| I swim most mornings at the community pool | | | | carry on a continual internal conversation |
| and then, if there's time, reward myself with | | | | that is often agitated and loud. Some |
| a soak in the hot tub. It's a great tub with | | | | familiar remonstrations: |
| room for four or five people, the water is | | | | |
| really hot, and you can turn the bubbles on | | | | Do it this way, not like that." |
| or off. My favorite soak is when I'm alone | | | | |
| and the water is still. I sit quietly and | | | | "That was dumb! What were you thinking?" |
| enjoy the serenity before my day begins. | | | | |
| | | | "Hurry up, you've got to get to that meeting. |
| One recent morning my hot tub equanimity was | | | | You're going to be late." |
| interrupted when two people got in, turned on | | | | |
| the bubbles, and began a loud, agitated | | | | "Why did you say THAT?!" |
| conversation. | | | | |
| | | | So I've started a new practice. When I notice |
| I thought, "Why don't they just enjoy the hot | | | | these voices, I stop and find my center -- |
| tub - the soothing hot water, the relaxation? | | | | that quiet, soothing place I go to in the hot |
| They're missing this extraordinary moment." | | | | tub -- and I try to remember that I carry it |
| The noisy conversation took them (and me) | | | | with me all the time. Then I suggest to |
| away from the opportunity to be in the here | | | | myself that I sink in and enjoy it. |
| and now. | | | | |
| | | | Don't wait for the hot tub. Find your center |
| Thinking about it later, I realized I do the | | | | now and sink in. |
| same thing. As I go about my daily life, I | | | | |