In a seated meditation, we are guided into a contemplative “So Hum” state. I cannot help but draw parallels back to the forest. I can see myself, on day 1, hurrying past the trees like little Piglet chasing Pooh Bear. It took a bit of time to leave that frenzied state of go-go-go which so often weaves through my day in and day out like the thread that holds it all together. But do I really need to be in that crazed state to keep up with life in the Bay Area?
I think not.
“So,” I am…
“Hum,” THAT.
I wasn’t in the forest for very long before I arrived — in my body, and in the center of my head. And all became clear. I became one with nature and, over the week, nature became one with me. You could smell it, see it, feel it. Yes, I was in an unshowered, dirty state…and it was heaven. You could say that the essence of Juls was oozing from every one of my pores and I was at peace. I was So Hum.
Now, as I emerge from the forest, wash away the Eau de Juls from my body, I do all that I can to remember that I can be in this state anytime and anywhere. I don’t need to match the frenzied hustle and bustle of life to keep up.
It’s quite simple. Even Pooh, a Bear of Little Brain can explain it…
To know the Way,
We go the Way;
WE do the Way
The way we do
The things we do.
It’s all there in front of you,
But if you try too hard to see it,
You’ll only become Confused.
I am me,
And you are you,
As you can see;
The things that you can do,
You will find the Way,
And the Way will follow you.
— Pooh Bear, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
It’s another work day. I need to return home at lunch to get YaYa to his football camp. The stack of bills is awaiting my attention. “Ho Hum, So Hum.” My mantra for the day will get me through.
I am [So]… ALL that is [Hum].
Wish me luck. And, to you, I wish the same.