explosive truth

TSA wasn’t as excited about my gift of molé spice mix as I was.  So when they discovered the generous bag wrapped tightly in my carryon, they called in the expertise of a 20-year bomb-diffusing Marine-turn-TSA-powder-whisperer.  As he began testing Irma’s very fragrant mixture to ensure it wasn’t an exotic new explosive, I started asking him questions.

First, I asked how he kept calm while defusing danger.  With the casualness of someone ordering a latte, he responded: “Breath control.  Pure breath control.”  And as if that weren’t enough to absolutely delight this meditation teacher, he said: “Not to be morose, but I just needed to get the job done, or I’d be gone.  Either way, not my problem.”

Wow!  (Boom?!)

He wasn’t being fatalistic, he was being extremely mindful.  He wasn’t talking death, but surrender!  Worrying can’t cut the wire faster.  Anxiety can’t improve hand coordination.  All we ever really have is our breath, which offers presence in the moment (the only one there every is) and our intention.

So, if you find yourself in a hoo ha, and it feels like you’re about to explode, think of molé and BREATHE!  Remembering that we can always control our effort, but never the outcome is wise wisdom to embody.