In And Of

A Frog was sitting on a lilypad early in the morning while the sun was just coming out over the trees. The Frog liked to start her days this way because in the early morning calm, when no one else was around, the Frog had a chance to really take in the whole world around her and feel like she was not only in it but of it.

This morning, however, a young Fish had made their way to the side of the pond where the Frog was sitting. The Fish was simply out looking for an adventure. They had never been to this side of the pond this early in the morning and figured maybe something cool, or new, or interesting might be happening over here.

The Frog heard the Fish swimming and jumping around and tried to remain in a meditative state. She tried hard. She tried really hard. She tried really, really, really hard...

"Excuse me!" the Frog shouted, to the disrespectful Fish, "This is a place where quiet contemplation is valued over splashing!"

The Fish, who did not consider themself disrespectful in any way was taken aback by the angry snapping of the Frog.

"Sorry, I was simply looking for an adventure and thought I'd come see what's happening on this side of the pond," the Fish answered, measured, "Sorry to have disturbed your time here."

The Fish began to swim away quietly and the Frog immediately felt lousy. She tried to re-enter her meditative state but simply couldn't muster the concentration. Her mind kept drifting. Thinking of what-ifs, and how-comes, and why-nots.

Because it's easy to be in the world, but hard to be of it.