Chapter 1: The Path to Spiritual Growth

Between late 1986 and early 1987, I found myself over three years sober from alcohol and drugs. During this time, I discovered a higher power that would guide and support me, marking the beginning of my spiritual journey.

For those three years, I had been deeply engaged in a twelve-step recovery program. Recently, I became involved with A Course in Miracles, which introduced me to a flood of new concepts and insights that were steering me in an entirely fresh direction.

Before this awakening, my life was overshadowed by despair and a sense of hopelessness that felt unbearable. Thoughts of ending my life consumed me. However, the gift of desperation propelled me to seek a new path. Through the twelve steps and the teachings of A Course in Miracles, I uncovered a guiding light that transformed my existence.

Each day felt like a new beginning. Life took on a renewed significance; even the simplest moments, like enjoying a cup of coffee, became meaningful. I learned that life need not be cloaked in darkness.

The combination of these two philosophies highlighted the importance of quiet reflection. Moments spent alone in stillness brought me a sense of peace I had never experienced before.

I attended A Course in Miracles classes weekly (which were limited) and participated in twelve-step meetings every evening. My attendance was not driven by fear of consequences; rather, it nourished my spirit, which had been starved for far too long. I was eager for spiritual development—"famished" is perhaps a more accurate term for my yearning for spiritual sustenance.

Every Tuesday, my twelve-step meeting was located across from a picturesque park along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a stunning view of the sunset. I would arrive early, allowing myself thirty minutes to an hour to simply BE in the park. During these quiet moments with God, I realized that I was never truly alone.

New ideas and perspectives flooded my consciousness—thoughts I had never considered before. I have always been drawn to fresh expressions and rephrasings of familiar concepts.

One evening in the park, while immersed in my communion with the Divine, a profound realization came to me: “If at times your challenges appear too daunting to confront alone, remember that you have never been without support.”

Having felt isolated for most of my life, I now understood in my core that I was not alone anymore.

In my visits to the park, I unknowingly bestowed upon that space the power to facilitate my connection with the Divine, as if I could only hear Him there. That particular night, He imparted a new lesson.

A small island separated the park from the sunset, and construction had begun on taller buildings that obstructed my view of the horizon, which troubled me. My soul cried out, “One day, they will encroach upon My park.” Immediately, a gentle voice whispered in my ear, “Johnnie, why can you find solace in observing a beaver construct a dam, appreciating it as a natural occurrence, yet allow the actions of man to disturb your heart?”

As I shifted my perspective, the construction cranes blended into the beautiful landscape, and tranquility washed over me once more. The quiet voice continued, “Johnnie, if a beaver possessed the knowledge to operate a chainsaw, it would.”

Looking back on those formative days, I can see how my once fear-ridden heart began to shed its anxiety, replacing it with love, hope, gratitude, and a newfound sense of purpose and belonging.

Years have passed since then, and I often revisit the beauty of that initial spiritual experience; each reflection reveals new insights and lessons derived from that singular moment.

I will forever be thankful for the beaver and the chainsaw.

The essence of this journey? Our Higher Self will always reach us, delivering the perfect message at just the right moment, if we are open to listening.

Chapter 2: Embracing Nature's Wisdom

In this chapter, we explore the significance of nature in spiritual awakening.

Discover the joy of unboxing a unique beaver-themed item in this engaging video, where you can experience the thrill of new beginnings.

Join us as we witness the artistry of chainsaw carving a beaver, showcasing the harmony between creativity and nature.