Introduction
Chapter 1 - Atuma
Chapter 1

Mindfulness

Chapter 1 - Atuma

A boy, a man, a universal being of one unmistakable kind, falls asleep in his cozy bed to wake up in the most unconventional way. He sees black space all around him. And in this pitch blackness, he sees himself folding like an origami frog only to unfold into a flat being of an unknown kind.

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His other self lies discarded like a piece of trash, but no remorse or despair visits our dear friend. On the contrary, curiosity and expectant joy fill our hero's heart. The dreamer is ready for an adventure.

Our hero (James)

What a strange place! How is it even possible?! I am flat, but I can see all around me. Here's a chair and a window. I am obviously in some house. I hope people who live here don't mind me suddenly appearing in the middle of their... living room?

Is that a cup of cocoa? Mmm. I would love to have some. Are those cookies? They smell so good! How can I even see them? Aren't they behind me? I can certainly see them as if they were right in front of me!

How do I move? Do I walk? Do I jump? Maybe I have to think about moving, and I will be there! Wasn't there a moment similar to this in the Alice in Wonderland? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. I still want to get close to those cookies!

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As James stares in bewilderment at the sweet-smelling cookies and the cup with steamy hot cocoa, he suddenly remembers his "other self," which now looks like a crumpled piece of paper.

James

How do I know it's me? It doesn't even make any sense!

'unfamiliar voice'

Oh, yes, it does! It is the skin of the origami frog. You cannot possibly think you are the frog, can you?

James (still not seeing the owner of the voice)

Me? Frog? I'm not a prince from a fairytale. I am an ordinary boy, only...

'unfamiliar voice' (not letting James finish)

Just an ordinary boy who finds himself in quite extraordinary circumstances.

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James

Show yourself at once!

'the voice'

I think you've said you are not a prince.

James

Oh, I am sorry. Was it rude? But you must forgive my rudeness. After all, I am... well... flat!

Something sharp prickles James's eye. He rubs his eyes and feels a shape with sharp edges. As he places the shape on his forefinger to look at it, he sees a tiny pink triangle that evaporates as if it were liquid.

'the voice'

That is a flat tear. Don't cry, my dear. I am coming forward.

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A tall blonde woman appears out of thin air. She smiles and waves to the boy.

the woman (Michelle)

Hello! Greetings to you, my boy, once again! Since we've been talking for a few minutes already... Oh, it doesn't matter! My name is Michelle, and I am Atuma. I belong to a small nation... Why did I say 'small'? I am trying to remember how many of us are still in Existence.

Michelle lets out a soft, playful giggle as she says "existence". She begins to wander around the room, gazing upon each object and piece of furniture with a curious eye as if she were seeing them for the first time. For a brief moment, it appears Michelle has completely forgotten about her guest's presence. However, she soon turns her attention back to James.

Michelle (clapping her hands)

Oh, my dear, we are going to have so much fun!

Michelle's words and her extensive enthusiasm alert James. But before he gives into his natural inclination and starts worrying about all the possible dangers that may lie ahead (he remembers the witch and her cookie house or whatever else it was), our hero remembers the word Atuma, a small nation to which the woman has claimed she belongs.

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James

What's Atuma?

Michelle

I apologize. I tend to get a bit distracted. Atuma. Well...

Michelle seems to have lost focus again. She begins to pace around the room. Her eyes wander around the walls, and she suddenly stops and points at the photographs hanging on one of them.

Michelle

I used to be like you. It was a very long time ago. I traveled. Saw the world.

James frowns. His hostess seems to be evading his question.

James (thinking)

But why does it matter? She can say whatever she wants. It doesn't change the fact that I am here and that I am this new thing - a flat person who looks so...

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Before James has a chance to find a perfect word to describe his new state, Michelle starts speaking.

Michelle

You are here for a reason. You are here because you must learn something. Well? Aren't you?

James

Am I?

