Heat Wave

Like much of North America, Minnesota has been groaning under a record-breaking wave of heat and humidity for days. After a grueling winter, this seemed particularly unfair.

For me, it meant setting up a temporary office in our bedroom—the only air-conditioned room in a house we otherwise adore—and staying at home because the rattle trap I insist on driving hasn’t had a.c. since the 90’s.

I have to admit, it made me crazy. On the other hand, there were some advantages. The heat wave reminded me of how spoiled I am. Should I be complaining that I only have a single cool room to spend my time? Or should I be grateful that I have a place to get out of the heat, something many people pray for? The heatwave gave me an opporunity to buckle up, remember how my grandparents lived, and practice the things I’ve learned from Buddhism about detachment. Plus, I had the excuse that it was too hot to do housework or run errands, and spend all my time writing.

Last night, a cool front came in at last. This morning, we opened all the windows and walked outside, where it was cool enough for a sweater. All things, good and bad, pass.

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