There are moments in meditation when I visualize a road that represents my journey. A long, slender path proceeds forward into an abyss, and a heavy sigh comes over me. Wow. That’s a long way to go, I think to myself.

But an inner voice chimes in and asks, without judgment, “Would you turn around?”

Probably not. Everything I have done up to this point is built from the path behind me. And I have the chance to build the path in front of me— whether it darts to the right, curves to the left, or weaves its way forward. The straight and narrow path is merely a mirage that I have created for myself; an expectation that has yet to be realized.

Brick by brick, stone by stone, clearing the way for a steady stroll.