The Concept of Waiting

Waiting is a mind-made concept that describes a state of being; one of disgruntlement and dissatisfaction with what is so, or what the mind believes to be an accurate description of what is so. The mind is focused on what is absent, instead of what is present.

The concept of waiting is drummed into us from an early age. We wait for a friend. Wait in line. Wait for our order. Wait for the bus. Wait for the right time. Can’t wait for the weekend. Can’t wait to see someone.

But, what are we really waiting for? The feeling of peace, joy, wonder, freedom and love, that we think a circumstance will provide. We can cease waiting and access these states now by noticing what a moment has to offer us. And what it has to offer us is always the same thing; the opportunity to be the grandest expression of love and joy that we can be in that moment, which presents itself as wild array of things, depending on the moment.

Let’s say….

You’re standing in line at the supermarket waiting to be served. As you stand there, you can peer at the cashier, silently willing for her to move more quickly, or wonder why the supermarket management hasn’t planned it’s staffing more effectively. Or, you can contribute towards creating a joyful experience for yourself and others. You can smile at the cashier, send loving energy to the items on the conveyer belt, or say hello to the person behind you. You might notice they have only one item, and offer them the opportunity to go in front of you. You can also note to experiment with going shopping earlier in the day when lines might be shorter.

There is always the option available to us to engage with life with loving, joyful action. And when we do, the concept of waiting disappears.