Bowen Cheng
Being Peace
He closed his eyes, breathed in and out with his belly, and focused on “zero” rather than on “one.” After a few minutes, Cheng found himself thinking about the family he had left behind in their small village in China. He remembered the day he had told them that he was moving to America. “Where will your peace be?” they had asked him. “Where will your happiness come from? What is wrong with your life here?” Cheng’s hunger snapped him out of his thoughts, and he navigated the five, long flights to get some lunch. His mouth watered as he thought about all the food choices in his neighborhood. As he entered Souvlaki’s Kitchen, he was greeted warmly by the owner. “Hey, Cheng! How’s it going, man?” “I’m good, thanks,” he responded with a big smile. |
“What’s on your mind today?” “I was just thinking about my family. They don’t understand why I moved here.” “You came from a small village, right?” “Yes. Life is quite different there.” “I came from a small town in Greece. You know, New York has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world.” Cheng sat at his favorite table by the window and enjoyed spanakopita and dolmas—their specialty. Strolling home, he wondered, “Did I make the right decision by moving here? How can a Buddhist live in New York City? Where will I find my happiness and my peace?” Once inside the front door of his building, Cheng began the long climb up the stairs. As he turned the corner to start the third flight, he almost bumped into a woman who was coming down. Their eyes met, and they both burst out laughing. “Excuse me!” Cheng gasped. “I’m so sorry!” She waved her long, slender hand and casually said, “No problem. I’m just glad there are some friendly people in the building. I’m new in town.” “Me too,” he whispered shyly. The woman’s face looked peaceful and happy. She finished her descent and stopped at the front door, saying over her shoulder, “I’m Penny. Hope to see you sometime!” Cheng entered his apartment and resumed his comfortable, upright position on the living room floor. Things were looking up. From Carpet Creatures: Tales from the Deep Pile To join the Carpet Creatures project, please visit our TAE Gallery website. |
