Magic In The Forest

"Into the Woods" is about people who have to go into the forest to find something - a slipper and a milky white cow.  The story and the music engage us, because we all have our own experiences of going into the metaphoric "woods" of our own lives.  

I was struck when I watched it recently; it is rare that we choose the woods and even rarer that we willingly go without a struggle. Perhaps because we all know that lurking in the dark forest are giants, those creatures of evil who are ready to crush or pounce on our ambition, so we opt for the stagnation of the familiar.  

When I consider my own life I have often chosen "comfort over character" since it feels better or familiar.  Through practicing the 6th and 7th Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous I have changed though, maybe even learned the larger message of the musical.  But the truth is, it is really hard to be daring and courageous; it requires a faith maybe only possible if there is the hope of change.   However, what I have learned on my own recent trip to the woods, is that I rarely remember on the journey that I am not alone.  In fact, many people are on their own journeys, fighting their own giants right alongside me.

 The brilliance of this musical, "Into the Woods," is that people collide with unexpected outcomes that can only be discovered in the heart of this woods.  Call it the heart of darkness, a place where being forced to see the character of the those around us, transforms us.  The woods then symbolizes all that I must give up; sacrifice and safety are replaced by bounty and freedom.  While there is great tragedy, there is also great joy in accepting what is left behind.

Rarely have I known what lies ahead, but what has always defined me is the willingness to stay on the trail. Even as the forest deepens and the light diminishes I march on and on and on... until an unexpected stranger or opportunity finds me to re-illuminate the path. And if you are wondering why a grown man is speaking about fairy tales let me offer you this: When I was a child fairy tales taught me right from wrong, but as a grown up they teach me that magic is faith, the belief that all things are possible.

Personal Journals | Published March 2, 2013