Plain Unsalted Popcorn

As I mediate I like to focus my attention on my "core essence." This is not as difficult as it might sound. It is simply an exercise of ignoring everything while remaining completely conscious. The consciousness itself becomes the focus of my attention. It is the subtle underlying "flavor" of life, that I enjoy much as I once enjoyed the subtle flavor of plain unsalted popcorn. The flavor is distinct, and very pleasant. But it is also very subtle and easily over whelmed. Salt, oil and butter drown out the real flavor of popcorn the same way our thoughts, senses and emotions drown out the real flavor of life.