Day after day I encounter people, young and old, who are distraught with the state of the world and with their individual life situations. When they ask how I remain so happy during such times, I often hesitate to explain because it usually winds up taking more time than they or I have to offer at that moment. On occasion, I and they do take the time. Normally, after about an hour, the person in question walks away with an entirely different perspective on life. I walk away with a fresh shot of adrenaline and a hope that the person I'd just spoken with truly understands my thoughts on life.

    The journey I have taken is a personal one. Likely none of you will ever go there. Therefore, I ask that you close your eyes and imagine yourself as me, sitting high on a hill, a place where the Spring sunshine has produced an abundance of blooms and blossoms that bless the air with delicious natural aromas. You are not hungry, thirsty, or sleepy, and not a single ache or pain is present in your body as you sit cross-legged and upright, waiting for the knowledge of your mentor. He tells you to close your eyes and relax, and then asks if you can feel your big toes.  You almost laugh, but then realize that you can feel your toes, but only because he brought them to your attention.     

    "Yes," he explains. "That is what I want you to realize. We walk around all day ignoring the feelings in our toes, though they provide a service." 

    Next he says, "Now ignore them again.  And not just your toes.  Ignore your whole foot, both of them.  Concentrate on them until you absolutely ignore all their sensations.  When that is accomplished, move up to your ankles, calves, legs, etc."  Eventually, he has you ignore your entire body until you become nothing more than a mind, floating in space.  Then it happens...