Having finished my pool aerobics excise class, pulling myself out of the water like a beached whale,  I’ve dressed and moved to the front of the Gym to a table adjacent to the plate glass windows and a glance of the desert mountains beyond. This is a routine I do while waiting for my Bus to pick me up to take me home.

I would take out a pen and my journal notebook and began to write. But this time I heard a voice behind me say

“I’ve been watching you.”

I looked up into the voice and found a face of a young pensive man, with darting eyes. I suggested he sit down and explain his statement to me. As he moved to a seat and sat,  he went on to say,

“where is your computer? Why do you use paper and pen?” And then a little annoyed ask “why was I smiling? Are you one of those hippie love children? if you are you don’t look that old to be one.”

Seeing that he was asking these questions in earnest. I chuckled to my self and took a moment to consider how to answer. I said “I am doing a Translation,  and I guess one of the easiest ways to explain it is to say it is like doing a Meditation but in writing. I am doing an action Meditation.” I knew the word meditation had gone mainstream where I knew if I  used the term Translation and tried to explain that concept he would think for sure I was some sort of hippie, gurus seeking,  rock star want a to be.

Well, why do you write it using pen and paper?

I said because it helps me slow down, like when you would want to slow your breathing down after a long run. You have to admit with all the chaos in the world, our dependence on electrical devices,  and that “need -it -now” mentality,  all that has caused stress and an acceleration in the pace of how we live our life’s. I think you would agree to have a chance to slow it down and come into some sort of balance within yourself is at times necessary.  My use of pen and paper in the action of processing my thoughts gives me that way to slow down and just Be. I, like so many others, who have looked for their place of calm and center, and who have found techniques, that are the right match for keeping them on point, balanced, and in touch with their authentic essence.

Well, I couldn’t do that he said.  “

But as you told me, you’ve been watching me, and I would guess for several months now,” I said, “why?”

And he said: You looked Happy.

 I said that is a byproduct of Translation.

I think, if I did that, I would lose my edge, I’d reduce my drive, I am afraid no that is not for me he said.

Hmmm, so when you are in one of those hypervigilant states of productivity how much do you really get done without clarity or focus? I might suggest, Translation like its namesake meditation, allows for focus and clarity, and in your case, a cause for purpose.  Since you are here at the gym you can easily find some observational evidence for benefits of a practice like Translation…such as in reducing stress, clarifying your thoughts for a clearer focus, having less anxiety and fear. Attributes that I feel will enhance or sharpen your edge and maybe even make you happier along the way.

 Why he asked

I think I said, Happy, is a product of being aware, an awareness that is sometimes called Awake.  Elizabeth Lesser put it this way –

“If we can stay awake when our lives are changing, secrets will be revealed to us-secrets about ourselves, about the nature of life, and about the eternal source of happiness and peace that is always available, always renewable, already within us.”

Oh my, I said as I looked out the window, it is that time, my bus is here and I must go. It was a pleasure talking to you. Let’s talk again. I gathered my things, turned, handed him my card, but not before I wrote on the back of it….unlock the secrets and be happy.