Defining Happy

I’m still on the island of Koh Samui and am writing from one of the very few Vegetarian-only restaurants that I have spotted on the island. I have a clear view of a huge mountain with various Mom and Pop shops underneath that cater to the locals. The loud high pitched voices of Thai women chattering about the daily gossip and motorbikes speeding through the streets can be heard in the background. The aroma of street vendors cooking Thai delicacies on portable hot plates fill the air.

I was just sitting here thinking about how moments like these have been my “meditation”. Where I’ve purposely thrown myself into the moment and took in every sound, touch, taste, sight and smell. I’ve made a pallet on the floor of the “right here and right now” and slept there until the moment had passed.

Since I’ve been in Samui (with the exception of the tour and the trip to Koh Phangan) I haven’t done much of anything. I’ve been getting lost in the view of the clouds and watching them closely as they slowly pass me by. I’ve enjoyed hearing the sounds of the ocean as the waves calmly melt into the sand. For about 6 milliseconds I felt guilty for being still and doing nothing for nearly two weeks. When in reality I believe I’ve gained much more by halting my mind and body rather than rapidly passing through cities and countries.

I definitely know when to fold ’em and move on to the next destination and for me that would be tomorrow.  I just purchased my flight out of here this morning. I was about one step away from getting way too comfortable here which I believe has something to do with the minor anxiety that is left behind after the borderline Rodney King incident at the border in Malaysia. But uh….hiding out…who does that? Maybe bank robbers and hibernating animals but not I.

I’m on the move again…next stop Chiang Mai, Thailand to hug tigers, bathe elephants and go through the dreaded process of obtaining a Chinese Visa.