Soul Explorer - Rainforest Labyrinth

I was never the out-doorsy kinda gal. I preferred the comfort of air-conditioning on a hot day with a cold drink in my hand. (I still do like that) But lately I have surprised myself at just how adventurous and out-doorsy I can be. About two weeks ago I was humming and harring over what to do for my 20% exercise regime when a burst of energy came out of nowhere and my inner voice told me to get my runners on and go for a walk. I remembered that there was a local park nearby and decided that was where I would go. I craved something akin to adventure and fresh air and I found it in a small rain-forest oasis about five minutes from where I live. 
I walked down a trail and found myself fascinated with the idea of walking down a path that had been worn down over time by enthusiastic out-doorsy people and I knew that I would not be satisfied until I had found out but I didn't want to go by myself - what if there was something or somebody who was dangerous on the other end of the path? There was that and it was starting to get dark so I headed back home.

For exactly six days I wondered about that path and talked to my friends about it and they suggested I take Alan with me. When I hesitantly brought it up with Alan he didn't exactly say yes or no, but I knew that he had other things on his mind and decided that for now, I would just be brave and take the path on my own. The next day it was a cloudy, Sunday afternoon so I kissed Alan good bye and told him I would be back in two hours tops. With anticipation I set off in search of the path that looked mysterious and promising. For forty minutes I had my fill of the fresh scent of rain-forest, I had started out nervous and hesitant.
To quell any uncertainty that I should be there I started filming my surroundings as I walked along.
I found what I call 'The Fallen Tree' and investigated two paths that circled around it and I have been back there a couple of times since. I don't feel like a stranger in this small piece of paradise anymore but a welcome guest. I feel drawn to it, compelled to explore and understand the rain-forest and the creatures that dwell within. Any worldly fears or cares fade away and its just me roaming, respectfully treading where I can see the surface of the forest floor.

Today I indulged in two hours worth of exploring in search of pathways, I made it a little game - how far I can go on one trail before turning back or finding another path that will take me back to the trail. It got me thinking about the paths in my life that have led to no where so I have had to turn back or find another path that would give me some beautiful views. There was a root sticking out of the ground that I nearly twisted my ankle on and it made me think about the paths I have taken that have hurt me or I have lost myself until I found a new path. But I take comfort in this - where ever any path has led me, I have been able to find my way back with my intuition and guts. 
In conclusion, I will say that if we keep to the paths we already know, if we keep walking backwards and forwards over them - we won't go anywhere new, exciting or challenging - hence, we won't go any further.

So I promised myself that I would search for new paths whether in the shelter of the forest or in the labyrinth of life.

And I urge you, dear reader - to do the same.

- Sarah x