Monotone

Location: The corner of Madison and Filbert in Kitchener

Description: An overcast sky.

Story: A man stood up this time to ask a question. "That was a wonderful skit. On the meditation topic, could you tell me about achieving an empty mind. I've found that I'm always thinking of something; any tips?"

Mr. Dunham smiled. "Then start by thinking about one thing. If you've ever tried meditation," he said as he started to pace franticly across the stage, "you'll know that your mind normally bounces between multiple things, fretting or pondering or planning or remembering or forgetting or all manner of things." He huffed, shook it off, and then started to walk quickly in one direction. "If you can focus on just one thing, and if it's a calming thing, that's getting a lot closer to meditation."

He planted both feet firmly at the edge of the stage and looked out at the audience. "We do this all the time actually; it's called a hobby. That's where we're supposed to relax, do something we enjoy, and forget about anything that's bothering us. It's also how we're taught to get to sleep. Maybe you've never done this, but we all know that we should count sheep to fall asleep. By making our mind focus on one thought and a peaceful one at that, we let ourselves relax."

He winked at the person directly in front of him in the first row, then turned back to the audience in general. "So start by thinking of one thing that brings you happiness, because meditation is all about reverting to that blank, peaceful state we have as babies, before our brains got cluttered with worry. Think of a blank piece of paper, of counting sheep, or of the sky, and just focus on that one thing. With practice, you'll be able to stop yourself from thinking com-" He froze with the word still half unsaid, his mouth open. A few seconds past, and he slow began to tilt forward. And he kept tilting. The audience began to stir, until finally he hit a 45 degree angle, looked directly into the eyes of the person before him, and laughed as he popped himself back up.

"Sorry about that everyone; I've just been watching a lot of Micheal Jackson recently and I couldn't resist tossing in his lean." He bowed for a moment to numerous applause and then resumed. "So the whole point is to get a mantra and focus on it. Then, after you can easily focus on one thing, start trying to focus on nothing. It's a hard thing to do, but definitely worthwhile. Oh and kids, do try this at home; your parents will never complain that you'd sitting quietly for a few minutes."