Visitor in my attic

This is a story about change in perception -- how it changed everything, and taught me something about how we view our world.

Not long ago I woke in the middle of the night by a visitor running around in my attic making all kinds of noise. It sounded like a midget running around; there were boards being shoved, scratching and scraping noises, and just generally lots of activity of some sort! I thought, what is this thing doing, tearing up my attic or just trying to annoy the crap out of me!

I was irritated as all hell that he was keeping me awake; I was cursing under my breath saying something like "why is happening?" -- "I have to work tomorrow...", blah, blah, blah. Anyway, at some point after fuming and cursing, I eventually fell asleep.

Next night, I went to bed, exhausted. As I was falling to sleep, the creature started up again! I got irritated all over again and was cursing and being miserable just like the night before. Then I realized something that hit me out of nowhere (or somewhere). It had been really hot that day and the day before. All of sudden I realized that the poor thing wanted out of my attic as much as I wanted it out. I felt this sudden rush of sympathy that it had been trapped there for 2 days, no food, no water, hot...trying to get out. Now my whole perception of this incident changed; I prayed to God and the animal devas to please help my trapped friend find his way out. I imagined in my mind's eye an opening or crevice which he would be lead to...and then I sent him my wishes for safety on his journey -- and that he would find what he was looking for.

I kid you not -- moments later there was nothing but silence! I never heard from him again. I knew he came to me to teach me something about how I can change my world by changing my perception. He reminded me that I was not just a powerless victim of events occurring in my life. I could direct my life with the right loving intent and perspective. Now I know if I forget, I have "friends" who will come and remind me once again.

A small thing, but it had a significant impact for me. Hope it does for you, too. -)