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How to Fall Gently from the Precarious Pedestal
- Wayne State University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
86 How to Fall Gently from the Precarious Pedestal Like the ancient Chinese art of chi gong used to heal our bodies’ energies, or the golden breathing methods of Dr. Lu, who teaches us how to inhale six pints of oxygen to feed our vital organs, so must the keeper of pedestals teach us the gentle art of falling off the summit where some have become addicted to the rarified air of snow-capped moutaintops. To descend gracefully, one must honor the pedestal’s transcendental gift, then look beyond it: Sit in a comfortable position on your bed. Relax, like a tired swan. Tilt your head to the heavens. Let your ears become a black turtle and listen to the snake behind you. Now, grab the handle of the big dipper, bringing it down to your bed. Recline, so your head rests in the ladle of it. See yourself on a cloud, sleeping until a red sun rises before you. Swallow the red sun. Imagine it falling—gently changing to a bird, then a fish. 87 Let it swim with your heart. Listen to the snow melt. ...