ArchivedLogs:Morning Meditation

Morning Meditation
Dramatis Personae Dante, Kris	2013-05-09 '
Location <XS> Lake
Bright, bright, bright; the lake glitters wide and expansive here, stretching off into the distance. Sunlight, moonlight, starlight, it catches them all. Lapping at the rocky shore, its deep waters are frigid in winter and cool even in summer. A stone pier stretches out a ways into the water, wide and smooth, though often icy in winter. The water teems with life nevertheless, home to myriad species of fish that provide for ample fishing or just lazy watching on a slow summer day, for those who want to take a boat from the boathouse out to the center of the lake, or perhaps lounge on the pier and try their luck. Crickets chirp in the distant forest as the sun rises above the lake, light like silk pouring over the clear, still waters. A slight chill cools the still morning air, yet the skin on Dante's shirtless body give off a surprising amount of warmth and comfort. The young warrior sits on the pier, his legs crossed and underneath him. A black beater is sprawled out to his side haphazarly, on top of a small piles of manilla folders with a few names upon them, the top of which; "Law, Murphy. Private Investigator," and underneath it, "Parker, Peter." After being out as the sun rose, Dante had to get a bit of work done, looking into Peter's student file after hearing he'd gone missing, and looking into a few private investigators in order to help with this, and another situation...And for some reason, the name "Murphy Law" rang a bell to him...But that was a while ago...now it was time to relax, and try to compose his thoughts and emotions... And what better way to do that than with fishing... Too bad he didn't have a pole.. So it was time for the next best thing. He sits at the edge of the pier, taking a deep breath in through his nose, and releasing it out his mouth. With his eyes closed, he can feel his energy warming his body, as well as the air slightly around him. Probably unnoticable in any other light, but the sun rising and painting the area a warm orange makes the slight blue hue that covers his body much more noticeable. Who knows how long he's been in this position, unmoving...Five minutes? Twenty? An hour? Doesn't matter, really. Time, when meditating, is irrelevant... If she had known Dante was there, she'd probably have never gone swimming. She doesn't like doing things like this with an audience. As it is, Kris DID go swimming, slipping into the lake from another place further out. When she splashes up to the area of the pier the man reclines, she is forced to pause and take in this sight with something of a wince. "Sorry, I did not realize someone is over here... Am I disturbing you, sir?" She has her hair unbound, and some sort of yellow, red, and green striped bikini on... underneath a pair of swim trunks and a white t-shirt. Body-modesty issues. Her hand, after pulling up on the pier, covers her throat in a self-conscious manner, "I like a nice cold swim early in the morning. Wakes me up, you know?" Then she sees the folders spread out, and quirks a curious expression. Dante barely notices Kris as she pops up onto the pier. He didn't see her with his eyes closed. He didn't hear her, as he was so intent into his meditation...However...he knew she was there. It was weird, but it was almost as if he 'felt' her there...Like the warmth of another person there with him...Even with his eyes closed, he could almost...sense...the figure of a young woman...but a powerful one. He could feel strength, he could feel skill...but also, perhaps a hint of diffidence. It was a strange feeling, one he had not experienced. Then again, he'd never been interrupted while his concentration was so high... Dante opens his eyes and spots Kris as she climbs up to the pier. "Hey there. No, you're not disturbing me at all." He looks up to her and smiles, before closing his eyes once more. "I know the feeling, s'why I'm here. Great minds think alike, right?" he responds, before taking another deep breath in. The warm, calming blue light around him seeming to pulse slightly outward. Kris is a self-conscious sort. Many like her tend to be. She leaves her hand over her throat where it lays, and moves to, almost uninvited, cross her legs in a half-lotus position. With the warmth the man seems to radiate, it's comfortable enough for her to stop and rest for a moment. This causes her to peer more closely at the folders,"Are you looking for our friend, then? Many of my fellow students are anxious. They're hoping that you teachers will let them help in some way. I think, when people feel helpless, feeling useful is the closest thing to feeling in control they have. At least, that is how it works with decent and good people." "I look at you, and I think that in some ways, you live in another world. Or maybe another part of this one." Kris reaches up to scratch her own nose and runs through a few breathing exercises,"My advisor, Scott... he wants me working on the 'inner calm'. What does the world look like to you? I have seen that expression on another's face before. Whatever place your mind goes to, to achieve it... people like you... their minds frame the world in a different way. A way I do not quite understand." "I only just heard of Peter's disappearance. I definitely understand that helpless feeling. Honestly, this is one thing i CAN do; There's not a lot of control one can have in this kinda situation...but if there's anything that the students can do, I'll let ya all know. For now, all I can say is keep your eyes and ears open for anything...and be careful." His voice seems almost distant when he speaks of the issue...But when she shifts the subject away from it, he seems happy to join in the new topic. His smile flashes once more as she speaks, and shrugs slightly at her question. "Thing about it is; it's the same for me. I don't quite understand how someone else views the world, if it's different than mine. There are things that calm me...fighting, acting, music, fishing...All