zenjones

On the shuttle there were 4 sales-types who’d just come from their annual meeting. They were loud and hearty and swell-fellow-well-met. I was texting. One of them apologized for being annoying. I said they weren’t. They told me where they’d been, and asked where I was going. “Actually, I’m going to a silent zen retreat.”

At first they themselves were newly silent. Then they were so funny, making jokes, asking about sweat lodges and spa treatments. They seemed a little interested, but having fun with the concept. “What is your goal?” one of them asked.

“I don’t have one.”

Then they were completely silent.