Word Yoga 2-19

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 Prompt #1


I see storms and trials in life 

dark and destructive

they are not exactly as they appear

Like the aggression of the Madman 

screaming and carrying on

Is the symbiosis of fear and despair. 

Or the inappropriate laugh of the clown

Cackling and jeering

Is a wall of self-loathing and depression

And the stern discipline of a parent

Fierce threats and commands

Are the words of love and safety


The things we see as dark and despairing are 

Oftimes not exactly as they appear






Prompt #2


Son, if you do what I tell you you can avoid the pain,

You can avoid the problems, and make your life 

Easy.


So, just stay away from anything that may hurt you,

Avoid displeasure, and never allow yourself to be uncomfortable


Only play games you know you can win, only do things you know 

You do well


Only be friends with those that immediately like you and think as you do

Don’t worry about those who are different


At work do only what is asked and arrive and leave exactly on time


Never run farther than you have the strength and never try anything new


A game is not fun if you know you will always win.


And a race is not worth it if easily run

Son, if you do as I have done you will follow my way

But your life will not have meaning and you will just wither away.


For life  is best when we push past our limits and remove the comforts around us

And venture into new worlds and allow pain and struggle to be our companions


Because through pain and struggle we become acquainted with love and happiness.




Prompt #3


The Non-motivational speech


You have come to this conference expecting me 

to give an engaging, confident, speech 

And say things like you should “be the best you,” and “love every day as if it's your last.” 


You likely expect me to be engaging 

and use storytelling techniques and pseudo-authenticity 

to teach you things like

time management, leadership, and empathy.


I can’t because I have not learned these skills, 

but I do have some knowledge to pass along.  

Take it for what you will:


  • If you need to rush somewhere, carry a fire extinguisher. Nobody will stop a person running with a fire extinguisher.

  • We’ve been taught to treat others the way we wanted to be treated. But I have learned that people don't want their shoulders massaged while in line at the grocery store.

  • If your wife asks “How lazy can you be?” it’s a rhetorical question.

  • Bread bowls are not dishwasher safe

  • Walking up behind someone in the produce aisle with celery in your hand and saying "I'm stalking you" is much funnier in your head.

  • Using an invisible hula hoop freaks people out.

  • Remember that it is wrong to ask someone with an eye patch "Was it all fun and games up to that point?"

  • No matter how hard you try there is not a way to look cool when the doctor walks into your exam room just as you're blowing up a rubber glove.

  • Saying "Look at you! You got so big!" is great for kids; for some reason adults get offended.

  • Lifting your feet so your wife can reach underneath, is NOT considered "helping her vacuum,"

  • You don't have to be a waiter in order to go to a restaurant and wander from table to table asking people, "How's everything tasting".

And lastly,  and I cannot emphasize this one enough

  • the complimentary lemonade at the doctor's office..does not taste like LEMONS!

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