these things give me peace. It's a harsh world out there. Just remembering what brings me joy, takes me to that place of calm. It's hard for me to explain, really..." he trails off, scratching the back of his neck as he speaks. "You know, it's not something I've ever considered, people seeing the world differently than I do. I guess for me, it's just about finding joy in the little things. "Take this morning, for example. Look at the trees. Look at how vibrant their colors are. Look at the way the water rifts with the wind." He points out as the water ripples slightly, almost on cue as he lifts his hand... "All this is a sign of life. Of nature's essence. Life is a gift that we've all been granted. I guess it's just finding what wrapping you like best on it...Does that make any sense?" He finishes, looking at Kris, realizing now he'd been rambling. Tends to happen, when he talks about something he loves... Kris wipes some water away from her eyes, to keep it from dripping into them. Tilting her head a little bit, she decides she is comfortable enough to take the hand covering her throat away and just talk. Self-consciousness seems to fade with familiarity,"That is where you differ from the large bulk of us. So few of us KNOW what brings us joy in the first place. Others live joyless lives. And still others simply cannot remember that emotion. Perhaps it is that joy we are searching for, then?" She contemplates this for a good long while,"I think most of us live happy and even satisfied lives even without this." She picks at her t-shirt, trying to keep it from sticking to her body too badly,"Life IS a gift, you know. I find I enjoy it more the complicated it gets, not less. Sometimes I find even the complications beautiful on their own. Every... variable I add to my life adds new texture. Friends, family, romance, art, recreation, nature... These things are complications... but they add a richness to every emotion and thought that wasn't there before. It makes it easy to get lost in the chaos it generates." Dante nods in agreement as Kris speaks, beckoning her to sit beside him. He scoots over slightly, giving her more room to be comfortable, and moving the folders behind him. He taps the folders together, evening them before laying them down on the pier. "You're exactly right. Complications are, for lack of a better term, the spice of life. Here, please come sit with me. I'd like to attempt something, if you don't mind..." He scoots a little more, turning around with the lake at his side now, pointing in front of him so, if she chooses to sit, would be placed directly in front of him. "Complication certainly can be beautiful, but so can serenity. You cannot have one without the other...Something tells me you've got your hold on chaos down pat...but what about serenity?" Kris sidles over to sit beside Dante as directed, watching the man with obvious curiosity. When she finds herself properly seated, she is then directed to move to sit before the man. So she once more does as directed and changes positions in the meantime, arranging her legs in full lotus position,"I don't mind. You are the teacher, and I am the student." "Serenity comes at a dear price when your memories are filled with a legion of ghosts." Well, she sure is morose today! "I am sorry. That was an unworthy statement. What was it the author said? Serenity is a gift of the grave, and is found only in the silence of the tomb? I've only just come to think that maybe it is possible. If life can be filled with so much inner chaos, then surely its balance must be at least POSSIBLE. The most hold I have on serenity, however, is curiosity." Dante's ears pique slightly as she mentions ghostly memories. He smiles slightly, holding his hands out slowly as he looks her directly in the eyes. "I understand ghostly memories...I have plenty myself...But what is it they say about ghosts? Do they not just want to move on?" He reaches slowly for Kris's hands as she situates herself, moving slowly as to not startle her or make her uncomfortable. "Serenity is just as important as passion..you have a lot of passion, I can tell...But too much passion will overload you. Scott is right, calming your mind and emotions will help to deal with all the chaos, and maybe even make it that much more beautiful. "Place your hands atop mine. Close your eyes. Breathe in slowly, through your nose. Hold it for about a four count, then relase, breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do this thrice..." he instructs, closing his own eyes and breathing as well after he speaks, using his own timing to give her a guide...while also attempting to do that cool sensing thing that happened earlier... Kris looks at Dante's hands for several long moments, then finally shrugs and puts her hands atop Dante's, eyes closed, "Sometimes it feels like the emotions will continue to assault me until I cannot breath. Is this, then, a price for being filled with passion?" With her eyes shut, she takes a deep breath and holds it, three times over. She keeps her lips tightly compressed, "I suppose you are saying that ghosts must sometimes be encouraged to move on, then?" She seems completely unaware of... well... whatever it is she's supposed to be currently aware of. "Is this what you were doing when I arrived?" "In a sense, yes," he replies, his eyes opening and his gaze breaking away from hers for a moment. He falls silent, his gaze fading towards the lake for a moment. A slight smile creeps once more across his lips...but this one much more morose than the ones before it. His eyes are what give it away. They are distant, sad, years of pain that has not yet gotten pushed in the past where it belongs... After a few moments, he snaps out of it, and re-fixes his gaze upon Kris. "What you have explained is certainly a price of passion...but again, that's where you must find balance. Take your breaths again. Close your eyes. This time, focus SOLELY on your breath. No speaking, no thinking. Just breathe. Count your breaths, count