So many times we find ourselves at a point of waiting for someone or for an appointment, or for something to happen in our lives. It can be as simple as standing in line at the bank or sitting at the dr. office, or it can be larger such as for graduation or a wedding. Sometimes the wait is just for things to change in our lives, to have a better this or that, to achieve some pinnacle of success. And what do we do while we are waiting? How is this time or period of time used – or wasted? Is there a fervent wish to be in another place or doing a different activity?

There are those who spend the time fretting about the future, as if that is going to make it happen sooner, or the results turn out differently. And there are those who are as calm as a Buddhist Monk quietly sitting and contemplating what is around him. How could the time be spent more productively? Because as we all know, time is our only non-renewable resource, there is a certain amount given every day to each and every one of us, how we use our time is entirely up to us.
Some things that could be done while waiting are quite simple, some would require more involvement and attention. And a few of those things are thrust upon us, regardless. For instance, while sitting at a Dr. office recently, the occasion of another’s phone conversation from BOTH sides was easily shared with everyone in the room. There was nothing earth shattering in that conversation, more of an annoyance than anything. On another occasion, while standing in the bank, everyone was treated to the sounds of a game played on a cell phone by one totally engrossed patron who was oblivious to the fact that not everyone enjoyed the sounds of car crashes or electronic loser down-scale notes.

Everyone finds that there are times when waiting is inevitable. Yet, if we plan for it, there can be a profitable reward in it. One suggestion is to always have a book or an e-reader with you so that there is never down time. Another is to always have a pad of paper and a pen so that great ideas can be jotted down, snippets of a story to tell, or even just the observations of those around you. It is a matter of being aware.

Awareness is the beginning of change. What ARE the people around you doing? What DO things actually look like that you see every day? Are there details that you might have overlooked and not noticed before?

Waiting is a process, just like life, and both seem to have been easier in the past. Yet, we all have to wait at some point for some reason. There is a definite beginning (which we all can recognize), a middle (which is generally grumbled about), and an end (which is rejoiced or exalted). A process – a period of time in which one thing is accomplished or completed. Sounds like it might be life, right? Ask yourself, how are you enjoying the process of waiting? How could it be different or better?
Observe it and be aware that there will come an end.