The Realist’s Invitation

The Pessimist, the Optimist and the Realist sat down for a heart to heart. “It won’t work” said the Pessimist. “Of course it will,” said the Optimist. “It has to work,” said the Realist. “You don’t understand,” said the Pessimist. “I don’t need to,” said the Optimist. “I’d like to,” said the Realist. 

“It’s always been bad” said the Pessimist. “The brightest days have been marred by the deepest sorrow. Beautiful ones overrun by storms and turmoil. It’s always been hard. They’re out to get me and it will always be this way. Life is hard and there’s really no hope it will ever change.”

“But there have been such bright days!” Said the Optimist. “Such beauty, and so much joy. Surely there will always be greatness, love, and tremendous things to look forward to.” 

The Realist took a breath. And another... and another. He moved from his mind and his thoughts of his past and his future into his body and the moment he was standing in. Presence arrived. 

The Realist and Presence held hands and breathed together. “I hear you,” they said. “It’s been sweet and it’s been sour. It’s been both beautiful and dark. It’s been smooth sailing and really hard.” They looked into the eyes of both the Optimist and the Pessimist. The smiled and gave them space. Then, they all joined hands together with Presence. He shared with them a gift of the moment. 

In this moment, all was quiet. In a fully white room they stood with only each other. The Pessimist with his feelings and the Optimist with his. 

“Breathe” said Presence. “Be here with us.  Not in the darkness of the past or the gloom of the future. Not in the beauty of the past or the potential of tomorrow. Be here, now.” 

In this moment they all listened and heard one another despite the

silence.  Pain and pleasure were felt as one. With everyone and everything, or perhaps despite it all, Presence had done his job. And all was still. 


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