** I really need to think of another word other than enjoy...
My eyes quickly adjusted to the dim room. The only light in the room came from various candles scattered throughout the small room. I quickly took in my other surroundings. The floor consisted of a soft plush carpet along with pillows scattered about. The walls had fabric draped over them, giving the room a very relaxing and cozy feel.
Mrs. Abendroth was sitting on top of one of the pillows in the middle of the little room. I looked down at her, my confusion apparent. After all, what the hell was I supposed to do in here? It was hardly a decent meeting room, I had nowhere to fight, and the only objects in the room were pillows and candles.
"Have a seat Ms. Night," She gently commanded as she gestured to a pillow in front of her. I sat down warily, unsure of what was going on. This room seemed to radiate the exact opposite of what I had experienced in my training here.
"You wish to say something?" she prompted.
I looked at her. "Yeah... Why the hell are we in some box filled with pillows?"
A small smile tugged at the corner or her mouth before it rapidly disappeared. "You are here because I asked you to be." Before I could ask, she answered, "I asked you to come here because I am your mentor. I will periodically call you in here to work with you personally. Attending this is just as important as all your other classes. The same expectations apply. Is that clear?"
I nodded my head. I was still trying to figure out exactly what she had planned for these little sessions. I decided to ask when she sat there just looking at me, studying me as if I was a specimen. Talk about feeling like an ant under a magnifying glass. "So, um, what exactly am I supposed to do during these little sessions?"
"You need to work on your patience Ms. Night," she gently chided. "However, what I have planned for these 'little sessions' as you called them, will help with that. For most of them, I simply plan to have you meditate." She l brought her gaze to mine, waiting to see what my reaction would be.
I looked back at her with a clear what-the-fuck look. If it's a reaction that she was searching for, there was mine. Plain and simple. I didn't say a single word.
"Yes, Ms. Night, I am serious. Meditation is something that will help you more than you realize. With time, it assists in complete control of the body. When skilled enough, once you enter deep meditation, not a single muscle in your body will move unwillingly. It is even possible to stop your heart beat if you so wish.
"Meditation is not to be taken lightly Ms. Night. It is not a mindless activity either. Rather the focus will be directed at your thoughts and mind. It will be a challenge, especially at first. Throughout our time together, I will ask you to focus on things you wish to forget, never to think about, long buried. Some days you will walk out of this room exhausted, others you will walk out feeling rested and peaceful, some days you may not be able to leave at all. Eventually you will be expected to meditate on your own. I could not ask that now as it would be a pointless activity. For now, I will need to guide you. Any questions?" She was still gazing cooly at me.
I didn't know how to reply. I wanted to ask if she was serious, but I knew that she was. I wanted to ask if this was all some practical joke and that she was about to lead me away to training, but it wasn't. I knew that she fully expected me to take this seriously, but I didn't know if I could. I mean, how could meditating be THAT hard. Not able to leave the room at times? Somehow I doubt that could happen from thinking about shit. I finally gave my reply. "None Mrs. Abendroth. Lead me in this epic mind journey."
"Ms. Night. I know you have learned to speak to those above you with more respect. If you cannot respect me or those in this school who are here to train you, I suggest you get up and leave this school." She paused and waited, giving me the chance to get up and leave. I just sat there waiting. There was no way in hell I was leaving this school. "Very well, if this is your choice, I expect you to start treating those above you with respect. If I find out otherwise, dire consequences will follow. Is that clear?"
