I had the most peaceful morning today... what do you picture when I say that? Maybe me sitting lotus-style in an all-white meditation room, or walking through some nature-y place with chirping birds and sunshine peeking through the leaves....
Nah, it was a trip to the local City Hall to sort out the water bill and then a stop at Costco to fill up my car with gas.
Not what you'd think of as peaceful, but this morning, I chose to make it that way.
I had to visit the City Hall because my boyfriend and I just purchased the condo we were renting and to change over the water bill, you have to physically get your ass to the tiny municipal building. No online system, no phone appointments. Sure, that could have been annoying, but as I drove over to the City Hall, I kept thinking "How great that this is only 5 minutes away." "What an adorable old building... reminds me of Parks and Rec." "Wow, it's so quiet in here at 9am, I'm pretty lucky to be able to come during off-hours."
It sounds Pollyanna, but it fuckin' worked. It turned an annoying chore into a delightful experience.
On the way home, I stopped to get gas at Costco, where the prices are cheap and the lines are always long. Of course, I chose the slowest queue and watched as the guy who came in after me got his gas at the next line over and left before I had even reached the pump.
My first reaction was annoyance... like he had "won" somehow by getting in and out of there faster. I started scrolling like a madwoman through my phone, looking for something to distract me for a few minutes.
But then I remembered something - I've been wanting to meditate more often and what better time than in line at the Costco Gas Station? Seriously.... no cushion, incense, or tiny brass bell needed. I relaxed into my car seat, took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt my breath moving in and out of my body. I heard the cars swishing by on the road next to me and the airplanes flying overhead.
After a few breaths, I opened my eyes and it was my turn at the pump. I got my gas quickly and efficiently, and I felt grateful that my body and mind could coordinate in their extraordinary way to do that.
And I drove home feeling fuckin' fantastic.