2003-09-13 - 1:27 a.m.

In regard to her perpetual emotional constipation, a friend recently stated that the worst part of the problem was that she has �no idea what to do about it.� You see, I don�t buy into that. I believe that the answer to the problems facing many individuals is shining as bright as the mid-day sun on a cloudless summer day. The real problem is that the light is too often obscured, or completely darkened, by layer upon layer of sediment that covers the windows from which we search for answers. In order to see the answer clearly, it is necessary that we first squeegee the windows clean. To do that effectively, we must use the powerful solvency of reason to dissolve the crusty barrier that lies between us and the answering light.

However, as is the case with my emotionally colon-blocked friend, many people (including myself) have both the squeegee and a bucket full of high-strength cleaner. All too often, we may scratch at a dirty window; perhaps even douse it in a healthy dose of solvent, however, when the light gets too bright for comfort, we reach down and throw a handful of mud on the pane and deny having seen the light.

Understanding this fundamental concept is part of the reason that I think it is my calling to become a professional window-washer, of sorts. I want to strengthen my power of reason to the extent that I can not only keep my windows squeaky-clean, but perhaps also help those whose windows are so thoroughly encrusted that they live in a state of permanent darkness.