Blessings in Orange – Northbound

Orange is my favorite color. We got off to a late start, but what Orange and I lack in longevity, we make up for in intensity. I frequently catch myself attracted to things simply for their orangeness.

I'm new to the 9-5 workforce, and adjusting to life in the office isn't the most exciting change of my life thus far. Leaving work last week, I was feeling a little down about my new workforce fetter but decided to check out a gym near work.

Bad Idea.
More air conditioning and upscale modern décor was not what I needed. My despondency escalated and I felt like someone was standing at my side nagging, "this is who you are now: a DC yuppie, sign up, get used to it." When I got on the 54, I was near tears trying to discern if this depressing profile was really where I was headed…


But Rumi swears "need is the net for all things that exist,” and lies never hold their own.

When I looked up from my bus seat, I was in a sea of orange. The man in front of me, two women to my right and a child sitting behind me, each in orange clothing, were radiating grace. An orange taxi was even out the window to my left. I just let it soak in.

Waves and breakers swept over me, washing me clean of the lies I had heard moments before.

* * *

Increase Your Need
The mouse's soul is nothing but a nibbler.
To the mouse is given a mind
proportionate to its need,
for without need, the All-Powerful
doesn't give anything to anyone.
Need, then, is the net for all things that exist:
A person has tools in proportion to his need.
So, quickly, increase your need, needy one,
that the sea of abundance
may surge up in loving-kindness.

~Rumi