I find that the universe continually offers me excellent advice if I am alert to hearing it and willing to expect it.

Early in the month of May, I was suffering from a case of fear. I am a management consultant. June was coming with no work scheduled, and therefore no pay. I was very anxious. I took a break from the working day, headed to a barber shop for a beard trim and haircut, hoping for some distraction from my concerns, some relief from the weight of the world. I was greeted by a young, lovely blond haired woman. "Stacy," the name on her badge. "What can I do for you?" she asked.

I told her that I wanted a haircut and beard trim but then I inquired why did she ask me what I wanted. After all, what would anyone want when they entered a barber shop. "Well," she said, "you might have wanted directions." A lame reply that I let pass.

She took my name and as I sat down to wait my turn, on a sudden inspiration I said, "That is precisely what I want. I want directions. I want directions for the next ten years of my life."

She laughed and returned to cutting hair. A couple minutes later her partner called me back to sit for my haircut two chairs down from Stacy. We continued our banter with my challenging her etymology for "spur" as in "on the spur of the moment." She thought it had something to do with cowboys. I doubted that vigorously.

One can keep talking in a barber chair only so long. After a few minutes we all fell silent, Stacy concentrating on her own customer, and I lulled by the click of the shears and the rumble of the clippers fell into a reverie, reviewing my causes for worry, my reasons for fear, the sources of my anxiety, the potential for being without work and without money this summer.

As I sat there worrying, with my barber at my left side, I became aware of a presence eight to ten inches from my right ear. I swiveled my head. There stood Stacy, silent, looking directly at me and waiting for my attention.

"Here," she said, "are the directions for the next ten years of your life:

Enjoy

every

precious

moment!"

So the universe still talks to me. Not from behind a burning bush. Not with the glory of the Seraphim. But from time to time Sophia, the Wisdom of the Ages, finds human lips to announce her message. All that is needed is that I have ears to hear.

The author of this essay is John Cowan. He has written two books of similar essays: Small Decencies and The Common Table Each is approximately 160 pages in paperback. To purchase either book by mail send a check for $10 per book to him at 1498 Goodrich, St. Paul, MN 55105. Price will be negotiated for any order over 20 books. If you wish to discuss consulting or speaking engagements or attendance at a workshop he may be reached by e-mail. His address is Johnedie@aol.com

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