Let it Be

Have you ever noticed how long it takes for a kettle to boil while you are standing beside it? Does it seem terribly long to you?

When we're waiting in line for the microwave in the Staffroom, does the time seem to go especially slowly, while someone else's lunch is heating up?

Why do holidays go so fast, but the day at our desk go so slowly?

Everything is relative!

We plan, and shop and prepare a meal for what seems like ages, and then POOF! our family gobbles it down at warp speed. Airplane rides can take an eternity, but your Corona/Margarita/Wine disappear instantly. (A bad sign, best left for a later story.)

Every minute has but 60 seconds, how we spend them, is up to us.

We can tap our foot to make time pass, or "Be" in the moment and let the next one happen on its own.

Recharge by turning off the clock/music/iPod/iPad/Playbook or TV. You will hear the most incredible things.

The Guest House - Rumi

and one of my most favourites....
 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.






Rumi

Be afraid, be really afraid

It is hard to be zen-like through our day.

We are in a culture that has been enlightened about the harm caused to our environment by plastic bags. The other day, I carried my own fabric bag to a retail store and made some purchases. Then I stood there, waiting. The young female behind the cash, stood there waiting too.

I asked her in a calm manner, "When a customer brings their own bag, do they no longer get their purchases packed?" She stared back. "Just a question", I said. (Of course at the back of my mind I'm thinking to myself, haven't I just saved this store the cost of their bag. Should I not expect some service?) "Just a question" I repeated, waiting to see if perhaps her response would indicate that it was store policy not to touch a customer's personal property.

But her words flabbergasted me, "You could have asked" she said. WHAT? Since when do I have to request customer service? I am annoyed that service has deteriorated to this point. It seems that the customer is NOT always right.

Don't go to a store with your own bag and expect to be served, you too might be disappointed. I am beginning to understand why people joyously shop on their computers at midnight.

When I shared this unhappy interaction with a colleague, she told me of one of her latest experience. She asked an employee at a local grocery store where she could find a certain product. His answer was "I don't know, I only work here." No, he was not trying to be amusing.

Sometimes, I don't think even Rumi could help me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumi