When Something Seems Out of Reach
Can you still find some joy in the reaching?

Can you still find some joy in the reaching?

My boss with whom I’ve worked for over 20 years and who has an unfortunate tendency to get agitated (gentle understatement here) at the workplace has just discovered Thich Nhat Hanh. My boss was intrigued by Thich Nhat Hanh’s suggestion that when you find yourself getting angry, “don’t.” Knowing that he is still going to have to take action in response to the things that tick him off (and, as I would add, that not getting angry is distinct from disengaging, failing to act, or being apathetic), my boss still invited us to say to him when we see him getting worked up, “remember Thich Nhat Hanh.” I liked that. I like that he recognizes a need to change and grow and is starting to take steps after years of appearing not to be aware of the impact of his tendencies on himself and his co-workers.
One of the best ways I know to shift our reactiveness is to develop a steady meditation practice. If you don’t already have one, I invite you to begin to develop a daily meditation practice, which could include conscious breathing or visualizations. If your practice is only sporadic, notice how much better it is when your meditation is part of your daily routine.
It was not the kind of night to go across town to run an errand, but it was one that could not wait until after I cam back from vacation (picking up my passport from the company that processes visas for India). I did not really feel the need to go shopping in Georgetown and would have rather gone straight home, but the rain was getting heavier and heavier and traffic was abominable. A taxi would have been a pointless exercise in watching the meter while we barely moved.
So I checked out “Fashion’s Night Out” in the stores near the bus stop. I had a great time visiting with the DC Roller Girls, who were at the Lush store in Georgetown. When the sales people start describing the products to me–they are always very enthusiastic–I often find myself telling them that I know what I need to know about Lush; I first shopped at Lush when it was a single store in Covent Garden.
When it was evident that the rain was not going to let up, and I’d had enough of window shopping from inside, I caught the Circulator bus and enjoyed myself taking photographs. When there is little choice about going out in the rain, it is best, as my teachers remind me and the practices inspire me, to find the beauty and the delight.