Floral Notes and Bardo: The Creative Chronicles of a Shambhala Mountain Resident is a regular feature on the SMC blog in which a member of our staff/community shares his experience of existing as part of Shambhala Mountain Center.

Years ago I dreamt of being an armchair philosopher.

Last night, in my armchair, studying a scholoarly Buddhist text while a group of people in the next room over acted rambunctiously — I was intent on chewing on subtle language, and they were swigging booze. I was quiet, and they were not.

I was grumpy old man, imagining myself poking the ceiling with a broomstick (in this case it would have been pounding on the wall):

“Keep it down!”

Just a joke.

I’m not a jerk.

But, I’d rather be studying the dharma.

Heather was on the love seat working on her Pillow Leaf project.

Afterwards we spoke. I told her about my mood:

We call it “Poo”

We came up with the idea that when either of us were in such a mood, we could put on a Poo Hat.

A way of owning such an emotion, expressing, without making a stink.

Humor as saviour.

— January 28, 2015

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Travis Newbill is a curious dude on the path of artistry, meditation, and social engagement who is very glad to be residing at Shambhala Mountain Center.  His roles within the organization include Marketing Associate and Shambhala Guide — a preliminary teaching position.  Follow Travis on twitter: @travisnewbill