At times recently I have been struggling with trying to live with my understanding of Buddhist thought/ethics/practice and those in Western society who may view those ideals as weakness.
For a most recent example, I was waiting in line to buy cheese at the deli counter. It was obvious, at least to me, that there was a line and that I was next in it. When a worker was available and stated "who is next" another person said they were, when I corrected them they proceeded with their order as though I was not even there. Anger welled up along with some other emotions but I recognized them for what they were, wished that person had been more respectfully but was able to calm myself by thinking that I can not expect everyone to live by my philosophy and waited until another clerk was available.
As I continued my journey through the supermarket though I could not let the feeling that I should have been more aggressive, should have stood up for myself more, and do have the right to expect that people in society will abide by some sore of societal norms and not everyone can be all about themselves. How do others who may have more experience or more time on the cushion than I deal with these sorts of things (stolen parking spots, line cutters, rudeness, etc.)?
Now obviously I could just move on and forget this occurred and be just as happy tomorrow as if I spend anymore time thinking about it. However it has brought up many feelings of how I can or should behave as a Buddhist while trying to continue being a supervisor of mostly type A personalities, a father of three young children, and a husband/son/friend. My work group is about 48 people who are constantly looking and probing for any perceived weakness for them to take advantage of. My kids, like many kids, will take as much as they can get away with and push right up to (or sometimes over) the edge.
I greatly appreciate any insights you can provide and look forward to any discussion this post may generate.
Sat today.
For a most recent example, I was waiting in line to buy cheese at the deli counter. It was obvious, at least to me, that there was a line and that I was next in it. When a worker was available and stated "who is next" another person said they were, when I corrected them they proceeded with their order as though I was not even there. Anger welled up along with some other emotions but I recognized them for what they were, wished that person had been more respectfully but was able to calm myself by thinking that I can not expect everyone to live by my philosophy and waited until another clerk was available.
As I continued my journey through the supermarket though I could not let the feeling that I should have been more aggressive, should have stood up for myself more, and do have the right to expect that people in society will abide by some sore of societal norms and not everyone can be all about themselves. How do others who may have more experience or more time on the cushion than I deal with these sorts of things (stolen parking spots, line cutters, rudeness, etc.)?
Now obviously I could just move on and forget this occurred and be just as happy tomorrow as if I spend anymore time thinking about it. However it has brought up many feelings of how I can or should behave as a Buddhist while trying to continue being a supervisor of mostly type A personalities, a father of three young children, and a husband/son/friend. My work group is about 48 people who are constantly looking and probing for any perceived weakness for them to take advantage of. My kids, like many kids, will take as much as they can get away with and push right up to (or sometimes over) the edge.
I greatly appreciate any insights you can provide and look forward to any discussion this post may generate.
Sat today.
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