The PureLights of Ohm Totem by Brandon Ellis Page B

animated, waving her hands above her head and tripping all over her words.
    Coda gave a sideways glance toward the Snow Tree. “Is that true?”
    “What Zoey says is true.”
    Coda rolled his eyes. He wanted to tell them both that this entire thing was ridiculous, but before he could say anything the Snow Tree asked them both to close their eyes and calm their minds by taking deep breaths. He was intrigued by the idea of a talking elephant, so he closed his eyes.
    “OK, let’s practice changing fear into love. This is the same practice you use for all Beings in nature, and for all people,” added the Snow Tree.
    For a few minutes everything was quiet, except for the wind slowly blowing against the leaves and the sound of water streaming in the background.
    “Now, Coda, I want you to think of Mr. Hacklin again. When you see him in your mind’s eye, imagine him moving down from your mind and into your heart.”
    Coda suddenly felt very uncomfortable. His whole body had tightened up and his heart felt like it was filled with gremlins trying to scratch their way out. He didn't like Mr. Hacklin occupying his heart.
    “Imagine,” continued the Snow Tree, “a pink light filling your heart and surrounding Mr. Hacklin. Give him all of the joy, love, and happiness that you can with that pink light. Know that he comes from the same creator that you come from, and know that you are both equally loved. Even though Mr. Hacklin looks like he's always mad, know that he needs love, just like you.”
    Coda imagined the angry, seething Mr. Hacklin covered in neon pink light. He chuckled as the pink light bubbled and dripped all over his most feared teacher. It looked like he was being smothered with melting cotton candy. Then, for some reason, he thought of his friend Michael and the fun times they always had together, making him smile and filling him with joy.
    In a flash, the butterflies in his heart and the tightness in his body disappeared. Feeling very happy, Coda naturally thought of all the things his mom and dad did for him. He knew without a doubt how much they loved him. He even thought of Zoey and how much she loved him, even if she was a bit of a pain sometimes.
    “If Mr. Hacklin were in front of you now,” said the Snow Tree, “you'd beam that pink light through your heart toward him. At the same time, you might feel him become happy. Since he's not in front of you right now, try to beam that light out into the world, addressing it to Mr. Hacklin. Like mailing a letter.”
    Coda did just that, instantly feeling tranquil and alive. He felt as though the fear he had for his old teacher was completely gone from his heart and he felt a new sense of freedom.
    “Someday soon, Coda, and you too, Zoey, you'll be able to do that instantly without having to do this exercise at all. It'll become a healthy habit. You'll even be able to do it with your eyes open. This exercise will become a part of you in the same way that your hands, eyes, nose, and mouth are a part of you. ”
    “That's cool!” yelled Coda. “Zoey, you should...”
    The bluebird suddenly flew over Zoey's shoulder, interrupting his words. Zoey ran after it and Coda followed. The bluebird dove through the entrance of the blackberry bushes, vanishing from view.
    Zoey suddenly came to a screeching halt and Coda zoomed right past her. “Come on, Zoey, let's see where the bluebird is going.” Coda ducked just in time to avoid the dangling thorns and vines hanging from the top of the blackberry entrance. He screeched to a halt with his body half in and half out of the entrance, and stared at Zoey. He prodded her to join him.
    Zoey looked at him and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and opened them. “Okay,” she said somewhat hesitantly, but forcing a smile.
    What's wrong with her? wondered Coda. He turned around and slowly walked through the opening into the tunnel. He saw that the vines shielded most of the light coming from the sun, shadowing the ground