We don’t have to wait for the big, dramatic, Life-changing moments
alone to learn our lessons. Life offers a teachable point of view in each
moment – all the time!
Yesterday I was in a long queue to clear security at the airport.
The gentleman behind me, it appeared, was in a tearing hurry. He elbowed past
me and even nudged his way ahead of the person in front of me. He did not stop
at the yellow line and landed himself in front of the security officer even as
the officer was frisking another passenger. The officer was, naturally,
irritated and told Mr.Hurry to back off and return to the yellow line. But our
man was not inclined to comply. He argued that he was tired of waiting in the
queue. An altercation followed. The security supervisor arrived and demanded
that the man step back. He physically escorted the man to the end of the mile-long
queue! While many passengers smirked, giggled or shrugged their shoulders, the
man’s sullen, grumpy look got me thinking.
Why do we hate queues? Aren’t we all in a perpetual queue__waiting
to depart, ever since we arrived on the planet?
To be honest, I used to hate queues too. In the years I was a
journalist, I would flaunt my “PRESS” identity card and get ahead of others in
public places. I have argued with many a cop or officer, like Mr.Hurry, too.
When I look back at those times, I do feel ashamed of my conduct. I have
learned that getting ahead in Life does not mean elbowing people and being
impatient. In fact, many a time, I have wondered what’s the big hurry, the
rush? Think about it. Everybody around us is running faster and faster, edging
past others, wanting to be the first one to complete the rat race. And then do
what? Many people still don’t understand that at the end of the rat race we
will still be rats! In wanting to get ahead, beat the queue, be the first to
arrive, we are missing the scenery! Life’s beauty, its magic, is not simply in
arriving at any point__it really is in enjoying the scenery too. I have, over
the years, found that queues are a great place to meditate, to drop anchor, to
go within and connect with the source. It’s the time to revisit and relearn
patience. It’s when you can reflect on the inscrutable nature of Life!
Jetsun Milarepa, the 12th Century, Tibetan Buddhist
monk has said it so beautifully – “Hasten slowly and ye shall arrive!”. It
means keep walking, keep running the rat race if you must, but enjoy the
scenery too. Stop and smell the roses. And don’t worry about finishing. For we
all must finish our pre-ordained tenure on the planet, every which way, and
finally depart. So, next time you are in queue, and are beginning to lose your
cool, breathe easy. Think of Mr.Hurry. Think of Milarepa! Enjoy the scenery!
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