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Hear the discussion of this chapter free on YouTube: Spirit Mind & Body
At the low-wage retail job it’s your mind and body that take the initial hit. The spiritual hit comes later. First, I was ashamed at my return to the cashier life. Today, I’m okay with it. I’m still working hard to apply for remote executive positions, but that market is ridiculously competitive. I’m assuming those roles are going to the 30-and 40-somethings.
It’s the spiritual aspect that I’ve become more aligned with over the last 120 days. If I were able to make enough money to cover basic bills, this would not be so bad. Working this hard to still come up short every month, that’s hard. Again, I can get as mindful as I want, and still have to dip into savings to pay my electric bill.
As the other job interviews fail, I resign myself, I accept my position, I lean into the role. Yes, I’m writing a book, so that’s good. This perspective keeps my head in the right place as well as my ambition. I’m here, but I’m here for me. I have a purpose beyond my $16 an hour wage.
Spirit – I am serving others, connecting with my own exhaustion and rejuvenating with inner joy and loving kindness mantras. Mind – I play with my thoughts, make up games, work on poems and songs, imagine a new post for this narrative. My mind is active and motivated. Body – I am paying even more attention to my physical experience. My tired feet, my sore back, my eight and a half hour shift. I am tired. My body deserves attention and care.
I’m learning to eat better all the time. And during the course of my shift, I check-in with my energy both mentally and physically, and I make adjustments. A health shot here, an almond protein energy drink there, five minutes of silence with my eye closed during my two ten minute breaks. I pay attention to my experience of the work. I adjust for altitude and attitude.
I think the last element I am learning to cultivate is love. I love every customer from my role. Even the angry and distracted ones. I bless them the same. Everyone is struggling with their own issues. I’m going to lighten the burden of our experience together as much as I can.
I will mirror my customer. Quiet and distracted: I just do my work and present the bill. Angry and entitled: I temper my own joy and openness and respond with action items only. Open and conscious: “ah, let’s have a conversation.” It is very simple.
In this way I move with the river of life rather than swim against it. Whereever you are, I will meet you there. I’ll use my own inner voice to adjust my energy and focus.
“Would you like a copy of your receipt?” I ask.
This morning, I’ll keep my stories to myself.
[Listen to the Deep Dive explore the concepts of The Happy Cashier.]
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
RESOURCE: Roadmap for Retail Workers from the Happy Cashier
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