passing it on

after reaggravating my wrist sprain yesterday

as well as observing the other hard workers

straining backs overworking the last couple weeks

something needed to happen

so i prayed last night

meditated and watched my dreams

they offered no indication

of desert or ocean setting

but provided some nice hugs

from my anima

so i began the talk with boss man

and ultimately agreed to stay

through the holiday season

and support one more push

for meeting some mutual needs

at the store

in exchange for his support

transferring wherever i like

if on january first i still wish to leave

plus increased safety prioritization

and perhaps a greater influence

generally in the store while i am there

this result meets a need for clarity

now may my empathy practice be strong

for the main work looks to be

to model to the big bosses

how mutual attention to one another's needs

not further criticism

is the key to transformation

-----

the most joyful moment of the day

illustrating exactly this

came in the midst of massive grouchiness

pre-boss

whereupon for no good reason

i felt near-absolute derision hearing

another mom baby-talking to her child

perhaps the most annoying phrase ever invented

variations of which are heard nearly every day at TJs

it's yummy for your tummy!

i don't know how long i was processing this funk

but observed i was still triggered a bit later

while stocking

near to a mom and child online at the register

who had at least been in the vicinity of such a conversation

and thinking to myself

in the first throes of some empathy attempts

probably good i didn't have kids

at least retail settings offer some safe spaces for

this mommy-vibe I admittedly don't get

and at least they probably don't notice me

all of which was interrupted by a loud

and sweetly intoned

hi!!

at which point i looked up to see

the joy-filled face of the two-year old boy

beaming from his shopping cart perch

gazing at me with full intention

a radiant smile

serene

and who in that moment

was not at all two

but simply a soul of indeterminate age

responding to another soul

as if to offer something like

may i take this moment to remind you this seeming reality is but another illusion...

at which point something inside me relaxed

and i returned an authentic smile

of amused gratitude

a hello and an offer of help out

politely declined by mom

not unaware of her son's generosity of spirit

leaving me to bless them silently on their way

and marvel on the miraculousness

of this simplest of

exchanges