Once, a man named Christopher, a wanderer searching for meaning, believed that the countless plant medicines he consumed granted him divine power. His favourite was Ayahuasca, which he drank in grand doses, convinced that he was becoming omnipotent—an untouchable force destined to reshape the world. His narcissism grew with each trip, blinding him to the suffering he caused those around him. Christopher’s obsession with his own enlightenment led him to steal from Sundancer, a humble shaman who had once helped Christopher find his way. He took treasures, sacred objects, and even the spiritual knowledge Sundancer shared with him in trust. Christopher thought himself above morality, convinced that his spiritual journey exempted him from the rules of ordinary life.
But the universe had other plans.
One night, Christopher fell into a deep, vivid dream. He found himself in a vast, shadowy forest, where a figure approached—tall, fierce, and shimmering with an otherworldly light. It was Swift Arrow, a warrior and shaman of ancient times, whose spirit had been guarding the balance of life for centuries. Swift Arrow’s eyes burned with intensity.
“Christopher,” he spoke, voice resonant like thunder and whispering. “Your arrogance has blinded you. Your greed and theft have upset the sacred harmony. You have become a parasite, feeding off the spirits and the people you claimed to heal.”
Christopher tried to dismiss him, but Swift Arrow’s presence overwhelmed him. The spirit’s voice grew louder, echoing inside his mind.
“You must return what you have stolen, seek forgiveness from Sundancer, and never darken her door again. Only then can you mend the wounds you have inflicted.”
Christopher awoke trembling, drenched in sweat. The dream’s message was clear: his narcissism and greed had caused harm, and his spiritual ego was a false illusion. He saw his reflection in the mirror—no longer a wise seeker, but a spoiled, selfish man. In the days that followed, Christopher sought out Sundancer. He returned the stolen objects, apologised sincerely, and begged for forgiveness. He realised that his quest for power had been a lie, and that true strength lay in humility, respect, and healing.
From that night on, Christopher changed. He abandoned his reckless pursuit of omnipotence and dedicated himself to genuine service—learning from Sundancer, honouring the spirits, and restoring the balance he had disturbed. The spirit of Swift Arrow’s visit would haunt Christopher forever as a reminder of the harm he had done. He began to strive for change, but it would be a long journey that must be achieved alone in this life. Replaced by a newfound humility and understanding. Christopher’s journey became one of genuine awakening—not through drugs or illusions of grandeur, but through the humility of facing one’s shadow and making amends.
And so, the forest whispered on, bearing witness to the transformation of a man who learned that true power is rooted in humility, respect, and the courage to heal, accepting responsibility for his past.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 