A Walk in the Woods

I am in Holland again for
the Authentic Leadership in Action conference.

One afternoon, after so much talking,
I need to clear my mind and feel the "more-than-human" world.

I step outside and walk into the woods . . .

But this path goes on and on. 

There is no right turn path to take me back.

Suddenly right to my side, standing in the dark woods,

I see a small herd - eight of them - all different sizes, bristled, tusked. 

I stop. They stop. We watch each other. 

After a long moment they all trot away. 

I think, "Ah - this is why I came out here. It's all worth it now! "

I ask him where the conference center is. 

He doesn't know, but tells me if I keep going I'll get to the village of Ellspeet. 

I've been walking for an hour and a half. 

I find my way to the village, comforted by the presence of houses. 

I turn down the paved road. Four teenagers on bicycles pass by and assure me

the center is two kilometers ahead. 

I begin to calm down . . . 

I step into the building. It is buzzing with activity. 

I appreciate each person in a whole new way.