Zen and the Art of Waiting

Update** I had the time wrong, I was still on double spring forward bberry time (see previous post). The time was 4:40 and Starbucks opened at 5:00. This matters only to increase the perceived desperation of those in line.

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Imagine this scene.

It's 5:40 at the Seattle Airport and Starbucks does not open until 6:00. Surrounding the s'bucks are about 50 people. Some look like they have been waiting for their heroine dealers for hours and some people have decided to be angry.

The gates just opened and a garagntuan line has formed. I want my coffee too, but I have decided to relax and watch. There is something peaceful in choosing to be calm and appreciative. Calm is not my natural state when it comes to lines, but it's nice.

The line keeps growing.

My instincts are to be stressed about not being in the line. Waiting is waiting and we can be many people while waiting. This morning I choose to be calm and content. I will get my venti soy latte soon enough. These other folks need their coffee more than I.

Lisa Haneberg www.lisahaneberg.com (Typo warning: Sent via my Blackberry)

Comments

[Rich Griffith]

I'm not a fan of lines, but when they're super long I'm more a fan of watching them than being in them, especially if it's a case like this where I'm trying really hard to not look like one of the other crack-monkeys in line for my venti-fix like I am so many other mornings lol.
And taking the time to wait, to watch the line instead of being in it... it feels decadent sometimes, luxurious to have the time to wait and not be running around like a rat in a maze.

[Lisa Haneberg]

Decadent in a groggy "I don't have my coffee yet" kind of way? Only kidding, yes, you captured my feelings exactly.