It Just Dawned on Me

I have a gift I’d like to give to everyone in the world. I can’t give this gift for two reasons: It isn’t mine to give, and every life already has this gift! There is help for such needs as: How do I fix this? Where are my keys? How can I help a friend in sorrow? Where is contentment?

The truth I’d share with you was once found by four friends in the movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion discovered they already had within themselves, what it was, they thought they needed. We, too, already have, within ourselves, a Source of understanding that leads us beyond our confusions.

From 1984 writing: “For a number of years I have been fascinated with a phrase that describes the phenomenon of “sudden inspiration.” Friends, in resolving some concern, have said, “It just dawned on me (to do thus and so.) Inspiration had suggested to them: how to repair something that was broken, or the location of lost keys, and so on.

I believe “sudden inspiration” is present, not only in human beings, but in every life. Plants and trees find ways to grow around obstacles. Two mature female elephants, as recorded on camera, worked together and rescued an infant elephant from a crevice in a boulder.

The compassion of an adult chimpanzee was also seen on television news. A small boy fell into her cage and was injured. The chimpanzee gently lifted and carried the toddler to the door of her cage. There, the child received help.

I believe that understanding is a gift, that all life is endowed with it, and dawns, when there is need. When we receive sudden inspiration that immediately solves a problem or overcomes a need, we are surprised. We may not fully understand the phenomenon of “It just dawned on me, ” but with our release from a measure of anguish, a feeling of gratitude often comes to us. With relief, we may say “Thank goodness.” Goodness is known by many names.
marylee manson armour
12/10/00, 7/15/04/ 9/27/04