Solitude and Peace
Moments of pondering and reflection
I imagined myself floating contented, happy and carefree inside the calming waters of the colossal floor to ceiling brightly lit aquarium.
As I sat across from the great awe-inspiring aquatic display, feeling the need for a quiet moment of meditation, I began musing at the freedom of the ever moving lifeforms encased within its life giving watery, picturesque biosphere. Thoughts of the motions of our lives seemed reflected back to me in synchronicity with the fish world around me. Realization of how the graceful movements of the varied and beautiful swimming things reflected our daily lives in such a rather sublime, yet slightly disturbing kind of way. My mind unconsciously embarked on a fanciful journey into the nuances of my fleeting existence. For is not our reality a continuous rote and daily routine of swimming back and forth in the great sea of life, just the same as the entities floating in water in front of my eyes.
I suddenly felt the need to center my chakra, free my tantra, allowing the esoteric me to fly free, jumping in and starting a life of swimming with the fish life abounding inside the beckoning aquarium. I could just forget the mad rush of real life and just be. I, therefore, moved from my lofty seat on the side, to the floor, spread my little yoga mat, which I took with me everywhere, just in case the need arose, and assumed a Sukhasana yoga easy pose. A few people passed me by offering curious and 'oh my goodness' looks, with great shaking of heads . Some completely understood, wishing me "namaste, or namaskaram", "peace be with you". They got the cerebration, the threads of thoughts of my mind processes.
"Namaste to you". I replied, bowing in reverence to them and the spirits of peace and tranquility.
"Mommy, can I sit on the floor too, it looks like fun"? A handsome young lad enquired of his parent.
"Quiet, Mahlon. It is rude to stare. Come along now". She admonished the little boy. I winked and smiled at him.
The curious great white shark, all alone in her watery cage, swam over and unintentionally softly kissed the glass in her quest to scrutinize and wonder at the silly human sitting on the floor and staring with a rather blank expression at the perpetual motions inside her home. The lovely spotted Pimelodus pictus catfish, the Cuckoo squeaker, the Polka dot sino, Black and Red phanton tetras, Coral red pencilfish, red bellied pacu, Kissing prochilodus, Sunshine peacock cichlid, Electric yellow cichlid, Kaligone, and the unusual absolutely wondrous Kribensis Krib, Blue and Green discus fishes, all came over at some point to say hello. After a while they would get bored with my sitting there eyeing them, and swim away to pursue their various pastimes within the aquarium.
One of my favorites, the Convict cichlid, probably wondering at it's unfortunate name, stayed with me a while as if in need of a special friend.
Inside the aquarium life went on, outside the tank life passed by with a constant stream of passers-by.
I imagined the conversations between the fishes as they leisurely swam and came by to observe the scenes going by on a daily basis.
"Mimi, do you think the beings that come here every day to ogle and 'ohhh and ahhh' at us have nothing better to do".
"Oh Phinn, they lead mysterious lives outside of our home here, sometimes they just need to come by to sit and relax. After all, some of us are just so lovely to look at". Mimi said, preening and smiling as she twirled a bit.
"You are a wonder indeed, Mimi. Your red and pink fins and your svelte blue scales are indeed gorgeous". Phinn flirted openly.
The mighty shark one tank over revisited after a while.
"What I wouldn't give to have a juicy bite out of this curious thing outside of my glass cage, I'm so tired of eating the same thing all the time". She pondered, staring in defiance at me sitting there.
I smiled, I guess that I too would take offense to people coming to stare at me every day, as if I were some type of spectacle. Sorry, Mr. shark, but we all have our parts to play in this great theatre of life.
It is however, time to say my goodbyes for today. I gather my things and step closer to the glass. It fogs up to the closeness of my breath. The more curious denizens move close to say goodbye for now. Others keep their distance, still not ready to make a compromise to new friendships and co-existences.
"Oh well. Tomorrow awaits, who knows what new marvels and miracles will adorn my day". I peacefully assure myself.
N.A.
About the Creator
Novel Allen
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. (Maya Angelou). Genuine accomplishment is not about financial gain, but about dedicating oneself to activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
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