366: One Story Per Day (2024)

Day 136 - Marcus' Meditations

     Marcus sat comfortably on the park seat, his gaze following the smooth sway of the trees. The world swirled around him, yet he stayed still, savoring the peace amidst the turmoil. After months of effort and reflection, he discovered that serenity was found not in the absence of upheaval, but in the control of his response to it.

     He saw a woman sprinting after her grinning kid, her expression a combination of frustration and excitement. A pair walked past, hand in hand, murmuring sweet nothings to one another. Birds flitted around, tweeting sounds that blended with the rustling foliage. Each scenario evolved in a manner that belied the intricacies of reality.

     Marcus' mind strayed back to his earlier days, when he would have been part of the fray, running around, laughing, and perhaps yelling. He had been passionate, quick to wrath, and even faster to joy. His emotions had been turbulent, intense, and uncontrollable. Over the years, he had learned to calm that storm and pinpoint the eye within it.

     He remembered losing his job. It seemed like the end of the world. He had shouted against the unfairness of it, feeling helpless and despairing. However, in retrospect, he saw that it had been a watershed moment. The adversity had forced him to reconsider his life, aspirations, and beliefs. It had been a difficult but essential lesson.

     "Excuse me, sir, is this seat taken?" a young guy said, referring to an empty seat on the bench.

     Marcus shook his head, smiling.

     "Please, go ahead," he said.

     The young guy sat down with a groan, his shoulders burdened with an unseen load. Marcus could see the signs: wrinkled brows, restless palms, and frantically darting eyes. He knew them all too well.

     "Tough day?" Marcus kindly asked.

     The young guy nodded.

     "Yeah, you could say that. I just lost my job. Don't know what to do next," the young man replied.

     Marcus nodded, his heart stretching out in comprehension.

     "I've been there. It's never easy, but sometimes, losing something can help you find something else, something more meaningful," Marcus said.

     The young man gazed at him, and his interest peaked.

     "How do you stay so calm? I feel like my world is falling apart," the young man replied.

     Marcus chuckled gently.

      "It takes practice. Focus on what you can control, and accept what you can't. It doesn't mean you don't care; it just means you choose not to let the uncontrollable ruin your peace," Marcus elaborated.

      The young guy contemplated his remarks, a glimmer of optimism appearing in his eyes.

     "I never thought of it that way," he whispered.

     Marcus leaned back and gazed at the sky.

     "Life will always throw challenges your way. But you have the power to decide how those challenges affect you. Start with small things, and gradually, it will become a part of who you are," Marcus lectured.

     They sat quietly for a time, each immersed in their thoughts. Marcus felt satisfied knowing he had placed a seed of resilience in the young man's psyche. He recognized that each person's journey was unique, but persistence and inner serenity were universal.

     The young guy finally stood up, a timid smile on his face.

     "Thanks for the talk. I needed that," he said.

     "Anytime," Marcus responded kindly.

     "Remember, it's not what happens to you, but how you respond to it," he said as the young man moved away.

     Marcus resumed his observations. The park remained alive with people, each with their own story, hardships, and achievements. Marcus felt deeply satisfied, knowing he had discovered his anchor in the middle of life's volatility.

     He closed his eyes, took a big breath, and enjoyed the moment. The world around him was teeming with activity, yet he remained steady and serene. This was his refuge, created not with walls or goods, but with a deep awareness of himself and the world around him.