Menorise [men-oh-rIse]; the condition of inculcation

RISE

Too often we are so busy moving along a flat road in life, we forget that life's very purpose is to help us grow and rise above its vagaries.  When we do come to a point where we are faced with 'stepping up', how many of us can truly do so?  No matter what philosophical leanings anybody has, one thing that can surely be agreed on - the noblest goal is to become the very best Human Being one can.

Most have no sense of a goal beyond the material world.  Not a problem in itself, but it is self-defeating, for where does it end?  Worse, we look for all manner of ways to get to the next level without actually having to deal with the effort of climbing.  This is the fast-track mentality that only ends up causing stress and distress. Indeed, the constant side-stepping, skipping steps, sliding the bannister and short-cutting is exhausting, damaging to the personality and takes its toll on the social fabric. 

image copyrighted to Yamini Ali MacLean

My grandfather the shepherd, when I was a wee totty bairn, once laughed at me when I was struggling to climb the lambing hill with him.  At four and half years, 100 yards is the equivalent of Mount Everest.  I had begun to walk round instead of up.  He called me over and, after discovering what I was about, told me something I have never forgotten.

"Do you know where we are going?  That's right, to help the lambs.  Do you know where they are?  That's right.  At the top of the hill. When you know exactly where it is you're headed, why would you create a longer journey?  The more you keep to the path, the fitter you will become and soon you won't notice the climb, but see only the top of the hill…. Then…. Even when you are running out of puff, you'll hear the wee lambies bleating and you will find that second wind.  Come on, follow me, one step at a time."

Simple when put like that!