Chasing Tigers, Poking Cobras - A Yoga Blog

Michael the Unicorn

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

This is the story of Michael the Unicorn.

Michael the Unicorn enjoyed sweets as much as any magical equine. On one fine day he followed his desire towards the most scrumptious of decadents – the cupcake.

The sweetness of the spongy cake topped with fluffy frosting assuaged Michael the Unicorn’s feelings of doubt, worry, and discomfort. There was nothing wrong with these feelings, they are part of every unicorn’s life, but the cushiony cloud-like insulation provided by his indulgence was a welcome change from his normal day to day.

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

After the cupcake's luscious nectar had run its course Michael the Unicorn’s heartbeat slowed, returning to its steady thump thump, the electricity coursing from tip of horn to end of tail calmed its frenetic whirling, and his comet shooting gaze resumed its starlit twinkle. The ho-hum of his very ordinary unicorn life crashed in on him. This was unacceptable. Thankfully, there were always more cupcakes and with a chomp chomp of his mother of pearl teeth the surge of lightning and glitter returned. 

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

The second time is never as good as the first.  With each subsequent frosting laden joy dainty Michael the Unicorn’s pleasure seeking arrow strayed further and further from the bull’s eye.  More and more cupcakes were needed to satiate his sparkling rainbow of dark desires.

The awareness struck him like a thunderbolt. There would never be enough cupcakes to bring him everlasting happiness. He spiraled through the void of endless space, the shining starbursts of hope winking out one by one, until the last light was extinguished. Michael the Unicorn had met his end.

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

Post-it art by @miaow_or_never

Let this be a lesson to you:  cupcakes can never bring you true happiness.  No sugary delight will travel your veins for eternity.  No obsession, no matter how intense, will solve the problems inherent in this changeable world. Turn inwards towards the effulgence that burns without fuel. Though the path may appear fraught with peril, the light will always be there. This enduring light will never disappoint you, never cause you pain. Do not fear, step bravely into the sun and open your eyes.