ZEN

 

I have been a practitioner of Zen for many years. Zen, while it is a form of Buddhism, has in it's essence, nothing to do with religion. It is the the ability to achieve “oneness”. That is, the ability to become one with whatever you are doing. In the religious sense, to achieve oneness with God. As a devout practicing Christian, I do not subscrice to the religious part of Zen.

 When I am doing anything, I have the ability to put all of myself into it.
When I am making radio commercials, I completely involve myself in the project. There are no outside thoughts to distract me. I use the words to involve the listener and make him want to buy the product. At that time, there is no other thing going on in me. There is no self, there is only the project. 

It is the same with playing drums. There are no drums, there is no me, there is only the sound. I do not create it, I am a part of it. 

Consider a young child. A baby, discovering a new toy. He is completely absorbed in it the look, the touch, the taste, everything about it. He is in a state of Zen.

When I go to a movie, I almost never read reviews first. I sit down close to the screen. Fifth row, center. That way, I am completely surrounded by the story.

I write this bit of weirdness, perhaps as a way of trying to explain who, and how I am, and perhaps might provide a key to open the door to who you are.

I found it interesting to open that door, as it was like a mental Pandora's box. But by focusing, I was able to largely control the turmoil released.

It is the only way I am able to control, and live with the curse of an IQ that has now declined to the 186 range.

Lee Akers

04-10-2021