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Abstract

ZM: No, why?ME: It’s an aerodynamic configuration. You see, they fly thousands of miles when they migrate. And the one at the head of the flock pierces the air, and reduces wind resistance for the birds behind it. It is the bravest and strongest bird in the moment that flies at the head. But it’s tiring, so they take turns. As the front bird gets tired, another bird behind it flies forward and takes over the lead.ZM: I see.ME: They communicate with each other when they fly this way. The ones at the back always honk loudly at the ones in the front, encouraging them, saying, “You go! Yeah! You got this!” It’s a honk of support, encouragement and love.ZM just looked at me, knowingly.<figure id="a3d9"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*5G3d6L2tBLHudQKqE5aUDA.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@natalieparham?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Natalie Parham</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/birds-formation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>ZM: HONK HONK.<figure id="e800"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*DEJIqMkkxK0D_9ulKqCtng.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@davealmine?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Dawid Zawiła</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/geese-in-formation?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure

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For the rest of that day, we honked at each other. In support.Update to the story:After applying his criteria for what he is looking for in a school — Harvard doesn’t make the cut.This is a series.<div id="850b" class="link-block">

      <a href="https://readmedium.com/conversations-with-a-zen-master-4a96d9462b3d">

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          <div>
            <h2>Conversations with a Zen Master</h2>
            <div><h3>Modern Day Koan Musings #10</h3></div>
            <div><p></p></div>
          </div>
          <div>
            <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*FzgKeAbSFwwbmOgebDVDWw.jpeg)"></div>
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      </a>
    </div><p id="692d"><b><i>Susan Brearley is a brilliant strategist and editor. She’s the owner/operator of the MuddyUm Writer’s Self Help Clinic. And the Captain of the Good Ship MuddyUm.</i></b></p><p id="980d"><b><i>She’s been writing comedy for about 2 weeks.</i></b></p><div id="1b10" class="link-block">
      <a href="https://readmedium.com/muddyum-self-help-clinic-169042fe6a5">
        <div>
          <div>
            <h2>MuddyUm Writers’ Self Help Clinic</h2>
            <div><h3>Assistance for the Floundering Writer Inside</h3></div>
            <div><p></p></div>
          </div>
          <div>
            <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*DAiLFxmZRfFjpBZlbFDOkA.jpeg)"></div>
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Essay

Conversations with a Zen Master

Modern Day Koan Musings #11

My Zen Master son told me he was going to apply to a graduate school program.

ME: Great! That sounds like a good idea.

ZM: My employer has a plan that will pay for it.

ME: Even better!

ZM: So I’m going to apply to a couple of schools here in the Boston area.

ME: Oh, which ones?

ZM: Northeastern and Harvard.

ME: Harvard! Wow! Yeah! You could go to Harvard!

ZM: (somewhat annoyed) Of COURSE I could go to Harvard.

His tone stopped me in mid conversation. He is so even tempered. So when he sounds annoyed, there’s obviously something there to explore. I thought about it for a moment, and realized he might have had a moment of self doubt. Or perhaps he believed my ebullient enthusiasm was in some way an indication that he believed I doubted him. In either case, I wanted to leave no doubt.

ME: Do you know why geese fly in a V formation?

ZM: No, why?

ME: It’s an aerodynamic configuration. You see, they fly thousands of miles when they migrate. And the one at the head of the flock pierces the air, and reduces wind resistance for the birds behind it. It is the bravest and strongest bird in the moment that flies at the head. But it’s tiring, so they take turns. As the front bird gets tired, another bird behind it flies forward and takes over the lead.

ZM: I see.

ME: They communicate with each other when they fly this way. The ones at the back always honk loudly at the ones in the front, encouraging them, saying, “You go! Yeah! You got this!” It’s a honk of support, encouragement and love.

ZM just looked at me, knowingly.

ZM: HONK HONK.

For the rest of that day, we honked at each other. In support.

Update to the story:

After applying his criteria for what he is looking for in a school — Harvard doesn’t make the cut.

This is a series.

Conversations with a Zen Master

Modern Day Koan Musings #10

Susan Brearley is a brilliant strategist and editor. She’s the owner/operator of the MuddyUm Writer’s Self Help Clinic. And the Captain of the Good Ship MuddyUm.

She’s been writing comedy for about 2 weeks.