A sudden knock on the door startles them both. Michelle's eyes widen in surprise as she turns her gaze towards the door. James can feel his heart beating. This fact distracts him since having a heart in such a flat body seems to him, well, weird. Michelle notices the confusion on our hero's face and smiles as if guessing what he is thinking. She brings her hand to her chest.

Michelle

Yes, I know. So very strange! (to the knocker behind the door) Come on in, whoever you are!

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The door opens, revealing a bright, sunlit garden outside. While James ponders how the flat door swings forward while appearing almost the same, a tall, towering figure steps into view, casting a long shadow on the floor. The visitor's skin is translucently pale, like that of a marble statue. Michelle recognizes her guest instantly, and her face lights up with a warm smile.

Michelle

Esse! I've been expecting you!

Esse

I know! (glancing at James) Who is this boy? Your new student? Is he...

Michelle interrupts her new guest. She raises her hand and presses her forefinger against her lips, signaling for him to stop talking.

Esse

I see. I see.

Michelle

He isn't. Not a bit. Once he is done with his lessons, he may return home.

James

'He isn't' what? What do you mean? 'He isn't' what?

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With concern etched on his face, Esse glides towards James and gently places his hand on the boy's shoulder. His touch is soothing and reassuring. Looking up at Esse, our hero's gaze glimmers with newfound hope, but it quickly fades as his eyes dart toward the door. James begins to contemplate his escape, but a sudden thought makes him reconsider.

James (thinking)

It is only a dream. Nothing else but a really strange dream.

A moment later, James finds himself sitting in a chair, holding a cup of rich, creamy cocoa in one hand and a brightly decorated cookie in the other. As he lifts the cookie to his mouth and takes the first bite, time seems to slow down. Every sensation caused by this extraordinary bite registers in his mind. It draws attention to itself individually, but simultaneously, all sensations come together in one delightful culinary symphony. James becomes bewildered and overwhelmed, to the point where he starts feeling dizzy.

Michelle

Take it easy! I know everything tastes better here, but you may injure yourself. (She laughs.) I'm only kidding. Next time you take a bite, focus only on one type of sensation. For example, focus on the cookie's texture. During the second bite, focus on the cookie's smell. The third - pay attention to a particular flavor you like in this particular treat. Let's stick to the three for now.

James (thinking)

Oh, I like this game!

Challenge 1

OBJECTIVE

Participants will learn a basic mindfulness technique to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Side Note

Many mindfulness teachers encourage beginning mindfulness practice with breathing exercises, which is a great way to start! :) However, I encourage you to challenge yourself and begin with something a bit more unorthodox.

MATERIALS NEEDED

a tasty snack (you can start with pretty much anything: a piece of candy or fruit, a bowl of rice or noodles, a potato chip or cookie)
alternative option - a cup of a drink (milk, cocoa, black coffee, anything)
a quiet comfortable place to sit or stand while you are completing the challenge.

CHALLENGE 1 - STEPS

Take three deep breaths to prepare:
- Inhale deeply through the nose (count to 4).
- Exhale slowly through the mouth (count to 6).
Take a bite (or a sip) and answer these questions:
- What is the texture of this food?
- How does it feel when I place it in my mouth (what sensations do I experience)?
Smell the food item (or a drink) and answer these questions:
- How does it smell?
- Is the smell identifiable, pleasant, or unpleasant?
- Does the smell evoke any emotions?
Taste the food item (or drink) and answer:
- How does it taste?
- Do I like it?
- How can I describe it?
- Does the taste evoke any emotions?"

Side Note

The smell may seem very faint at first. You might want to smell it a few times. The scent will become "clearer" after a few attempts.

HOMEWORK

For the next 14 weeks (yes, you read it right :)), follow the Challenge 1 steps when you eat.

Remember to use the technique whenever it comes to mind.

For extra reinforcement, consider adding a task to your calendar.

Spend at least a few minutes a day utilizing the technique.

Please consider supporting the project by uploading a PDF version of the challenge to add to your binder. You can also purchase a cute notebook and Sakura Pigma Micron Pens to record your impressions.