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The river of life is chaos. Buddhism says all life is suffering. Learning how to join in the dance, find your own path even when things are not going as you’d hoped, is what we are here to learn. We can also share our story with others as a way to connect, heal, and enlighten. Your story is beautiful to me. I may not understand your choices, your lifestyle, your fashion, but I can see the love in you anyway. The peace is up to me.

Some days, as a cashier, I’m tired, slow, and uninspired. Most days, however, I’m tuning in to the flow of people passing before me. I bless them silently with both my inner voice and my eyes. I open to a conversation. I am also okay if they are withdrawn, uninterested, or distracted. I am happy either way.

As the 8-hour day swirls around me, my tasks vary from cashier to bagger to “clean up in the chip aisle.” There is little time for quiet or rest. When the store is busy the time flies and I’m told “Time for your ten” before I know any time has passed. I will tell you, however, the enthusiastically engaged attention is both tiring and energizing. Yesterday, for example, after a huge push of customers, I was nearing the end of my shift, and I tapped out. I gave my register to the young man who was bagging for me. “I’m out,” I said to him. He smiled and stepped into my place.

I was also listening to my own energy and body. I could find some less strenuous tasks for my last thirty minutes. Novelty is the spice of life. As I learn a new chore, I often jump to it with joy. It’s not that I want to be working at a grocery store. But, it just is. I am here. I have work to do. I am giving people nourishing food, nourishing attention, and loving kindness.

The hope I see in others,
becomes the hope I have for myself,
my life and my own journey.
– The Happy Cashier

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ALT: Botisatva’s Bookshelf | The Happy Cashier Podcast

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ai prompt: A sumi brush image of a happy cashier at a fancy grocery store, he has spikey gray hair, a beatific smile, and a black apron and purple shirt. He is smiling at you. Offering his attention. Seeking enlightenment in the moment with you.