By Butch Freedman
Zen means meditation, insight, and a peaceful state of mind. It is a school of Buddhism and an informal word for being calm.
We’re in the heat of summer here on the Oregon Coast. The weather is delightful, even on cool, cloudy days when we can gloat about our ex-neighbors dealing with sweltering heat in the city. Even the ocean water temperatures warm up—slightly. But (you knew a but was coming), there is also a down side for us year-rounders. Where we once had the beach all to ourselves, and assiduously kept it clean, now every summer day, especially on week-ends, the hordes descend, often leaving their trash and still-burning fires behind. The short-term rental houses fill up, sometimes with more cars and people than septic tanks can bear. And we know where that over-flow goes. (There’s a reason why a nearby stream is colloquially named “Shit Creek”). Where once quiet prevailed, untended barking dogs fill the air with their plaintive cries as their absent owners head to the beach, rafts and umbrellas in tow, leaving the howling pets behind. They clearly don’t understand the nature of this coast, we say. And, for some peculiar reason, speeders abound, going 50 mph through small town streets with kids on bikes and old folks out for a walk. I mean, aren’t you people on vacation? What’s the hurry? I could go on and list more grievances about summer at the shore. But I think that’s quite enough. My solution? I’m trying my best to Zen it out—see above definition.
For me, zenning out means I take lots of deep breaths when I start to feel upset. I also practice quiet smiling, and remind myself that everybody has a right to enjoy their summer break. And, for the most part, tourists do behave well. I enjoy watching the little kids playing on the beach, especially when their parents are keeping a watch on them. I get nervous when those tykes go jumping around in the waves. Can you say, sneaker waves? Again, take a breath, Butch. Speak nicely to the parents if you feel you have to. But don’t take it personally and definitely don’t get into arguments. Remember, we’re all in this together.
I’ve also had to expand my Zen frame of mind to the national political system. There it’s much more difficult. The news from the trump camp is so often infuriating. His blather can create real physical trauma—if you let it. When he posts another ridiculous, childish meme, the only sane reaction is to ignore it. And when he insults reporters, or repeatedly lies, shrug your shoulders. Such nonsense is to be expected from a fool. Did you see or hear his speech at the Correspondents-Dinner? Absolutely bonkers. I didn’t watch it, but couldn’t help seeing some of the clips of his insults, racist remarks, and jokes(?). It’s frightening that such an evil person has so much power, and so little self-control. But I can’t let his incivility trigger my anger. I avoid as much of it as I can, and when the ugliness is unavoidable, I go back to my breathing, then go outside for a walk, and listen to the sound of the waves, and the blue jays chirruping at me. Or I read a good book, listen to music, go to the gym, talk to a friend, pull on my wetsuit and disappear into the waves. That’s my Zen.
All of which does not and cannot mean I ignore what is daily transpiring in this country of ours. We have to stay informed and continue to protest and resist and do everything possible to stop the naked emperor. Zenning out can help, but it won’t stop the madness. Only voting will. And that battle is coming soon. I’m going to cast my mid-term ballot with a big smile and a deep breath.
