baaaa ba-ba-ba bum !Pum!

So, I'm lathering up my hair this morning in the gym shower after one of my better aerobic workouts in months when the unmistakable, yet soft sound of song begins to drift through the air.

The gentle sound approaches and settles into the stall next to me all the time increasing in vigor and bravado. I'm annoyed.

I'm wondering if some rough, callous dude down the way may pipe up and end the audacious intrusion or if I'm expected to do it myself being the closer when I'm suddenly startled at myself.

I'm not like that! I approve of happiness, I remind myself, and realize with both relief and regret that I've again caught myself bowing to the world.

Now I relax and continue my duties as the situation turns enjoyable. I don't recognize the tune, but it's clearly folksy in nature and something the man has enjoyed for a good many decades of 'good-ol' life. "baaaa ba-ba-ba bum Pum", with the more positive 'Pum' sound a turn up in pitch from the 'bum' sound.

It dawns on me then that the man is in possession of a great deal of enviable contentment. He likes himself regardless of what I and the rough and callous body builder down the way may think of him. In fact, I wonder if our thoughts have even occurred to him. Then I know they have, yet have been joyfully dismissed through powers of cultivated wisdom and understanding. I realize that he's confidently accepted us as soundly as I had dismissed him at first thought.

Shamed by my exposed ignorance, I've now, in turn, accepted this man and am dedicating myself to the adoption his subtle lessons. I consider for a moment joining in now that I've caught on to the melody and a slight grin forms at the corners of my mouth. I shake off the urge with my own fragile wisdom but consciously retain the joy of the moment.

And that act of retainment opens up a window of perspective. The troubles of the world seem suddenly surmountable. The powers of core and root values and human spirit can be adopted, fostered and applied. The joy doubles and commitments are renewed.

Thanks old man! I needed that.