Many of us grew up with the iconic film, “The Wizard of Oz,” and will never forget the closing scene where Dorothy clicks her heels with the ruby slippers and recites, “There’s no place like home” in succession three times. Instantly, she is transported back to her Kansas farm and reminded that she was able to go home whenever she simply asked.

Perhaps it really is that simple to return home to that place of clarity, wholeness and grace that resides within us always. That place of safety and familiarity that is ever-present in each breath, in every thought, word, feeling and activity. That state of Om consciousness where all is recognized as One in the mind of the Creator.

When we live in, or even have glimpses of this Divine state of awareness, doesn’t it bring us back to that place of feeling completely at home within ourselves and in our unique role throughout our worldly activities?

I don’t believe that we’re meant to walk this hero’s path alone.

Along Dorothy’s journey on the yellow brick road, her adventures brought three trusted friends and allies; the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, all representing and mirroring different qualities to fully embody for wholeness. The four support each other through various roadblocks and threats generated by the Wicked Witch of the West who represents our earthly fears.

Once the four friends make it to Oz and meet the infamous wizard, they realize that his larger than life grandeur is all a front and he’s truly an ordinary man pretending to be a mighty sorcerer. They learn that each, respectively, have always embodied brains, a heart and courage and they never need look outside themselves for anything, as they are always perfectly whole.

Near the end of the film when Dorothy has the final showdown with the witch, she instinctively throws a bucket of water on her nemesis and instantly melts the witch into pure steam, leaving only her clothing and hat. After a slight pause, everyone present rejoices, including the witch’s guards as they recognize that they are no longer under her spell of control. A lightness of being is instantly felt and the entire atmosphere feels free and joy-filled.

Isn’t this sense of lightness and freedom always present when we release old fears that have kept us bound in the constraints of limiting thought and feeling?

Allow the purity of water’s cleansing power to dissolve all current fears in your life and awaken to the most vivid Technicolor life that resides at the core of your true essence. Invite in your most trusted allies that remind you of your wholeness and who always exemplify pure wisdom, heart and courage.

Allow yourself to remember above all else…..There is no place like Om.

Carl Studna is a world-renowned photographer, inspirational speaker, teacher and award winning author. Carl’s intimate portraits of influential people ranging from Paul McCartney to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, are published and known worldwide. Carl has taken his message and experiences to print in his newly released book, CLICK! Choosing Love…One Frame at a Time. Studna’s innovative work, the LuminEssence Method©, teaches a new paradigm for radiating the light that resides within revealing each person’s authentic gifts. www.CarlStudna.com.

(c) Photography by Carl Studna