avatarPretheesh Presannan

Summary

A man in a cafe grapples with his choices and internal conflict, finding a moment of clarity and peace when he accepts his situation as he enjoys his coffee and cake.

Abstract

The narrative describes a customer in a cafe who, after ordering coffee and a pastry, is consumed by doubts about his choices, reflecting the internal struggle he faces. As he watches the barista prepare his coffee with care, he experiences a moment of mindfulness, recognizing the futility of his internal conflict. In this pause, he finds a sense of relief and acceptance, likening the ease of his situation to consuming a piece of cake. The story concludes with him partaking in his order, embracing the present moment with a sense of temporary yet eternal relief.

Opinions

  • The customer initially regrets his order, believing coffee and cream cake to be unhealthy, indicating a common internal conflict about health and indulgence.
  • The act of watching the coffee being prepared triggers a moment of introspection, suggesting that mindful observation can lead to a shift in perspective.
  • The narrative implies that suffering is a choice, as the man realizes he has the power to not suffer by accepting his circumstances.
  • The phrase "This is a piece of cake" is used metaphorically to describe the ease with which the man eventually accepts his situation, highlighting the simplicity of finding peace in acceptance.
  • The story conveys a Zen-like message that temporary relief can be full and eternal when one is fully present and conscious in the moment.

Consciousness and a Cup of Coffee

A sigh of relief

Photo by Ayaneshu Bhardwaj on Unsplash

Sitting in the cafe he ordered a cup of coffee and a pastry the bearer took his order and went to get him the same

“but coffee is not good the cream cake is not healthy shit, I should have ordered tea and a cake without cream is it too late to change?” — his thoughts battled

he was suffering the conflicts within his mind

“how am I going to fill the time with these internal conflicts shit, I should not suffer this” — his thoughts continued

but then he saw his coffee being prepared carefully and cheerfully by the staff there he saw him pouring the hot coffee on to the cup

in that little space he paused and reflected “now that there is suffering how am I going to not suffer” the pause widened as the bearer began to approach him with the coffee and cake

he was clear there was nothing in his head that could change the situation the pause remained within

he began to sip the coffee and as it seeped in through his mouth consciousness or intelligence seeped in through the pause (space created) and bared his suffering non violently “This is a piece of cake,” he thought about his situation as he consumed that piece of cake along with the steaming coffee seeing and letting things unfold with a sigh of temporary relief which was full and eternal.

Poetry
Conscious Suffering
Mental Health
The Lark
Prose Poem
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