Anchorite
by Ian Curtress
I love this
stretch of coast, it can be bleak but also
friendly.
It was several years since I last visited and I
found a rocky path I had not noticed before.
The morning was superb, blue sky with the last
remnants of mist allowing the warming sun to
shine through.
The sea was calm with just an interesting shallow
wave of foam every now and again. Good to be
alive
The first part of the walk was easy with care and
I had enjoyed many such paths, although this one
I soon realised was not a path it was just the
way the rocks had formed.
However, I decided to walk, scramble or climb as
far as I could safely go.
I was fit, the weather was set fine and I was
ready for a challenge. Not always a wise choice.
I was managing reasonably well for about half an
hour when I paused to consider was it sensible to
continue.
The rocks ahead were much larger and would
require climbing rather than scrambling.
Then I noticed in the distance an unusual
formation. A sort of plateau with an overhang
almost like a canopy.
I know sometimes one can see what one wants to
see but this really was interesting.
Predictably, curiosity got the better of me and I
continued on.
It was half an hour later when I reached the
plateau, exhausted and regretting my decision,
aware that I had to retrace my steps after a rest.
It was a lovely setting, it caught the sun, was
unusually smooth with a flat rock making an
almost comfortable seat.
Enjoying this respite I looked up and under the
canopy noticed it was a cave.
Once again curiosity got the better of me and
wondered if I could get high enough to look in.There
were rocks just below the entrance on which if I
stood carefully I might just get my head just
above and look in.
I achieved my aim, thinking how foolish I had
been but managed to peer into the entrance.
I almost lost my grip with shock and frantically
clutched the ledge!
I was peering at two weathered feet with long toe
nails.
Two strong and welcome arms pulled me inside a
surprisingly large and comfortable cave.
This strong tanned man with very long hair and
amazingly wild beard had been a doctor.
Ten or more years ago he had lost his young Wife
and had been having a terrible time trying to
come to terms.
Friends were supportive and his patients also,
but their sympathy was smothering him.
He said he understood the difference between
Sympathy and Empathy.
Empathy is ‘I understand’ where
Sympathy is ‘well at least……’
There were no “at leasts”. He was also
doubting his faith.
The mental battle was destroying him and he came
to this area to escape.
He had enjoyed so many happy times in the area
with his Wife.
Suddenly, he said, I paid my hotel bill, left
with the bedside bible and walked and climbed
just as I had done to stumble upon this cave.
He soon found that learning to survive focussed
his mind, the fruits of the sea were ample and
with the bible for reading if required he knew
such peace and contentment beyond belief.
He saw our place in the World in sharp relief,
challenged an after life. Said he felt closer to
his wife more than ever. Wherever you are or
whatever you are doing he said, heaven is there
if you open your eyes and open your heart
After such enlightened conversation I found I was
reluctant to leave this Anchorite
He reaffirmed my values.
Needs are few. Wants, an unnecessary distraction
Don’t worry about the destination, enjoy the
journey.
Just look around you.
Heaven is on Earth.
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