Jury Duty

You've caught me here in the jury room of the LA County Superior Court.  I called in, as per instructions, to report for service on Monday and Tuesday, but received recorded information that I was not needed.  I was beginning to be hopeful that I'd be spared this time around.  Alas, no.  I called in yesterday, and was instructed to show up at 7:30 this morning.  So here I am.  Just sat through an hour of welcome and explanations, and now sit waiting to find out if I will be called.  

Like most people I know, I have the basic instinct to flee.  Still, though, I have concluded that I'll serve others--and myself--a whole lot better if I get past the resistance and allow what happens to happen.  I've been in this country now for a good number of years, and this is only my second jury summons in all those years, so I can think of it as a way of giving back as a good citizen.  The worst part, thus far, is the boredom of hearing instructions repeated several times over and making sure the forms are filled out properly.  Perhaps, if I end up being selected, it will turn out to be more interesting the the waiting...

It's all a good teaching anyway.  I missed my meditation this morning, but have ample opportunity, even here, to breathe, watch the resistance, watch the impatience, watch all those other feelings that arise... and breathe again.