Several days ago, while braving a forest dark where scant sunlight bleeds through dense branches falling jagged upon those who dare to walk its path, I came upon a secluded spot. Deep in the woods and slightly frightened, I peered with care through spindly limbs and, before my very eyes, the forest opened to brilliant rays of warming sunlight that drenched fragrant blades of grass and Earth’s rich, brown soil. At the center of this unexpected clearing, pure water from a joyful creek ran cool and sparkling, and that’s where I first saw him! He lay stretched flat across a large rock protruding over the bank of the creek, and the sight of him startled me. Under yellow beams of glimmering daylight, he twiddled a hand-made flute and wiggled his feet. I smiled when I heard his ancient Celtic tune lifting on air like delicate butterflies under the summer sun.
I inched slowly into the welcoming light.
Instantly, he stopped playing his flute and—without looking up—he said, “I will tell you three secrets for achieving happiness in life. But once I reveal these secrets to you, you must live them in order for them to come alive in your life. For you see, only after you live the secrets of happiness will you come to understand the mystery of eternal life.”
I stopped in my tracks, feeling unsure what I should say to this man whose identity remained an intriguing mystery to me.
“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Come near, my courageous friend.”
So, I walked cautiously to the banks of the creek as he resumed playing the mystical tune on his flute. His melodic chords hypnotized and engaged me! Suddenly, I found myself unable to resist their charm.
“Sit here,” he said as he brought himself upright to pat a spot on the rock next to his own perch. As I sat down, he immediately peered into my eyes. It seemed like an eternity passed before he spoke again.
“Here is your first secret for happiness, my dear friend. Never concern yourself with anyone’s shortcomings. Instead, use positive reinforcement and avoid all debate, argument and acts of negativity toward others and—more importantly—avoid discord within yourself. If you follow this rule in all things, you will bring peace to your neighbor and to your core.”
“But, sir,” I protested.
“You should call me Merlin,” he said gently.
“Merlin? As in…”
“Yes. What is your question?”
I looked at him in wonder and finally spoke. “How can I feel at peace with people who constantly provoke me; people who start fights, who criticize me, or people who deserve to be put in their place?”
Merlin simply smiled. He played another tune while seeming to ignore my question. His musical notes sounded so beautiful; they closed my eyes, lifted my chin to the sun, and carried my imagination to a faraway place! In that faraway place, I felt great peace and harmony.
Merlin’s voice echoed softly within my mind.
“Do you see it, my curious friend? Do you feel it? That place where your mind rests now? That sense of peace and wonder is the sensation you must carry with you at all times! When faced with conflict, my child, ignore your desire to explain and defend yourself. Instead, focus your mind on the stars, the sun, the beauty of nature, and the things that please your senses. Each time someone annoys you or unjustly accuses you, quickly shift your focus to this wondrous realm of peace within you. Do not concern yourself with the trivial matters of mortal hearts. Instead, reach that place in your mind where you can fly like I’ve shown you, and choose to soar with eagles.”
I said nothing while trying to fully absorb Merlin’s words.
“The second secret for happiness comes from finding your passion and helping others find their passion as well. As you discover activities that you enjoy, talents on which you can improve, and passions that create wonder in your life, you will naturally find your happiness. You must multiply that happiness within you, for happiness must flow out from your heart. You must give happiness, not reap happiness. However, your happiness will not flow until you can help those around you in their struggle to uncover their own talents and gifts. You must spend time helping those that are neglected. Help them find the wonder in their life or show them the wonder if they cannot see it for themselves. By freeing others, you will free yourself.”
I realized at that moment that I’d spent much of my life in selfishness. As if Merlin could read my mind, he said, “Do not waste your energy on regret. Let that remorse go, but learn from it. This will serve as your key to an energized life and a changed heart and mind.”
“The third secret,” he said, “is to believe in miracles. Some call it magic. Some call it answered prayers. The key is to believe. Practice the faith of a child since a child never lets logic and reality block their daily happiness. Dream big! Believe big! Always expect the best in life! Have the faith of a child and you will experience the joy and enthusiasm that is meant for you and for all people.”
I glanced away for a second, distracted by a pretty red bird flitting about with a reed in its beak, then looked back to where Merlin once sat. He had vanished! In his place, only his flute remained next to a beautiful crystal that shone in the brilliant light of day. I lifted the crystal and—holding it to my bosom—felt a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
Afterward, I tucked the crystal safely inside my pocket and skipped away—playing the flute like a child as I pranced. Oddly, I had never even played a flute before.
The world around me seemed very different from that moment on. Everything had changed in the forest. Even as I looked at the sky, nothing felt the same. The fragrant trees and mischievous forest creatures appeared fresh and new to me! My memories seemed very different as well. It was then that I realized that the real change in my world occurred only within my heart.
