The last thing the clerk at the post office said was, “I wonder what that was about!?”
She was referring to the past half hour waiting on me where she tried to process my first of four packages (five minutes), reboot her computer (10 minutes), ticket my packages on a very slow computer (10 minutes), and rectify a charge for a money order which she had no idea how it got there (five minutes).
Luckily (I thought), I was wearing a COVID mask so she couldn’t see the expression of frustration on my face. It didn’t occur to me to be with my Inner Resources until her closing comment, which was a perfect invitation to draw a card or two when I got home to see what Inner Resource would have supported my well-being and, in that situation, what Inner Resource I could have been with to hold space (stay present and compassionate) for both of us.
I knew Inner Resource ACCEPTANCE (This is how it is sometimes) was important, so I pulled that one first. Then, I shuffled the deck and asked for a random pick that would have been a way to hold space for this clerk. No surprise, I drew LOVE!
Looking back, I realized there was an incredible gift in this very frustrating situation. As I replayed it in my mind, it felt very different standing at the counter and holding space for the clerk with my Inner Resources ACCEPTANCE and LOVE. I imagined what I might have said or even how I might have stood differently knowing “With LOVE my heart is full, open, strong, and clear.”
My “ah ha” moment was realizing there is power and possibility in being with my Inner Resources to hold space for another person. Although I can’t turn back the clock, I realized I can choose to act differently in future situations that may be similar, by being with my Inner Resources; and so, I did.
P.S. A few weeks later I returned to the post office where I observed a similar situation for a long line of customers who had nothing to say when greeted by the same clerk with, “I apologize for your wait.” My experience was very different this time as I stood in line holding space for myself and the clerk with my Inner Resources. So, my reply after the clerk’s apology (delivered with kindness and compassion) was, “Thanks for your help.” The clerk’s parting words this time were, “Thank you beautiful.”
Great so relatable story, Jackie. How much we all need this now both the giving and receiving of the action of gratitude. There is a gift in giving it and in receiving what, if anything, the other offers in return. Perhaps when the other can not or does not respond is a perfect practice for holding the space for them and between giver and receiver. I’m imagining how your experience changed the energy for others in the room. It ripples out, doesn’t it.