Chinese Fortune Cookies Know What's Up

I opened a fortune cookie recently and it read: "Get to the point and keep it clear and simple."

My parents often share the story of one mass they'd attended, said by a priest they referred to as "Father Doctor". This priest was a medical doctor before entering the priesthood, hence the nickname.

The story goes that he once gave a homily that was in total five whole words. He got up to the pulpit and said, and I quote:

"Actions speak louder than words."

And immediately sat back down.

I wish I had been present for this mass, not because the idea of a five-word homily is very appealing, but to have been able to see the reaction of the congregation. I'm assuming there were confused looks, surprised expressions and sighs of relief that this mass would be less than an hour.

I also wish I had been able to ask Father Doctor to share why he chose to be so succinct. I'm guessing he had given a lot of thought to what he might want to say - I know when my father gave the homily occasionally in his role as deacon, he spent many hours thinking about what to say and how to say it.

I do the same when I'm about to teach a yoga class. If I have a 75 minute class, there will be a story or dharma offered for the students to hear. Many times it is just a story from my life or something I've heard or read recently that stuck with me and had an impact that goes along with yoga philosophy or some of the concepts and ideas by which I try to live my life.

Sometimes keeping it clear and simple takes a lot of work! As I write this, I'm heading into a five week period in which I will be substitute teaching a one hour hot vinyasa class for a favorite teacher of mine. An hour long class sounds long, right? But it flies, let me tell you! Especially if you want to squeeze in breath work, a dharma talk and a peak pose!

I hope I can keep to my fortune cookie's advice to get to the point and keep it clear and simple.