Picture yourself near a stream.

Birds are softly chirping in the crisp cool mountain air.

Nothing can bother you here. No one knows this secret place.

You are in total seclusion from that place called “the world.”

The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

The water is clear.

You can easily make out the face of the person whose head you’re holding under the water.

Look. It’s the person who caused you all this stress in the first place.

What a pleasant surprise. You let them up… just for a quick breath… then ploop!…back under they go…

You allow yourself as many deep breaths as you want.

There now… feeling better?

(rec.humor.funny, 1997)