The moment of realization has passed; now comes the first step.
 A Journey of a Thousand Miles, the second painting in my Awakening series, embodies the transition from inner contemplation to outward exploration. 
After seeking within, the path ahead reveals itself—not in full clarity, but with enough light to take the next step.
The figure in red stands at the threshold of the unknown, a staff in hand, guided by the whispers of the wind and the wisdom of the earth. The towering tree, its branches reaching toward the sky, mirrors the duality of the journey—rooted in the past yet always stretching forward. 
The path is rugged, winding, uncertain, but every step is an act of faith, a surrender to the unfolding.
In the foreground, two squirrels pause in quiet observation, their presence a gentle reminder of nature’s wisdom. 
They symbolize curiosity, adaptability, and the small yet vital moments of awareness along the way. 
Just as they prepare for what lies ahead, so too must the seeker—gathering strength, embracing the unknown, and trusting that every step forward brings new understanding.
This painting is a testament to the courage it takes to move beyond introspection, to step forward despite uncertainty. 
The spiritual path is not just one of thought but of action. To awaken is to walk. To seek is to journey.