The Locked Gate

This evening on my way out of the office, I was presented with an unexpected obstacle-- the gate that separates the parking area from my building was locked.
After walking to my car this way hundreds of times, my reaction was of complete shock!
My mind immediately judged (as minds do) and proclaimed this incident a major annoyance-- a block of my path home.

For a moment I even contemplated climbing the high chain link fence (wearing a skirt!) before recognizing a much simpler solution:
Walking out a different entrance. Time required: 4.75 minutes

What is ironic is that I needed a walk more than anything. I was feeling tense and short of breath, stressed out and irritable after one of "those days".
The locked gate turned out to be a gift in disguise. It was the catalyst for a an evening of relaxatioin and spirituality that I would not have otherwise given myself.

Breathing in the fresh air, soothed by the energy of the pine trees on my "longer" way to the car, I became relaxed and more present. I then realized that I needed to stop my hurried pace and continue the peace throughout my evening.

Often what we perceive to be an obstacle or a problem is really a detour--and one that can lead us to a new and different place.

Perhaps a place we don't even realize we need to go...

Reflect on this for a moment.
And walk in peace, my friends.