Relatively Minor
Laughter does not have to come from a major source. It could indeed be ... relatively minor.
It has been said that five days make one “weak.” The stresses of everyday life – kids, spouses, in-laws, neighbors, friends and canines – invariably push us to the brink. At a moment’s notice, tempers flare and blood pressures soar. Kids haven’t cleaned their rooms, spouses didn’t take out the trash, in-laws shared their opinion, neighbors got a little nosey, friends unloaded their drama, and the dog still doesn’t understand that one hour of ball playing is enough.
Let’s not forget the occupational hazards of the eight-hour work day, Monday through Friday. Inadvertently somebody is blamed for not telling somebody something when they didn’t even get the memo in the first place. The conversational breakdown can lead to a failed project, a missed deadline, an unhappy boss, and a prayer for “five o’clock somewhere”.
Years ago all we had to do was scream “Calgon, take me away!” to ease the pressure and feel more relaxed. Now and Zen – or even on a daily basis – the monks, lamas, and yogis believe the practice of meditation is the way to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
“Hmmm, okay, what have I got to lose?” I thought, as I lowered myself to the floor in crossed-leg fashion, feeling a bit like a pretzel without the salt. The backs of my hands rested on my knees, my forefinger and thumb were lightly touching. I began the process of breathing in and out, becoming mindful of my surroundings.
Thoughts traveled in and out of my mind as if someone had just pulled the trigger on the starting gun and the race was on. I Attempted to relax and not focus on any particular idea – except for the one regarding whether I would actually be able to stand up after this session.
A few more breaths in and out. Fully relaxed, I let my mind wander…
Moments later, I was feeling a little unsettled and light headed. One of the voices in my head was thoughtful enough to present me with a certain handwritten mental note that said, “Gone crazy, back later.”
And that was it … I had officially ‘lost my mind’.
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Ah, nicely done.