Talk:Private Thoughts

This story is nothing short of a work of art. And it's a breath of fresh air when we read stories that take some of the practical aspects of the transformation into consideration. I loved every line of this story, though I do have some questions. I was confused a little by the ending, when did she decide to exist to exist, and what did the rearranging of the rock garden say so?

-- Matthew Lenz 2008 2nd 03

Her decision to simply exist in the moment was the only way she could find to cope with her situation without going nuts (though as she herself indicates to the other exhibits, it may well be that this coping method is itself "going nuts" in a way). She rearranged the rocks into a Zen rock garden as a way of symbolizing this decision; Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism notable for its emphasis on mindful acceptance of the present moment, spontaneous action, and letting go of self-conscious, judgmental thinking. It has the added benefit of being water-themed and Asian, fitting in well with the Japanese goldfish-girl. Bryan 16:49, 2 March 2008 (EST)