Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter
says the headline, Groundhog Day 2018.

I flash on Bill Murray, who learns in the movie to play the piano,
finally, since he has the problem of being stuck in the same day, ad infinitum.

The movie, I’m told, is a favorite of Buddhists, because
it illustrates what an enlightened individual would eventually do
if they could perfect their day.

It shows the whole circuit, again and again.
Alarm, radio, toaster, old high school friend,
the diner, folks eating breakfast, always ending in some fatal disaster
which is corrected the very same day again the next day.

You don’t die, you just wake up again, growing wiser, not older.

Perfection for a Buddhist is growing older very slowly.
They practice inner attention,
meditation, to slow time down
so as to give them more time
to grow mindfulness
until you have the contentment of stone.

Instead of rushing about in a panic, worrying about tomorrow,
making a fuss, being a jerk
because you are in a hurry to get somewhere.

Murray learns to smell the roses…

You should make others happy,
give neighbors a morning hug
and time enough to share a laugh.
Feel the rain and sunshine on your face,
talk to the dogs on the everyday walk
who are happy to see you,
play the piano, write poetry,
do those things you had meant to do,
but hadn’t found the time.
So wise, so true.

Punxsutawney Phil reminds,
there’s 6 more weeks of chill,
It’s getting cold and colder today.
Need to take a walk, stretch the body,
need to try to be more Bill Murray
try to make it perfect day.