Chapter 5 Kindness The rain that fell the next morning brought a fresh new feeling to Brie's outlook.
She looked up into the morning sky.
Raindrops kissed her face and ran down her skin washing away her heartache.
Brie took a deep inhale and a long exhale and pushed herself to continue onwards.
She had spent far too much time in this part of the jungle and needed to make tracks if she was going to find the crystal.
She stepped carefully from stone to stone crossing the lake.
Brie's voice shouted in the distance.
Brie lost her footing and fell into the water.
As she waded to the lake's bank she saw that she was being followed by birds from the city and crabs from the beach.
Where have you put our crystals?
They shouted angrily.
Brie looked up and could see birds circling her in the sky.
It's no good,
She cried out backing away from her pursuers and pressing her hands against the lake's muddy bank.
What's no good?
A voice asked.
Brie looked to her side and from a hole in the mud room out popped a head.
The animal was distinct looking,
His face was furry but he had a beak like a duck.
Brie paused as she took in the animal's uniqueness.
Looks like you're in a spot of bother.
Would you like to come into my den?
The animal asked Brie.
She had no choice,
She followed the animal into the den.
Crawling first through a wet damp tunnel,
She did not expect to be greeted by such a beautiful sight.
The den was covered in blue crystals which were sprinkled into the walls like stars in the night sky.
Why are the animals chasing you?
The creature asked Brie.
They want crystals,
Crystals I do not have.
Brie said as she held her hands out highlighting the many crystals she now found herself surrounded by.
The hummingbird then burst into the tunnel to join them.
Hiccup,
Sorry to intrude like this but I'm better off here than out there with them,
He said in a panic.
What's happened?
Brie asked the hummingbird.
After you left the crabs came to the Geord city.
They convinced the birds that you stole the crystal and well I brought you into the city so I'm now to blame.
Gasped the little nervous bird.
This is silly.
You're not carrying any crystals the creature said as he marched back outside the den.
He stood tall and he shouted to the angry animals.
She doesn't have your crystals so please stop making that awful racket on our peaceful lake.
The crowd outside the den stopped the commotion and looked at him in amazement.
What are you?
A curious flamingo asked.
I'm a platypus the creature answered unfazed by the huge pink bird he was speaking to.
Brie and the hummingbird listened from inside.
Platypus?
Never heard of one a crab replied.
You look strange.
The flamingo rudely blurted.
Well what is a platypus?
Continued the crab.
I suppose you'll say you're a bird with a beak like that.
This made all the birds snigger.
Yes I do have a beak and I do lay eggs.
The platypus replies seriously.
Whereupon all the birds started to laugh uncontrollably.
I can also crawl like a crab if that would add to your amusement.
Then laughter became overwhelmingly loud as the crabs joined in.
The platypus rolled his eyes and went back inside the den.
How can I continue my search for my tribe's crystal with all those birds and crabs waiting for me to appear outside?
Brie asked with her hands on her head.
The platypus smiled and pointed to various exits from the den.
Choose a tunnel.
There are so many which one shall I choose?
I can't tell you which one to take.
Just as every individual's path is unique to them no two tunnels are the same.
You have to decide which tunnel is best for you advised the platypus.
Brie instinctively closed her eyes to calm her mind and block out the commotion outside the den.
Chapter 5 Exercise Close your eyes and imagine you are sitting outside.
The sun is shining and you have a smile on your face.
You feel happy and content.
Now imagine opposite you a person with whom you may not always see eye to eye.
They are still and they smile to be in your presence.
Try to feel a deeper compassion for them which in turn makes their compassion for you grow.
Sit in this space together under the warmth of the sun and meet each other's gaze as needed.
Chapter 6 Exercise I know which path I need to take,
She said as she opened her eyes and smiled.
But what about you,
She asked the platypus.
I have things to do here.
Now go,
I wish you luck,
The platypus said as he journeyed back outside the den through the original tunnel.
The mood of the crowd outside had changed,
Now they realised they needed the platypus' help.
If you have a beak you must be an ally of the birds and you must help your own kind,
Said the birds.
No,
No,
He's a creature of the water,
Not a bird.
He can't fly.
Your alliance is with the crabs,
Said the outspoken crab as he clambered forward to be more prominent.
The platypus watched on as they all argued and groveled for his help before speaking.
It is true I do possess bird-like qualities and I do have the ability to swim like a creature of the sea.
But I do not hold alliances with anyone other than those that communicate with truth,
Kindness and compassion.
.
