I recently had a profound insight during one of my regular walks, a habit I've maintained for years.
It's a practice I started to aid my recovery from a stroke at the age of 50. After every meal, I climb a steep path to get more oxygen into my system—a sort of simple, natural oxygen therapy.
Over the years, I've found these walks so beneficial that they have become an integral part of my life. Although they only last 30 minutes, the path is steep and challenging, and given my height, it demands a fair bit of effort.
The sense of well-being on the way back is immediate, which has convinced me that such activities are not only healthy but also surprisingly simple. All you need is a steep incline, whether it's a flight of stairs or a path in the countryside.
But back to the point: what does this have to do with a snail? Recently, after one of these walks, I reached the highest point and saw a snail leisurely crossing the road, leaving a trail behind it. The sight triggered a kind of vision in me, a moment of clarity, if you like.
The snail moved slowly and unhurriedly across the road, seemingly unaware of the potential dangers. It seemed as if it had chosen the perfect moment for its crossing, because shortly after it reached the other side, a car drove past. Had its timing been worse, it could have ended up under the wheels.
This observation led me to draw a parallel between the snail and human life. We often choose the right path and the right moment, guided by a higher power, without being aware of the significance of our decisions.
For me, this made it clear that the right timing and the right perspective are crucial. When these two factors come together, no path seems dangerous. With divine guidance, I believe, we can navigate life safely.
This insight strengthens my desire to be a thoughtful person who makes the best decision at the right moment—to be, as it were, the best snail in the world, rather than an egocentric lion, which is so often held up as the ideal in our society.
I want to express my sincere thanks for this moment of spiritual growth.