Waiting

Waiting is an interesting exercise. I have spent a lot of time in the last five to six weeks doing a lot of waiting - in hospitals, doctors' surgeries, clinics, hairdressing salons and other places.

I think that most of us are waiting for something. Wealth, health, happiness, a soul mate, the bus.

Watching others who wait, I have noted at least two types of 'waiters'.

1. The 'hurry up and get this over with, I've got better things to do' waiter

This individual exhibits frequent glances at a watch or clock, accompanied by deep sighs. If they choose to pick up a magazine, it is discarded within seconds and another selected - only to be discarded for yet another. There is a constant search for distraction, for time to PASS, for the waiting to be OVER. However, at no time does this individual make eye contact or attempt to speak with fellow waiters - the waiting is THEIR special waiting, the frustration is THEIR special frustration.

2. The 'OK, I'm here, and I have some waiting to do, so I might as well do something with this time' waiter

This individual will read a copy of 'Woman's Day' from cover to cover, noting down, in a handy little notebook, knitting patterns, recipes and websites that look interesting. They will make frequent eye contact with fellow waiters, and will - at the drop of a hint of a smile - initiate a conversation. If that's not forthcoming, and they've read all the magazines, these waiters are able to shift into a sort of meditation - eyes wide open and ears alert for their name to be called - on waiting. There is a stillness about them - and you just KNOW that they're not thinking about where they have to be next, or what's for dinner, or whether or not they're missing phone calls while they're away from home. These people KNOW how to wait!

I think I fall somewhere in between, although I do believe I am becoming (perhaps only through practice) more of a 'Number 2'. I hope so.