What the wait! | Life Series

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Happy Friendship day!

Read time: About a min

We had a 90-minute wait at our favourite Sushi place last week.

It’s a popular place, and ever since the restriction has been eased, the wait seems unreasonable. 

That’s when, just like everyone, I took to our default habit – mobile surfing.

A dear friend sent me an article on mindfulness. I have read a lot about mindfulness, so I wasn’t expecting anything new. But, to my surprise, the topic, very timely was on waiting. It felt perfect for the occasion.

Here’s an excerpt from the article.

Wait without waiting — Standing in line at a grocery store or a restaurant, or waiting for the time to eat, we don’t need to waste our time. We don’t need to “wait” for one second. Instead, we can enjoy breathing in and out for our nourishment and healing. We can use that time to notice that we will soon be able to have food, and we can be happy and grateful during that time. Instead of waiting, we can generate joy.

Eating and smiling — Sitting at the table and eating with other people is a chance to offer an authentic smile of friendship and understanding. The most important part of the practice is to look at each person and smile. Upon finishing your meal, take a few moments to notice that you have finished, that your bowl is now empty, and your hunger is satisfied. This is another opportunity to smile and be grateful that you have had this nourishing food to eat, supporting you on the path of love and understanding.

You can read the full article at Mindful Essentials by Thich Nhat Hanh.

We all know these great practices, but it is good to be reminded from time to time. And, when those reminders come from a dear friend, it just makes you value the friendship even more.

Until next week.