A groggy Abby padded into the kitchen and touched a button on Charm’s version of an espresso machine. She’d require two cups to get the neurons firing in her brain before visiting Gita. Sleep had eluded her the night before. Instead, she ran countless scenarios for what Nash wanted to discuss. By three in the morning, she had him married to Daisy and a kid on the way. The dawn brought an undeniable fact to her. She was hopelessly in love with Nash Walker and had no clue what to do about it.
Abby dressed in her overalls, but after recalling her early morning Daisy-and-Nash scenario, she shunned the daisy-printed tee on principle. She glanced at Orchid, who seemed to enjoy watching Abby’s primping time. “Do I even want to fool with makeup?”
Orchid blinked and sauntered into the bathroom.
“I guess that means I do. Honestly, you’re such an influencer.” Abby opened the vanity drawer. Lost in thought, she absently laid out her cosmetics. She reached for the lipstick tube last and twirled the bullet up. “What in the world? My red lipstick is back, only brand spanking new. Will I ever get used to Charm’s amazing ways?”
The kitten came to Abby, purring, and rubbed against her leg.
“Okay, all is forgiven, though I don’t understand any of this. From here on out, you stay out of my makeup. I don’t care how much you like prettying up for Nash.” Abby blotted her lips and went to grab her handbag.
Standing outside Gita’s entrance, she remembered the day’s field trip. An outing was the distraction she needed until Nash explained things. Abby forced a happy face as the door opened.
“Good morning, dear girl. You’re punctual as always.” Gita stepped aside for Abby to enter.
“Hello, Gita. I stopped by the bakery. It’s my turn to supply us with pastries. I couldn’t resist the call of two fresh apple cinnamon rolls.” Abby placed the box in Gita’s outstretched hands.
“How lovely. Let’s go out to the terrace.”
“Wonderful. I get another opportunity to admire your lavender.” Abby followed.
“Don’t forget you’re giving me decorating advice after our lesson, and then we’ll go—”
“On a special field trip,” finished Abby.
Gita motioned for her quester to choose a seat. “Fair warning, my outings are known to titillate, and I never disappoint.” Wearing an impish smile, Gita poured the tea.
“Still no hints on where we’re going?” Abby accepted her cup.
“Not one.” Gita took a bite of her roll. “Mmm, divine.” She touched a linen napkin to her mouth. “So, I’d appreciate hearing how you’re progressing in adopting the teachings. Are you watching those thoughts as if they’re a coiled cobra? How’s that for an unnerving visualization?”
“Not one I’m likely to forget.” Abby considered the question. “In a word, lousy. How did you guess?”
“The dark circles under your eyes told me you spent a sleepless night fretting. I’m not asking you to divulge the reason. I sense it’s of a personal nature. You’ll be pleased to hear the final lesson teaches more on thought awareness. Shall we proceed?”
Abby delivered a brief nod.
“Very well. Tell me something. Overall, would you say last night’s worrying produced desirable results?” Gita waited for an answer.
“Nope.” Abby looked into her teacup.
Gita pressed on. “Did you find answers? Answers you could trust? Perhaps act on?”
“Sadly, no to all three questions. It was a complete waste of time and energy. I’ve no clearer understanding of the situation.” Abby munched on her roll, wondering for the billionth time what troubled Nash. Exhaling, she refocused her attention on Gita. “I’m quickly losing my gold star status with you. And just my luck, we’re doing the last lesson.”
A chuckle escaped Gita. “Excuse me, but I’ve not given your final grade. More important to our lesson, I’d like to hear who told you that you’re losing the prized gold star status?”
“What?” Abby felt confused. Gita’s mental roundabouts would baffle Plato. “Who told me I was failing the last lesson?”
“It’s a most worthy question. Ponder it while I finish my pastry. Take your time.” Gita chewed and watched the birds.
Abby’s expression changed from confused to sheepish as the obvious answer occurred to her. The lack of sleep had dulled her senses and recollection of past teachings. “Um, Gita?”
“Yes, dear girl. Won’t you tell me?”
“Forgive my sleep-deprived lapse. Of course, the answer is that my sabotaging mind told me I was failing you and myself. I reacted as if it were the truth. In fact, I devoted hours last night to my mind’s nonsensical chatter.” Abby groaned. “The cobra bit me.”
“The mind can become a tormenter, but it can also act as a conduit. I see it as a type of receiver. We know great scientists and inventors, like Thomas Edison, would obtain solutions to problems while napping. Problems these brilliant minds were unable to solve while awake. In this example, the mind received solutions when it was at rest, thus allowing the higher self to access Source. In the stillness and quietness of slumber, the answers were delivered. Once awake, it’s called the great aha, or a lightbulb moment.” Gita leaned forward. “But we know it was really the higher self that was making that important connection. Does that make sense?” Gita drank the remainder of her tea.
“It does. My grandfather told me numerous times that when he was stuck, he’d go meditate.” Abby flashed to what he called his quiet cushion, where he’d sit in silence. “We keep returning to the importance of seeking stillness.”
“Yes, going into stillness leads to insights. We rely on insights to further our gift’s role in serving. You understand how the mind wants to control. You’ve been given tools to override that process as needed. But you must use them,” reminded Gita.
“That’s true. Plus, the lessons are my roadmap for living life on purpose. I believe this. I trust the teachings. I see the value and beauty of a life lived intentionally, but still, my mind continues to rule me. I’ve danced to its tune for so long, I can’t seem to step off the dance floor.” Abby sighed.
“I understand you feel controlled by the barrage of thoughts. We all share in that experience.” Gita set her plate aside.
“And don’t forget, helpless. I feel helpless, too,” interjected Abby.
“I’ve one last question to illumine the mind’s limitations. In a moment’s time, you’re going to learn who isn’t in control of Abby Drake. I don’t expect an answer to this question. Rather, take the answer and become En-lightened. Remember my In-stillness, In-sight, and En-light?”
“Yes, I do,” Abby said. “How I love Gita pearls. I treasure them.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Put them to use now. After I give you the question, I’m going inside. Sit with it. Seek your inner stillness. Allow the answer to unfold. When you’re ready, find me in the library for our decorating exchange.”
Abby nodded and adjusted her posture. Closing her eyes, she waited.
“Do you know your next thought?”