Image from zeninthecity.org’ website

The young son of a friend of mine is experimenting with meditation in order to cope with the kind of anxiety people of all ages are suffering from right now.

While applauding this practical attempt to his improve mental wellbeing, my friend also expressed some irritation. “He does his practice so conspicuously”, he said, “So you could be traveling on a bus or train with him and suddenly realize that he is physically present but mentally elsewhere.” 

The image of his son entering into a higher plain in a public space made me laugh and inspired me to write the following poem:

Conspicuous mindfulness

 I’m conspicuously mindful

I meditate on trains

My head is in a sacred place

Not earthly bound in chains

 

I’m conspicuously mindful

I ruminate on stars

My days are spent in secret zones

Not hanging out in bars

 

I’m conspicuously mindful

I worship where I please

My arms embrace eternity    

While you’re still hugging trees

 

I’m conspicuously mindful

I brood without a sound

And though I rarely make a noise

You know when I’m around