Work has been so hectic lately that it feels as if I have no time to do anything but.
I know that that’s not really the case though. I still cook, journal, and keep the house clean. I could easily skip these activities in favor of more time-efficient options, like DoorDash-ing and doomscrolling, but I still have the time (and the privilege!) to choose the more inconvenient path instead.
Every time I find myself complaining about being swamped with work, I just try to remind myself of the small bubbles of time I spent not working.
Last Sunday, for instance, while some of my coworkers were busy working – I received several emails – I visited a Buddhist temple for the first time. Instead of a priest, the temple had a master. The temple-goers called him Sifu, which reminded me of the mentor figure in Magic Kingdom and Magic Temple.
Sifu – the one in the temple, not the movies – was bald. He wore a grey, floor length robe. Most of the temple-goers also wore robes. I learned that the people who wore robes have made a vow to never kill, commit adultery, steal, lie, and drink alcohol.
The temple itself was a nondescript two-storey building located on a street lined with aging commercial establishments whose exteriors were in need of fresh paint. Inside, the worship area was a medium-sized room with Buddha statues surrounded by a mix of fresh and fake flowers. Around 50 meditation cushions were arranged neatly across the floor. There was a row of plastic chairs in the back for older people whose bones were too fragile to kneel and sit criss-cross-applesauce-style. There was neither a pulpit nor a stage.
During the two-hour service, the temple-goers chanted prayers, meditated, and listened to Sifu’s words. Sifu had three translators, one of whom spoke English so people like myself could follow along.
After the service, everybody headed to the dining area. It was a much bigger room with rows of long tables. The people manning the trays of food and fruit scooped heaps of various vegetarian dishes onto our plates. Several folks tried to talk to me during lunch, but I obviously did not speak their language. I got a lot of surprised smiles and “You look Chinese!” comments. I was so full when I got home.
That was Sunday.
Monday and Tuesday were regular work days. I had so much to do, so I left the office later than normal. The trains were no longer crowded and the daylight was as scanty as it was when I left for work in the morning.
Today, Wednesday, is a federal holiday. I still worked on my laptop for a little bit. I also vacuumed the floors, cooked meals, watched Smosh Games videos, and wrote this thing (which took me 2.5 hours; I timed myself).
Another busy day awaits me at work tomorrow, but it’s fine. It’s good. I am used to adding more links to the ever-lengthening chain of corporate servitude tied around my ankles. The bills ain’t paying themselves.
Anyway, I hope you folks are doing well and taking care of yourselves. Have a great rest of your week!
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