I like sitting on the Buddha’s lap. It makes me feel like a baby. I am so tired of feeling like a grownup. Age will do that to you. So I choose to time travel by sitting on his lap. So far he hasn’t shoved me off, saying, “Run and watch some videos on enlightenment.” So I stay longer and longer these days.

It is gray and rainy and the Buddha’s lap holds me in a state of great comfort. Why should I venture forth into the reality of a wet umbrella and traffic? I would not attain anything but several bags of food. Instead I opt for silent wisdom.

Silent wisdom feels like something special. I can savor it like a gelato, spoon after spoon of “Ah.” Buddha never breaks up with me, either. He doesn’t mind if I gain a few pounds eating Valentine’s chocolates. I think he favors them himself.

I used to ask Buddha questions. Once I realized that he would never answer, I stopped that nonsense. Answers are like chocolate-covered peanuts. One is never enough. You eat and eat and are left with an empty bag and a lot of guilt. I prefer cuddling over questions now.

You didn’t know the Buddha was a cuddler? Well, now you do. Have you ever watched an orangutan put its baby on top of its head? The buddha does that with me on occasion. I am honored to be there, believe you me. Cuddling can look many different ways. I make no distinctions.

Well, I have to be going. The wind and the flag and my mind are all blowing. That used to bother me until I realized I was all that and more. I have finished with koans, sutras and fixations on answers. Now I just climb up on Buddha’s lap and know that being there is the only thing that can blow my mind. The wind and the flag are irrelevant. Maybe I am, too.

Vicki Woodyard