When the unexpected ... good happens!

Something unexpected happened the other day —

And I didn’t know how to react.

I was in Seattle for the first time (loved it!) & went to a healthy deli in Pike Place Market for lunch.

When it was my turn to order, I pointed to what I wanted, and a friendly employee placed it on an aluminum pan, then weighed it.

First grape leaves (yum), then vegetables, then more. He continued to add each item to the pan, making notes and weighing everything together.

But I - was getting worried.

Was he adding the weight of the new item to the full plate? Or was I going to pay a fortune for this meal at a deli?

As I pointed to more things, my mind prepared for battle. Was he subtracting the weight of past items properly? I planned a speech in my mind. My heart began to race.

When I reached the cashier, he looked at the notes on the pan. Then looked at me. Smiled. And said, “five dollars.”

I paused.

I stared at him.

There was no way all this food (I was hungry!) should cost $5.

But I was so ready for something to go wrong in their favor, I didn’t know how to respond when it went wrong in my favor.

And I realized - how easy it is to assume the worst of people. And every situation. How quick we are to prepare for battle - in our daily lives.

And yet - we are surrounded by so much kindness.

We are around people who have been through awful things the past 16 months. Who now want to have kind, easy, happy connections with friends — and with strangers too. Yes, we have all missed friendly small interactions with strangers.

What if — we assumed the best of everyone?

What if we stopped the negative story that so easily starts in our minds?

What if we — chose to live with more ease and grace?

We have that freedom in our minds. Now, more than ever — is a good time to take it.

Happy Fourth of July.

Happy freedom.

For the U.S.A. — and for our minds. This is, after all, the freedom meditation gives us.

And - if you go to Seattle anytime soon, check out the Michou Deli (yum).

With love & enjoy the weekend,
Dina

p.s. I will find a way to send a donation to them today!

p.p.s. If this resonates with you, please leave a comment and let's commiserate :).