Yesterday I was meditating when I heard someone knocking at the door. I came out to find Moisés, Sam, Óscar and Marina outside. They wanted to see how the backyard looked after the flood, but in reality Moisés wanted to take a look at the wood for the bonfire we’re planning on Friday.

I let them come through and we swung on the rope, then we collected some wood, and then we went out. Óscar whispered to me: my house is very clean right now, as if inviting us to his home. I proposed having a tour of Óscar’s house. Everyone agreed.

We were greeted by a very clean house, everything was in its proper place and clean. I felt a tinge of envy: how is it that this brute can have his house in a nicer shape than us? But it was simply a sting that inspires one into action, not the kind of envy that desires to bring down the foe to your current circumstance.

We then went out and walked around the neighborhood, showing them the hidden spots where we used to play in childhood. It was nice and pleasant, though I recall this same activity from last december. I suppose it would turn boring should it be done often, but it was perfect for the moment.

When we reached the entrance to the neighborhood we proposed going to the store to buy junk food, but we did’t have any money. So Moises, Óscar and I went to Moy’s house to fetch his wallet, and then we headed to Oxxo. There we bought a 3L coke, cigarrettes and chips. We walked to the park in Prados Agua Azul, and spread out at some benches.

The entire event had a feeling of youth: bored people with nothing to do, hanging out at the park munching on cheap snacks. I guess this would be called “wasting time” decades ago, but under this guise it smelled of novelty and camaraderie. There was an interesting simplicity in all of it.

I seem to seek people according to my self-perceived values, but the most important value is acceptance of all things. Accept what comes to you willingly, while knowing your boundaries. Now, let us go back to work.