The Walk

"Our rational minds can never understand what has happened, but our hearts, if we can keep them open to God, will find their own intuitive way."
--- Ram Dass

I was in Key Largo during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. We were in weird times, but I was embracing the uniqueness of the experience.

While out of work for almost two months, I hunkered down at my home like most other people. It wasn't fair to complain because I loved where I lived in the beautiful, tranquil mountains of North Carolina. I adored my community and friends who were like family there.

One of those "family" members happened to be my boss, Angelo. He bought a new house in Key Largo just a couple of months before the craziness started and invited me to come down to the Keys for a few days during my "sabbatical", so I did.

I love taking walks in the morning, whether at home or on vacation. They are more mindful walks than strenuous exercise and have become a large part of my peaceful existence on this planet.

As I walked out of his house for my little walk at about 7:30 am, there were no immediate clues that this would result in one of the most important spiritual moments of my more than fifty years on earth.

I usually wore sneakers or other comfortable shoes for walking, but I decided to "wing it" and journey with my slider sandals this day. While wandering through the unique little neighborhood for a while, I realized my feet were starting to hurt and scuff up in those sliders. But I was enjoying the peaceful, breezy excursion so much that I soldiered on.

Uncharacteristically, I felt like dancing. So I did, down the street, to the appropriate Jimmy Buffett song that blared from my phone. A couple of guys standing outside in the neighborhood seemed slightly surprised yet amused by my early morning jubilance. I politely waved as I continued my dance with a ballroom-like twirl down the quiet street. I then ventured back towards my gracious host's home with my feet slightly burning from the friction with my sliders.

Just when I thought it might take a while to find my way back, I recognized I was pretty close to my destination. There was a little park and beach area where locals, mainly kids in their teens and twenties, laid out in the sun and swam. It was way too early for the young crowd at this time of day, of course, but I ventured in to see what it was like up close. Nobody else was there, which was just fine with me.

I went down to the beach area, and although I'm not a big fan of salt water, the tide running back and forth was tempting. I dumped the sliders and walked in the refreshing liquid. The cool, soft, wet sand felt amazing and healing on my battered feet. It then felt obvious to strip off my shirt, empty my pockets, and jump in. After the initial second of coldness, the water felt wonderful on my entire body.

I swam for a few minutes, mainly the doggy paddle for some reason, and then went back to the shallow section. The temperature was comfortable, 70ish, with a nice pleasant breeze. The pale blue sky was shining brightly with a few crisp white clouds around. The view out past the palm trees, across the bay into the gulf, was spectacular.

While standing in the water, up to my knees, I closed my eyes and contemplated how fortunate I was in life.

It became apparent to me that I had never really meditated while standing up. Usually, during meditation, something I was practicing two or three times a day, I was lying down or sitting. I closed my eyes to attempt to empty my thoughts peacefully while standing. I felt terrific, content, and joyous.

When I tried to come up with any concerns or worries in my life, at that moment, I couldn't. Upon further contemplation, I thought of one possible problem: sharks.

Could a shark sneak up and bite me?

All I had to do was open my eyes and looked down at the clear, light blue water to fix this problem. At least now I would see it coming, and now I had zero complaints, fears, or worries.

My mind went back to how grateful I am to be here in the gorgeous setting, especially during such trying times for so many. I run through all the many things I am blessed with: my health, my recent awareness, my great friends, my family, my job, my cats, etc. I then went on to thank God as I had recently started to do. I believe then that my thoughts turned into speech as I thanked God aloud for everything in my life. I quietly said that I am at such peace that I would die completely happy with no regrets if it were my time.

Somehow I felt compelled to explain that I am in no hurry to move on at this time, just that I had no fear of it eventually happening. Was I asking for an agreement with God as I expressed aloud that I want to continue having the time of my life and helping people find such happiness? I also told our creator that I would be his servant much like Ram Dass, the great spiritual guide and author of the legendary, groundbreaking "Be Here Now."

All of this moved me to tears. These were tears of joy. I took in the power of this moment and the incredible energy of all the natural beauty surrounding me.

As I walked back to where I had left my phone and other belongings, I thought to God that I would like some kind of sign that he heard me, some recognition that we had a pact. Then I thought, "I'm too far along on this spiritual journey to require such a stunt from the Almighty."I had recently observed plenty of these signs that I had shared with many people to "prove" my point.

"Yeah," I thought. "Don't be so childish and needy. God has more important things to do".

I get to my phone, hat, and shirt to hear the music still playing on Pandora. The lyrics were from one of my favorite songs from country singer Billy Currington: "GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD, PEOPLE ARE CRAZY..."

I have had many unique, unbelievable synchronicities occurring over the last two years. I like to call these universal confirmations. I think that moment certainly applies and may be the most concrete indication that God truly exists and that he indeed heard me.

Copyright © 2020 Craig Stampler - All Rights Reserved.
I have spent my life, like many, searching for my purpose here on earth. I have moved residences and occupations looking for "greener grass". I have finally realized through my studies and determined introspection that all the answers to joy, happiness, peace and fulfillment are within us and available with the help of God. I am now fully aware that my true purpose is to spread this joy and show that this happy, peaceful life is available to all of us who truly seek it. I am currently working on a book that will act as a spiritual guide for those hoping to find the beautiful life that I have discovered.

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