oo2 | Commentlog

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

[A change in scenary is no excuse for a change in routine. Bruce has had a lot to think about and come to grips with since he came here. That isn't to say he believes everything he's been told. But it doesn't seem...impossible. Not much of anything seems impossible, he supposes.

But anyway, Bruce is up bright and early and looking for a nice quiet spot to meditate. He may have to work just a little harder to keep his cool in this place. So when he finds the Green, he spreads the blanket and sits with his legs folded. He gives the area a quick once over, just to make sure. He's not entirely sure Blonsky and his men didn't follow him here. But it seems clear.

After checking his heart moniter, he finally closed his eyes and took a deep breath. So there is a strange man meditating in the middle of the Green. This is a clearly a reason to come bother him.]

Comments

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

It's quiet out here. Makes it easier to think.

[yolonceler]

... Oh. Yeah, I'm out here to think, too.

[... says the guy with a guitar strapped to his back.]

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

[Bruce drops his hands in his lap and nods.]

Nice guitar. Do you play? Or is it just for show?

[yolonceler]

Guitar isn't actually mine - [He kind of stole it from the bower.] - but I do play. Was gonna write some songs, but you're doing the whole thinking thing. So.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

[Bruce feels like he's the one intruding.]

Oh, please, don't let me stop you.

[yolonceler]

Nah, man, first come first serve and all. Songwriting, that's loud and annoying, so... I can just go to the bower, it's no big deal. Thinking is more important. [Pause. Hmmm.] ... Actually, are you doing the whole meditating thing?

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

I am. It helps keep me calm.

[He needs to stay calm.]

[yolonceler]

[Hmm.]

Can you teach me how?

[...]

That's rude, is it rude? It's rude, I'm sorry.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

No not at all. It's not hard. Have a seat.

[Plenty of room on the blanket.]

[yolonceler]

Cool, great, thanks!

[Phew. That could have been more awkward than it was. The Once-ler sits down, folding his freakishly long legs (they baffle me) and setting his guitar aside. He's a little nervous, honestly. He knows what it's like to be alone with his subconscious, and it's frightening.]

You have my attention, sensei.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

Meditation is about clearing your mind. Of everything.

[He inhales and exhales.]

If it helps, find something and focus on it. Don't label it good or bad. Just focus.

[yolonceler]

Everything?

[Is Bruce a wizard? How do you clear your mind of everything?]

Uh, focus on something like what?

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

Everything. Just close your eyes.

[Yes. Bruce is a nice huge green wizard.]

Anything. Anyone. It doesn't matter.

[yolonceler]

Uh, alright.

[Eyes closed. Sure is dark in here. What's a nice thing to think about? Music? Rapunzel? Cigars? He's gonna go with Rapunzel. He could think about her all day.]

Okay.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

Okay. Focus. And slowly cast that thought away.

[Like you're tossing away a ratty old tissue.]

[yolonceler]

[Stop thinking about Rapunzel? Is that a thing? Well, alright. He's gonna... stop... Alright... He... Okay, let's... Uh... Alright, let's... Um... He... Fuck!]

It isn't working.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

That's okay. You won't get it the first few tries. It's okay to focus on it. But try to let it come and go.

[His eyes are still closed.]

Eventually your mind will be clear and will be able to stay clear.

[He focuses on Rage. And had to learn to let it go.]

[yolonceler]

[The Once-ler pulls a face and tries again. Cigars, let's focus on cigars. God damn does he love cigars, but they're not something he can think about forever. Go away, cigars. Shh. No more. Fade away.

Faaaaade away.

... It isn't working. Thinking about one thing just leads to more things. He swallows a frustrated sigh.]

Didn't you say this wasn't hard?

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

[Bruce finally opens his eyes and looks at the Once-ler with a smile.]

It's not. It just requires a lot of patience and practice. You won't get it right away. Give it time.

[yolonceler]

[Once upon a time, he was extremely patient. Then instant gratification became the norm.]

Patience is not a virtue of mine.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

If you want to meditate, you'll have to learn it.

[yolonceler]

[Ugh. The Once-ler hates when he's not immediately good at something. It's so rare.]

How can anyone be that patient?

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

Some people have no choice.

[Patience is the key to not Hulking out on people]

[yolonceler]

I guess so.

[He pouts, as if complaining enough will make him more patient. Sorry, that only works at home.]

Okay, just... gonna try again, gonna try until I get it. Intense meditation going on right here. ... I'll stop talking.

[keepcalmanddontgetmad]

Just close your eyes and focus.

[And don't think Bruce didn't notice that pout. He's not sure what he's gotten himself into by agreeing to help this guy.]