Waiting can be a good thing, if we let it. I’ve read that when we’re waiting, we should simply be where we are, and not be anxious; that we should train ourselves to be in present time and observe the happenings around us, and not think of where we want to be, or the slowness of the line, or wanting to complain.
Recently I was uptown waiting for someone. No book or magazine in hand- nothing to dilute the moment- simply waiting and observing. A bus pulled up. People were standing inside the bus, and those who’d been at the stop got on and found a place in the bus. The bus was now crowded. But people were still waving their arms, running toward the bus, while carrying stuffed grocery bags, or heavy backpacks on their shoulders. Everyone who wanted to be on the bus was now on and off it went. As soon as it left, another bus came along; it was going in the same direction. The three passengers sitting in that bus looked quite comfortable. A mental note to self: before thinking of boarding a crowded bus, look around.
I’ve noticed lately that similar scenes happen in cafes and restaurants. A person walks into a favorite place for lunch. It looks so busy – really hopping – and s/he thinks there’s no way of getting a table. A few minutes later customers get up. leave, and suddenly there’s a choice as to where to sit. And the one wanting a table rushed out in a flash, looking for another place to have lunch. Ah, the rhythm of life. From observing and waiting a different way of doing things emerges.
“Dare yourself to “play games” with your day: watch, wait, listen; allow things to happen.” -Rolf Potts www.rolfpotts.com