Knight in Rusty Armor

Chapter 1

1. The knight's obsession with his armor was not justified. He is so enamored with it that he seems to rather want to sleep with it than with his wife. He has a misplaced affection. She should be the recipient of his affectionnot his armor, which in his mind is a representation of his own strength. In short, he is in love with his own selfand taking off the armor is an act of humility that is needed.

2. Juliet was frustrated because the knight's obsession with his armor was affecting their relationship and family life. It symbolized his inability to be vulnerable and to put his family first before himself.

3. The knight did love his family, but his love for his armor is what was clouding his own judgment and getting in the way of the right ordering of his responsibilitiestoo much self, not enough other.

4. The blacksmith represents awareness of the problembut no sense of how to actually solve it.

5. Yes, the knight's decision to remove his armor was right as it symbolized his willingness to divest himself of self and put the needs of others first.

6. The story is about the need to balance personal pride with ones obligations towards ones family.

7. Yes, I started journaling to help myself understand the issue better, then I began making microchanges.

Chapter 2

1. The drink represents enlightenment or clarity about life and one's choices.

2. The knight may have donned the armor as a defense mechanism, but it also could be that he simply wanted to keep others out of his own sight and...

Merlin acts as a guide by helping the knight to look inward and to see more clearly the reasons behind his choices.

4. The knight becomes more self-aware...

…key to overcoming challenges and fears because fear and doubt are not real; truth is real.

4. The animal companions provide support, encouragement, and wisdom.

5. Themes include the power of self-knowledge, confronting fears, and the importance of companionship in personal growth.

Chapter 7

1. The inscription emphasizes the importance of trusting in truth, God, and the abandonment of self.

2. By embracing the unknown and letting go, the knight becomes free and one with everything around him. He is no longer encumbered by barriers.

3. Squirrel and Rebecca act as guides and sources of support throughout his journey.

4. They provide encouragement, wisdom, and companionship, and help him face his challenges.

5. He accepts accountability, personal responsibility, and thus he gains a sense of clarity and purpose about his life.

6. The story's message is about the importance of self-awareness, responsibility, and letting go of the ego to become one with love, united with all things in…