03 October 2011

Clarity

Today I rested -- stretching out in a square of sunlight that filtered through the palm trees and gently filled the front of my porch. I tried to focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply, on freeing my mind.

A neighbor walked by on his way from the ocean and stopped to observe me. Every few seconds, he took a tentative step in my direction -- as if allowing me to gradually realize his presence without being startled.  

"What are you listening for?" he asked. 

"My breath" I answered amist an exhale.

He paused a moment and I thought the conversation over. "No, not what are you listening to. What are you listening for?"

Puzzled but unwilling to relinquish my posture I finally said "Clarity."

"Huh," he responded, unimpressed with my feigned search, "I had hoped for something more tangible."

He walked away and left me curious and very un-clear. If I could find it -- even be able to know it intimately and call upon it at will -- what could be more tangible than clarity?

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