“Can you go deeper?” asked the Buffalo.

“Are you sure you want me to press harder?” replied the Monkey.

“Yes.”

“Ok, but tell me if it's uncomfortable.”

The Monkey pressed his slender fingers deep into the buffalo shoulderblades.

A satisfied sound somewhere between a moo and a bark emanated from the Buffalo.

“You really should work on your posture,” said the Monkey “imagine there is an invisible string stretching you from head to tail as you walk along the great plains.”

“You right Monkey,” said the Buffalo while laying on his belly. “I have been tense lately. I am getting a little overwhelmed about my family life. I’ve got two little Buffalos and a third on the way.”

“That is a blessing.” said the Monkey continuing to massage the Buffalos enormous back.

“Yes, yes it is.”

“Think about this,” said the monkey “you wander an infinite land full grass. That is wonderful.”

The Buffalo closed his eyes and imagined the tundra grass spreading before him.

“Look at the streams of water rushing all around.” continued the Monkey “You can be rested assured that you and your family will be well-fed and satisfied for generations.”

With that realization, the Buffalo let out a sigh of relief. As he did, his back naturally relaxed with a few loud cracks.

“There we go.” said the Monkey

After a few moments, the monkey finished by gently rubbing the Buffalo back and said: “We are all done.”

But there was no response, the Buffalo was fast asleep.

We have everything we need. Take a moment to focus on the beauty and wonder of life. There is no reason to complain. There is no reason to feel anxiety. We feel this feeling because we are trying to protect ourselves. We are trying to make sure that we end up in a horrible situation.

“When you are a pessimist and the bad thing happens, you live it twice. Once when you worry about it, and the second time when it happens.” — Amos Tversky

Take a deep breath. Thank your feelings for coming. Bless them. Then let that monkey gently off your back.