The Shapeless Unease

by Samantha Harvey

‘There’s a Buddhist image,’ I say, ‘it’s a mural of a snake, huge, lunging out of flames, and on the end of its forked tongue, a monk meditating. It isn’t about peace, a quiet life, not feeling things, not experiencing things. It’s about the shit hitting the fan, and having the courage to sit with yourself, not hide, not deny – to observe the tumult from the end of the snake’s tongue.’

Cure for insomnia: Take a river, lake, ocean or other body of open water; a swimming pool will do if cold enough and outside. Fresh air is key; cold is key. Get in regardless and in any attire, unattired will do if privacy or not-caring allows. Get in. Jumping or diving is best but any approach suffices if the end result is in and so long as head is submerged soon and completely.