Mantra #3: Faith
Belief Beyond Circumstance
The sun clears the distant ridge.
Gold light crosses the river and reaches the path beneath the sycamores. The water carries one bright line toward a wooden footbridge. Beyond it, the path bends behind a low green rise.
My shoes find an easy rhythm.
“I trust myself.”
The morning air fills my chest. I let it out slowly and keep walking.
“I have faith in myself.”
Long shadows lean across the path. I pass through them and into the next pool of light.
“I am not afraid.”
“Fear is a lie.”
The river moves beside me. The bridge waits ahead.
“I am courageous and strong.”
At the first junction, one path stays close to the water and the other rises between two tall trees. Both continue into the morning. I take the rising path.
“I act now.”
My next step follows the first.
“I do not delay.”
The river slips out of sight behind the green rise. Sunlight keeps finding the path through the leaves.
“I trust my instincts.”
I follow the curve without needing to see its end.
“I move boldly.”
The connector returns me to the river a little farther upstream than I expected. I turn toward the bridge and keep the same steady pace.
“I correct as I go.”
My heart works harder from the climb. Warm energy moves through my legs and arms.
“What some people describe as anxiety, I feel as readiness.”
The bridge comes fully into view. Three other morning walkers reach it from another path at the same moment.
“I am ready for the things Life is bringing me.”
Unshakeable faith gives me superpowers.
None of us announces a leader. The first person steps onto the boards, and the rest of us follow. We leave enough room for one another and find a shared pace.
“Having faith in each other gives us superpowers.”
Our footsteps make one hollow rhythm above the water.
“Unshakeable faith.”
“Ultimate belief.”
“Unstoppable resolve.”
On the far bank, broad stone steps rise toward an overlook. The upper terrace is already filled with sun.
I climb into the light and find a firm place to stand.
We begin the climb together.
“We are not afraid.”
“Fear is a lie.”
“We are courageous and strong.”
At each landing, the river opens wider below us. Our shoulders loosen. Our steps lift.
“We let go of everything holding us down and we allow ourselves to rise up.”
The way ahead turns once more above the stone wall. We keep our attention on the bright step beneath us.
“We don’t worry about the future.”
Sunlight rests on our hands, our sleeves, and the worn edges of the stairs.
“We live today.”
The group spreads naturally across the next landing. Some feet move faster, some slower. The same morning holds all of us.
At the final turn, the overlook remains just above me. Golden light pours over its edge.
“God ~ the universe, infinite intelligence ~ is not ignoring my prayers, he is testing my faith.”
I place my foot on the next step.
“I am the one who believes when all others doubt.”
The stone receives my full weight.
“I command my mind.”
The railing is warm beneath my palm. My breath and stride return to the same rhythm.
“I am being prepared.”
One more step brings the horizon into view.
“I believe, and I will receive.”
The terrace opens above the river valley. The sun shines directly across the stone. A wooden bench faces the hills, and the path below runs through the trees in a long golden curve.
“I am calm.”
The other walkers arrive beside me. Wind moves lightly through the grass.
“I am still.”
My feet rest flat on the warm stone.
“I do not shake.”
“I stand.”
I have more faith in my vision than in my current circumstances.
The sun stands clear above the hills. Below us, the path bends through the trees and crosses the water in one bright line.
We turn toward the way home. I take the first step.