Wednesday, nighttime
January 29, 2026•202 words
My Inward Smile: The Feather and the Balloon
At 580 Internet beats (just before the world truly woke up), I sat with today’s journal prompt: “What made you smile today?”
Since the day had barely begun, I looked inward. My "smile" wasn't a physical grin, but a deep sense of positive energy sparked by a meditation titled "The Wake-Up." The guide shared a perfect metaphor for releasing intrusive thoughts:
Imagine your thought is a bright balloon floating in the sky. Your awareness is a light feather. When the feather touches the balloon, you aren't popping it or grabbing the string; you are simply acknowledging its presence. Once recognized, you let it drift away.
Why It Resonated
I realized that this is the key to handling those heavy, negative memories that often feel "uncomprehendable." Instead of struggling to make sense of them, I can simply:
Acknowledge: See the thought for what it is.
Comprehend: Recognize that it is passing through.
Release: Let it float into the distance.
The idea of freeing my mind from the weight of the past brought a genuine sense of relief. It may not always be easy, but today, that mental lightness was the cause for positivity.