Mysterious Inner Strength example essay topic

A Supernatural Enlightening I am immediately submersed into Ehrlich's surreal watery mystery. Vast feelings of oblivion surround me. Visions of this deep ocean leave my mind floating, searching for a clue as to what has happened. Is her spirit in transition? The pulse of her heartbeat echoes through my mind; an eerie aura overwhelms my atmosphere. I am completely entranced as she continues to draw me into her experience.

My mind wanders; this dark and lonely place surely cannot be an image of heaven. Maybe this is a transitory state from the living to the unknown. The mystery is soon revealed as we see the imagery in context. "I have been struck by lightning and I am alive". Ehrlich takes a courageous, straight forward, and rational approach when faced with the reality of death.

A sincere devotion to her companions (Sam and Yaki) and a primal instinct to survive ultimately rescue her. Ehrlich feels death's presence all around her, believing it may soon take her away. She has no emotions of tranquility, "No feeling of peace filled [her]. Death was a bleakness, a grayness about which it was impossible to be curious or relieved" (139). Staring into the eyes of death, misery and isolation settle into her mind. Feelings of despair overwhelm and permeate any pleasantness.

She deeply recognizes the possibility of dying. To let go of it all and end the misery enters her stream of consciousness. She is faced with the reality of leaving her own body behind", [She] knew [she] had to give up all this, then [her] own body and all [her] thinking... [she] twisted [herself] until [she] faced east and tried to let go of all desire" (139). She searches for any possible way to release her mind from the present suffering. Facing east, she indicates her willingness to expire.

How simple and easy it would be, problem solved. However, she soon takes action by rationalizing her situation. Despite her faded state, her mind races to rationalize and assess the future. She contemplates about giving in to the end", [She] was quite sure [she] was dying. What was it one should do or think or know?

[She] tried to recall the Buddhist instruction regarding dying- which position to lie in, which direction to face" (138). She sensibly begins preparing herself for transitioning into the life after death, contemplating the proper way to let go. She remains grounded without panic; she does not express immense fear. She remains lucid considering what actions to take, thoughts to think and wisdom to understand. "Sweep the mind of weeds, [she] kept telling myself- that's what years of Buddhist practice had taught [her]" (139). Millions of volts just struck her and she's telling herself to sweep the mind of weeds, remarkable.

She battles for the ultimate, the chance to live another day. As easy as it would be to give up, her inner being will not allow it. She attempts to let go of all desire, but her body craves to survive and grab a hold of her consciousness. Her "two beloved dogs appear. They flank [her] like tiny rockets... A leather harness holds [them] all together.

The dogs climb toward light, pulling [her] upward at a slant from the sea" (138). The dogs pull her towards this light which symbolizes her safety. She is determined to hold true to her beloved companions, Sam and Yaki. Her devotion for her dogs increases her desire to survive and overcome death, but at the same time, "the instinct to survive does not rise from particulars; a deep but general misery rollercoaster me into action". (139). A mysterious inner strength awakens her from oblivion.

Moreover, she displays intense courage and strength by as she attempts the necessary dealings for survival. When she returns from the hospital she is forced to maintain the fight, "Death resided in the room; not as a human figure but as a dark fog rolling in, threatening to cover me; but the dogs stayed close and while my promise to keep them safe during a thunderstorm had proven fraudulent, their promise to keep me alive held good". (143). She would not be capable of continuing without the support and faith of her companions. Her awareness of the dogs in the room totally embodies her spirit. As she feels death closing in on her, the dogs protect her, regardless of her false claim during the storm.

The dogs represent her driving force; loyalty and indefinite friendship keep her alive. Ehrlich encountered the ultimate life threatening experience and displayed immeasurable courage in her surviving. Throughout the tremendous trauma, she directly rationalized her situation with practicality and wisdom. As random as the strike was, she prepared herself for death to the best of her ability.

Her dogs' loyalty was vital to her outlook on staying alive. The integrity of her adored companions, coupled with a mysterious inner strength, ultimately pushed her through. She strived for survival displaying insurmountable bravery and boldness. Contrary to lightning, Ehrlich did not choose the path of least resistance; "what a way to get enlightened" (139)..