(HT from Ishikawa Prefecture/Female/50s/Customer Service)
Conversation with the Store Clerk
I went shopping at a drug store the other day.
When I couldn’t find an item I wanted, I asked the store clerk who was loading products on the shelf. The clerk said “I just started working here, so I do not know …, maybe somewhere over there.”
My first thoughts were to blame the clerk thinking “What do you mean? Where is somewhere over there? The clerk should always be kind and helpful for the customer.”
Putting Myself into Other Person’s Shoes Reminded Me Generosity
I have also been in the hospitality business for many years. I suddenly remembered the first day I started working in the shop. I was so busy and overwhelmed with work, and hoped no one would ask me questions. I felt calm and generous when I remembered how I felt and I was able to feel the clerk’s tension.
I found the item just near the clerk, so when I said “I found it, thank you”, the clerk replied with a bright voice, “I’m glad.”
Reflecting on the Movement of My Kokoro….
I realized that I had such a strong expectation of how things should be and I blamed the other person and frustrated if they did not act that way or agree with me.
I was acting the same way at home. Although my family expressed their opinions, I have always insisted “No, it should be this way…”. I neither had the space in my kokoro to listen, nor did appreciate my family for telling me. My kokoro was frustrated and irritated, and far from harmonizing.
An Anchored kokoro was Achieved
I have learned from Kami’s teaching that “instantaneous movements of the kokoro determines future life.” With this awareness, I asked Kami that I want to become a person with a bigger and generous heart, and I tried to focus more on not to be consumed by other person’s words or attitude, and to give more consideration to other person’s kokoro.
Then, I was able to listen and accept the other person’s opinion like “I see, that is a different opinion, but maybe a good one too.” The atmosphere inside the home has become remarkably peaceful.
Thanks for the opportunity!
While working, some people say, “It’s a hard time right now, but I wish you the best.” On the other hand, there are some people whose words and attitudes are rough because of anxiety, but I try to let it not get to me and try to have a warm relationship with everyone.
I am grateful that I was able to get an important awareness by the conversation with the store clerk. I would like to continue polishing my personality.