Wizard of Oz

As a young child, I was introduced to the movie, "The Wizard of Oz", made in 1939. From then on, this movie remains one of my favorites: one I introduced to my children, and still watch to this day.  As a child I was delighted and enchanted by the magical qualities that appeared in the movie.  As an adult watching the Wizard of Oz, I observe the movie's meaning in a spiritual way.

Running away from home(running from self), then being convinced to go back home, Dorothy became caught in a terrible cyclone (Storms of life.) The cyclone was a great one that caused much destruction. Dorothy was bumped on her head by flying debris and was knocked unconscious. Although dreaming, Dorothy was somewhere other than home, and all she wanted to do was get back there. 

As Dorothy entered the land of Oz (Spiritual awakening) in her quest to see the Wizard of Oz (Higher self) to help her get back home, she was told to follow the yellow brick road. As Dorothy looked ahead, she noticed there was not just one yellow brick road, there were several, and they were extended from the other and going in different directions.

Dorothy, seeing all the roads, became confused, and asked which one of them she should take, the answer was simply, "Follow the yellow brick road".

The many yellow brick roads to me represent the choices each individual has on our "journey". Like Dorothy, I have had to make choices on which path to take, at times becoming confused at choosing which way to go. Along the way becoming fearful (The Cowardly Lion), of places, things and situations, sometimes becoming immobilized. Other times I would have my confidence, by putting on my thinking cap, (The Scarecrow) and put all doubts and worry behind me. 

There were other times when I needed to dig a little deeper to discourage and remove anxiety and depression caused by various setbacks and situations. Feeling tiny as an ant and unloved, like the Tinman, I realized the love I need is me, and is in me. Like Dorothy, along my chosen path, I ran into many obstacles and crises, or negative situations (Wicked Witch of the West). Also like Dorothy, I was surrounded by protection, seen and unseen. Dorothy's greatest supporter was Glenda, the Good Witch of the East.

After finally making it to the land of Oz (The spiritual awakening) I, like Dorothy realized that the great Wizard of Oz is mortal. Dorothy also realized after going through all that she had, the power to get herself back home was always there, by clicking her heels together three times (Mind, Body, Spirit) representing the power we have within us.

Now when I see those yellow brick roads, I go with the knowing that I am a spiritual being and if I can see it, I will be it. I have learned to replace fear with faith, which develops confidence, endurance and courage.