Anticipation Day

We have conducted over 10,000 simulations, with results that speak for themselves, as I will discuss shortly.

But before I do this, I have a simple request for each member of the Committee: please indulge me for a moment.” Joshua paused for a second before continuing.

“Close your eyes and try to tune out any noise in this room. I promise I won’t pelt you with anything, but I can’t vouch for other folks here.” Laughter broke out in the room as Joshua grinned at the line he had incorporated the previous night.

After exchanging brief glances, the Committee members smiled and eventually closed their eyes, relaxing.

“Thank you for indulging me. Now with your eyes closed, take a few deep breaths, relax and calm yourself.”

He waited a moment. “I hope everyone is there. Now, I want you to picture a place. It could be a town, a city, a house, a beach, a lake, a national park you’ve been to, or any other place that lives in your mind’s eye. This place doesn’t necessarily need to hold special meaning for you, but it should bring you some level of peace and happiness. Have you found your place?

Now that you’ve found your place, pick a year. Any year—it doesn’t matter. It can be this year, or you can go back millions of years, even to the time of the dinosaurs. Okay? Have your year?”

The room was mostly silent.

“Good. Now, picture yourself in this time and place and think about what you see: Are there people? What are they wearing? Do people even exist yet? Is this a natural setting? What surrounds you? Trees, oceans, mountains, forests? Are there animals? If so, what are they doing? Take a moment to truly see and feel this place.”

Joshua glanced up at the Senators, who appeared deep in thought and, importantly, calm.

“Think about what you can hear. If people are nearby, are they talking? What are they talking about? Are there cars or other vehicles? Are there natural sounds, like the wind, rain, or animals? Take a moment to imagine the sounds in this place.

Now, think about what you can smell. Are there people who smell? What do they smell like? Are the smells pleasant? Foul? A mix of both? Are there smells from cars, trucks, or other man-made objects? If you’re outside, what do you smell from the natural world around you? Perhaps the salty air near the ocean or the sweet, fruity, or musky fragrance of flowers. Take your time to breathe in the various scents of your chosen place.”

Joshua paused for effect.

“Next, think about what you can touch. Are you indoors, where you can feel objects like tables or chairs? Are you in a city with cars or buildings that you can touch? Or are you outside in the wilderness, able to touch trees, water, or grass? Can you feel a person’s skin? Think about what and who you can touch in this place.

Finally, think about what you can taste. Think about the local cuisine, if there is one. Is it something you have eaten before? What is the texture of the food and the drinks? Imagine those flavors on your tongue. I sense some of you are hungry; I can hear your stomachs growling.”

A few chuckles arose from the crowd. Joshua quieted his voice.