerful, so believable. And how can I just turn the emotion off? It's not as if I'm simply turning off water from a running faucet, is it? I shake my head and look at Urisk.
"There is no doubt that this a difficult challenge, Kim. Would you like me to help you?"
I nod. "Yes."
"Then sit tall with me and close your eyes, if you wish. Take the next moment to focus on your breath."
I do as Urisk instructs, sitting taller in the soft grass and watching as my breath flows in and out.
"Now imagine a colorful balloon floating in the sky. If you wish, you can place the thought in the balloon and watch as it drifts away. Or you might imagine that the thought is like a leaf floating down a river. You sit on the river bank and watch it pass by. It is before you and then quickly gone. Let your thoughts be like that, simply watching them come into view and then disappear."
I know my thoughts are not true, that they do not serve me. In my mind, I place the thoughts of being alone, of having no friends, into a red balloon, which I am holding in my hand by a long string. I let the string go and watch as the balloon drifts upward and disappears from view.
"And now the emotion, the sadness that I know is there for you," Urisk continues. "Perhaps you are feeling it in your chest right now, as you did before. If so, when you are ready, take the next moment to explore that sensation within you."
I allow myself to feel the physical sensation of sadness, breathing into it deeply.
"Can you accept Kim, that this sadness is your experience right here and now, not judging it as either good or bad?"
Still breathing, I notice that, maybe, I can. I realize that thoughts, and even emotions, are like shooting stars in a night sky. They appear, blaze brightly and then disappear from view. Urisk, Marlow and I continue to sit quietly in a small circle. The wind whistles lightly and I can feel the soft sensation as it blows gently against my skin.
"Eallryl can also help you here, if you wish, Kim. Would you like to [[listen to her wisdom->Thought Focus 2 Audio]] once again or are you ready to [[answer the question before you?->Can You Let the Thoughts Go?]] And please know Kim, that there is no judgement here. There is no right or wrong answer."
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/red-balloon-2.jpg"/>
Are you able to let the emotion go?
[[Yes->Release Thought/Release Emotion]]
[[No->Release Thought/Hold Emotion]]
Can you let the emotion go?
[[Yes->Hold Thought/Release Emotion]]
[[No->Hold Thought/Hold Emotion]]
Urisk stretches out his arms, palms facing upward and a golden box appears in his hands. It glitters in the sunlight as he passes the box to me. Taking it carefully, I insert the key and open the lid to find a parchment scroll. I unroll it and discover a brightly colored map.
"This is a map of Iallethra," Urisk explains. "There are many magical creatures here that we have not yet discovered. Eallryl asks that you explore our land and search these out. You will need to walk through our forests, our mountains and our deserts. As you walk, you may find a newborn animal or an unhatched egg. Gather these and bring them to Eallryl. The more you wander, the more you will find and the stronger and more powerful you will become."
I gaze at the map, instantly ready to begin my travels. "Can I go now?" I ask, excited.
"You can go soon," Urisk answers. "But in this moment, we must continue your training. For now comes yet [[another challenging question->Thought Balloon]], which will bring you to the next level in your ability to battle the Discordians.
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Iallethra.jpg"/>Can you let the thoughts go?
[[Yes]]
[[No]]"Remember Kim, that everything changes. This emotion that you feel, as strong as it may be, will pass on. It will not last forever. If you let it, powerful emotion can be like a bell that brings you into the moment. And if you find that you struggle, you can always call Eallryl or myself to aid you. Now close your eyes and envision something new for our world and it will come to you. Or you can choose a gemstone or healing elixer."
I close my eyes, hold out my hand then feel the weight of a bottle settle into my palm.
"Good Kim. You will need the elixers on your journey to bring the color back to our land when it has faded. But now, I must leave you."
I look at the elf, who sits before me with such dignity and strength. "No Urisk. But why?"
"Because you must continue on your journey. Go out and explore Iallethra. Journey far and discover much. Use the map to guide you. You will find many new and magical creatures along the way. And you will learn much more about yourself. But remember, above all, to continue your training and always be ready. For you must battle the Discordians and help to heal our land. And remember to go to the Sensing Stone anytime you feel a strong emotion, whether it is joy or sorrow. Then you must answer the questions asked of you by the Seeking Tablet. In this way, your power will increase. Also, remember to be thankful daily. By writing your gratitude in your journal each day, you will become ever more powerful. And practice the lessons that you have found at the Cliffs of Discernment whenever you are able.
Urisk's form begins to shimmer and then slowly fade but his voice remains strong. “Do not fear Kim for both Eallryl and I will come to you in your times of need."
I stand quietly, my gaze intent on the place where Urisk had stood, as if I could make him reappear. “Are you leaving me too Marlow?” I ask, glancing at the mouse by my side.
“No Kim. I am not leaving you. Eallryl has asked me to be your companion on your journey into greater knowing. Are you ready to go now?”
I pull the map of Iallethra from my pocket then turn back to Marlow. With a smile, I see that, rather than waiting for my reply, he is already marching off down the path.
