Stepping Stones, Heian Gardens

After choosing this way, then this way, and finally, this way, I end up at a beautiful, lily-filled pond. Gingerly, I step onto the first stone. Now I’m precariously perched over water, feeling at once that I’m floating, that I’m walking on water, but that I’m on the verge of disaster. Another careful step taken, and I’m on stone number two. A pause. I enjoy my surroundings and my different point of view. Step three and I must take a picture to capture this new point of view. I feel I am getting somewhere, finally. I begin to feel like I’m going to be okay, and lose my fear. Step four, I weeble, I wobble, but I don’t fall down. I need to pause, take stock of the past, and what lays ahead, and the fear is re-instilled. I move quickly across the other steps, all of the sudden realizing I need to get SOMEWHERE. Just when I think I’m done at step 12, I realize the next step isn’t solid ground. I’ll have to keep paying attention, taking my steps with care.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Japan, Stream of Consciousness, Surreal by Courtney