the time in between each breath. As some wise men would say 'Enlightenment comes /between/ breaths.'" "Martial artists have a state called "Mushin," which literally translates to 'no mind' or 'empty mind.' This is the state you want to achieve...The catch is, if you think about achieving this mindset...you haven't achieved it. The trick is to just...not think..." he finishes matter-of-factly, almost as if it's the easiest thing in the world to do. Kris dips her head in acknowledgement,"Mushin no shin. I discussed this with my advisor once... I think maybe it is far beyond me... But we all have to start somewhere, I suppose." Closing her eyes again, she takes a deep breath... and keeps taking them. She concentrates carefully on the breathing, or as closely as she can. That old pain she saw? It's too familiar for comfort. For anybody to stop thinking, it's difficult. For someone like her, already prone to constant worry? Some times it seems almost impossible. A look of frustration paints her face pretty clearly. "I wouldnt say it's far beyond you...but even so, just remember: A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at." He notices immediately her discomfort and frustration...he didn't need any cool sensing powers to figure that out. Taking that into account, he squeezes her hands slightly, closing his own eyes and concentrating his breath once more. Focusing as much of his Chi as he could into his hands, he pushes it forward...not in an offensive way...a very slow, gentle channel of his own energy into her body...Dante concentrates all of the soothing, gentle chi he can muster, hoping to channel those feelings and emotions, to assist Kris to ease her mind. "Remember this if anything else," he continues talking as he concentrates his energy to her. "An arrow reaches its destination, only after it is pulled back. So if life is pulling you back with it's chaos and difficulties, just know that it will soon launch you forward...all you have to do is keep your aim..." Boy, he sure is a wealth of fortune cookie knowledge this morning... Kris finds herself settling as the man soothes and smooths her energy via chi... a process she would likely be unable to manage, herself. Too chaotic. But it's a welcome distraction, at least, and allows her to breath a little more easily. She doesn't quite get PEACEFUL exactly, but less agitated anyway. "I am tired of things propelling me forward in my life. I think I would prefer to walk there on my own for a change." Well, that sure is grumpy! "Sorry. That was... unworthy. That... odd feeling... Is that you doing that? Your power?" She seems curious enough, anyway. "You could do well as a self-help guru, I think." "Then, that perhaps is your aim..." he replies calmly to her grumpiness, seemingly unphased by it. He smiles slightly as she inquires about the feeling. "It is, partially. But i will tell you; a channel of energy like this only works if you're receptive to it. If you didn't want to accept it mentally, your body would send it back to me. Like walking into a closed door...doesn't usually happen," he finishes with a slightly humorous grin. After a moment or two more, he releases her hands, and stands up slowly, reaching his hand out once more to help her up. "I think that's a nice introduction today. You did well...better than most their first instruction. I'm no doctor or self help guy...but I have faith that you can find the place in life that you wish to be, with minimal effort." Kris may be grumpy, but not too grumpy to enjoy praise at least. With a wan smile, she even chuckles at the image of someone walking into a door. "When I was a soldier, I was saved from a gunshot once because I was still new. I expected doors to kick open easily, so when I slammed into one, I got knocked out. I'm told the enemy shot through the door right where I had been standing. I would've been killed. Instead, knocking myself unconscious allowed me to survive the battle untouched." She rubs her shoulder as if remembering an old injury. "I am glad I exceeded expectations. I... like pleasing my instructors. It makes me feel... productive? And it makes me feel better about my... future." Dante chuckles slightly at her story, nodding a little bit in agreement. "Yet another example of life's sense of humor." He bends down to pick up the folders on the pier, before turning back to her. "Something my father taught me, was to always laugh at life. Life has a sense of humor, so it would be foolish not to join it in a laugh." He smiles once more, nodding his head down slowly "It perhaps makes you feel accepted?" he questions, attempting to offer another term... "I have high hopes for you. I've seen the Danger Room log with you and Logan, it was quite impressive... "What do you say we grab something to eat? Have you had breakie yet?" Kris combs fingers through her hair, then rises to her feet, "That sounds like a good idea... I just need to go change into some dryer clothes, if that's okay with you?" She heaves a long, deep breath, and even blushes, "I like to feel accepted. And... I'm glad you think so, but I am not proud of my skill with violence. The Danger Room was a necessity and not a particular joy. There are some things I'd rather leave behind, I think." She begins walking towards the mansion, "Personally, I am eager to get onto the business of 'being a teenager'. I am told it is already a difficult occupation." "Of course. Dryer clothes would be helpful. Don't wantchya gettin sick or anything." He begins to walk alongside Kris, taking his time and admiring the beauty of the surrounding area once last time as they trek down the pier. "I certainly understand your situation there...The first thing the martial arts teach you...you train not to learn HOW to fight...but so you learn when NOT to fight..." he smiles slightly once more. "But i think you're right. Personally, i think being a teenager is scary than adulthood. So I certainly wish you the best. And know if you ever need to center yourself further...dont hesitate to find me."