“Well. I guess I have to be." I shrug my shoulders and shake my head in disbelief before setting off after the mouse. “ I guess you just never know where you might go or who you might meet.” <<audio theoak play>>
[[Kim's Journey->Accept Emotion]]<<audio theoak play>>
[[Kim's Journey->Good Work]]"Eallryl wishes to reward you once again for this difficult work, Kim," Urick says, his green eyes still serious. "Now close your eyes and envision something new for our world and it will come to you. Or you may choose a gemstone or healing elixer, if you wish."
I close my eyes, hold out my hand and feel the weight of a bottle settle into my palm.
"Good Kim. You will need the elixers on your journey so that you can bring the color back to our land when it has faded. But now, I must leave you."
I look at the elf, who sits before me with such dignity and strength. "No Urisk. But why?"
"Because you must continue on your journey. Go out and explore Iallethra. Journey far and discover much. Use the map to guide you. You will find many new and magical creatures along the way. And you will learn much more about yourself. But remember, above all, to continue your training and always be ready. For you must battle the Discordians when they come and help to heal our land. And remember to go to the Sensing Stone anytime you feel a strong emotion, whether it is joy or sorrow. Then you must answer the questions asked of you by the Seeking Tablet. In this way, your power will increase. Also, remember to be thankful daily. By writing your gratitude in your journal, you will become ever more powerful. And practice the lessons that you have found at the Cliffs of Discernment whenever you are able.
Urisk's form begins to shimmer and then slowly fade but his voice remains strong. “Do not fear Kim for both Eallryl and I will come to you in your times of need."
I stand quietly, my gaze intent on the place where Urisk had stood, as if I could make him reappear. “Are you leaving me too Marlow?” I ask, glancing at the mouse by my side.
“No Kim. I am not leaving you. Eallryl has asked me to be your companion on your journey into greater knowing. Are you ready to go now?”
I pull the map of Iallethra from my pocket then turn back to Marlow. With a smile, I see that, rather than waiting for my reply, he is already marching off down the path.
“Well. I guess I have to be." I shrug my shoulders and shake my head in disbelief before setting off after the mouse. “ I guess you just never know where you might go or who you might meet.”
<<audio theoak stop>>Is there yet another thought?
[[The Discordians]]I put down my wand and look at the tablet still in my lap. I feel Urisk's patient gaze but cKimot yet look up. I know that I have found something deep inside my core. A belief that is so familiar and yet so hidden. The sense of my intrinsic aloness that is always within me. How many layers did I need to peel back to find it? Finally, I raise my head and look at Urisk.
"This is difficult work Kim, but crucial. You may choose your reward once again."
I instantly know what I need and stretch out my hand to receive it. Immediately, a golden bottle of elixer sits on my outstretched palm.
"That is a good choice," Urisk says, rising to his feet. "You will need this now, I think."
He looks towards the forest. The light in the glade has seemed to dim although the sky is still clear. I stand up beside him, Marlow once again on my shoulder. Glancing quickly around the glade, I notice that the bright colors of the flowers are fading.
"What is happening?" I ask, confused.
"It's the Discordians. They have come although it is early yet in your training to battle them. But there is no more time. Are you ready to face them?"
"I don't know."
Urisk's voice is urgent as he points toward a dark shadow emerging from the forest. "Take your gemstones. You must throw them at the shadow. If you hit it, the Discordian will appear and be frozen in time, allowing it's capture.
I watch as the shadow comes closer, fading the glade's bright colors with it's approach. I reach into my pocket and pull out a purple gemstone. With a deep breath, I through it toward the shadow as Urisk has asked. To my amazement, the stone flies true, it's sparkling light swallowed by the shadow's darkness. Immediately, a man with sharp elven featues appears. His white eyes are rimmed in red and seem to stare, angry and unblinking, into mine.
"Quickly now," Urisk instructs. "Take the elixer and pour it onto the plants that are fading or else they will soon die."
Feeling his urgency, I take the golden bottle and pour the liquid onto the faded flowers at my feet. Color returns instantly to the glade. I glance back at the Discordian. It has vanished.
Urisk turns to me, exhaling deeply. "Once again, you have done well, Kim. Beyond expectation. But more of these shadows will come, and soon. We must continue on to the next challenge. You need to grow ever stonger. The Seeking Tablet has more to ask you."
I watch as a new question etches itself across the grey stone in my lap "Examine your thoughts. [[Is what you tell yourself true?]]"
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/evil-elf-2.jpg"/>
<<audio thoughtfocus2 play>>
[[Eallryl's Reward->Thought Focus Reward]]I sit as the chimes, once again, fade away. I am beginning to realize that my mind can be like an old movie playing over and over again in the background of my conciousness. I shift and look at Urisk who sits, watching my patiently.
"And now, you may choose your reward Kim."
I close my eyes and relax into my breath. Immediately, I hear the soft thud of hooves. Looking up, I see a golden colored centaur emerge from the shadows of the forest and out into the sunlit glade.
"A new creature for Iallethra," Urisk says. Eallryl will be pleased, Kim. Can you answer the question on your tablet? And please know, there is no judgement here. There is no right or wrong answer." Urisk nods at the tablet in my lap as words scroll across the stone. [[Can you let your thoughts go?->Can You Let the Thoughts Go?]].
<<audio thoughtfocus2 stop>>
<img src="http://aikensapproach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/centaur2.jpg"/>