Spirit Asks That We Learn to Lengthen Our Fuse

Patience is a virtue that when tended to, grows a little each day — story 3

In small islands like mine, it is easy to ‘give a lift’ — meaning to stop for someone you know who might be by the side of the road waiting on a bus to take them somewhere. There are occasions when you are in a hurry but on seeing the person, especially when the sun is pelting hot, you slow down to offer them a ride to their destination all the while hoping that it does not take you too far from yours.

There are good passengers and those who somehow feel entitled and would demand that you put them off exactly — right in front, one step from the entrance of their desired location.

When in a rush, you are left sitting behind the wheel, looking at the time and the traffic, realizing that just by satisfying their wish, you were going to be twenty minutes late for your own appointment.

I’m sure every driver can relate and I sense the simultaneous furrowing of brows as you pause to recall your own recent experience with that person — it might even be a family member.

This morning was my turn. My fuse was already short since I missed my early morning meditation session, so when the passenger I was giving a lift insisted on being let out right in front of her workplace, on a morning when I was already short on time, I looked at her and said in a slightly exasperated voice, “can’t you take it here?”

To my consternation, she shook her head no and replied, “but it’s just there, just drive up a little bit more.”

I had no choice. I could not very well open the door and push her out so I gritted my teeth and drove up to her preferred let-off spot. She got out, smiled, and thanked me. I was piqued but said you’re welcome and quickly sped off.

As I drove, I asked myself the question why was I so annoyed? Did I feel taken advantage of? Was it that I felt the passenger was being particularly unreasonable? What happened to zen me?

By the time I pulled up to my office building I knew why. I had gotten knocked off-balanced by such a seemingly simple act and it was because I did not start my morning right.

Meditation lengthens the fuse. It helps to maintain a calmness that, if we are lucky, carries us through the day. Little things are no bother and big things are little bother.

Whenever you are confronted with that passenger in your life, a lengthened fuse, grown through quiet meditation can be your salvation.

I. Trudie Palmer One Love

See others stories in the Spirit Asks That series here:-