When we experience what we do not want, we get much clearer about what we DO want. If we are afraid, we can easily put out words and behaviors that are not mindful of the effect on others.  We can easily spread fear and promote folks becoming more isolated from one another. Do we want a world with more fear? NO! Let’s use any experience of unwanted to move ourselves forward more constructively and with sharper focus. Let’s  find our own balance and from there emanate calm, kindness and good will.  Below one story that inspired greater mindfulness.

Setting the Scene

Dottie shopped for groceries at one well known national chain. In this store staff enforced recently promulgated safety regulations as the highest priority.

The Incident

Checking out, D found the marks on the floor confusing to follow. She asked, “Is where I am standing ok?” The cashier informed her, “No, the rule is that you should come further forward. For today since the store is more empty, you are ok.”

The cashier positioned her basket to cash out, and then, instructed our star with her next place to stand. While waiting there she realized she wanted to request ice packs. She stepped forward to tell the staffer packing her food.

This fellow stated in a harsh tone, “You must stay in your place!” Dottie felt insulted and reacted inside as though slapped. In her mind she had taken two steps forward to communicate something time sensitive and relevant. Very angry inside, she did get her message across civilly and then fell silent and grim behind her face mask.

Reaction

As this dear woman calmed herself, she blurted out to her shopping companion, “That man is creating a world that no one wants to live in.”  She did not want to be addressed in an unnecessarily mean tone tor a legitimate request and minor movement.  She wanted to be treated with respect as a customer. In her anger she wanted to boycott this establishment.

Realization

A couple of hours passed. Then Dottie found a new clarity inspired in her. “All of our words and actions are creating the world in which we live. I want to be more mindful. I want what comes out of me to flow from balance and kindness. For myself I want to raise the bar of my awareness. Let me see if I can see with greater understanding and thoughtfulness.”

Maybe those laboring in this store feel miserable enforcing these rules, wearing their masks all day and required to enforce uncomfortable regulations.

D wants now to ground herself more strongly in calm, in affirming Well Being Abounds and in not taking anything personally. She wants to emanate a presence that soothes the folks around her. “Ok,” thought she, “I can continue to shop here. I can strengthen my focus on seeing the Good.”

What stories do you have where you gained clarity from an incident you did not prefer?

Please comment. Your sharing helps us navigate these time with more ease.

About the Author

Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. She has a gift for inspiring others to know themselves compassionately and to develop skills of empowerment. In her forty-three-year journey of self-discovery, she has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl@streamofyes.com to arrange an appointment.