"Settle down now," the Grandmothers said to me as they gestured, pressing their hands downward in a slow motion.  "Breathe deep and breathe easy," they said.  "This is a long distance run you're on, it's not a sprint.  You will need stamina for it; you'll need a slowly building strength if you're going to complete the course that lies before you.  So take your time and as you move forward, keep your focus on the task at hand.  One thing at a time only," the Grandmothers said. "Focus on the task that lies before you.  On that one and only that," they said,"and after that one, the next.

"And while you're at it, and as you're moving forward, reach out to your brothers and sisters who are running along beside you. Comfort and encourage them.  You are partners on this run so welcome them, and allow them to comfort you too.  It's not possible to run this race alone.  The distance you need to cover is too great," the Grandmothers said, shaking their heads, "and the course you're on is difficult.  You will encounter many obstacles along the way and you'll need the encouragement and companionship of your fellow runners to keep on going.  Pace yourself," they said, "and make this run together.

"Soon the terrain will change," they said, "and you will begin to head into an open space.  A wide-open field, where the sun shines so brightly, it clearly illumines the path you are to follow. You won't get lost there," they laughed.  "Just keep on going. Follow the urging of your heart and the guidance from within you.  Put one foot in front of the other and keep on going.

"Sing as you go and call out to encourage one another.  As you do this, you'll make the trip easier for all of you.  Your destination isn't too far in the distance now," they said.  "It will come up sooner than you think.  And your destination is worth all the effort you are putting into this run.  The journey you're taking is itself worth the effort," they assured me, "so keep on keeping on.  We're proud of you!" they called as they watched us running forward.   "Enjoy the journey."