“I can’t shut my mind off.”
The cashier in the dining hall, at a university where I am attending a two week workshop, was talking to her co-worker.
I joined in with, “I love to shut my mind off.” as she swiped my card for entry.

“You can shut off your mind?” she asked me in earnest, then added,”My mind never stops even when I’m in bed. I start thinking of this and that. I can’t shut it off. I’m going to get high blood pressure. It’s no good.”
“Have you tried meditation or yoga?” I asked.
“Yeah, that’s what I friend of mine told me.”

I went to get my food and initially thought,”Working as a cashier is stressful? But she has no work to take home.” As an educator for decades with nightly lessons to prepare and papers to grade I assumed any job without take-home work was a breeze. But I came to my senses. There are always bills to pay, family responsibilities, and so much more.

The next meal I saw her and gently chiding her said. ” So, did you try meditating or yoga yet?”
“No, not yet.”
“Well I might pester you until you do.” I added.
We both smiled.

But I didn’t pester her. I just said hello each time I dined, and asked how she was doing. “I can’t complain.” was her reply

Leaving the dining area one day, I hadn’t seen her.

“Have a wonderful afternoon, beautiful.” I turned around and there she was darting out then darting back into the dining room.

A police officer who was walking a few steps ahead of me turned and said, “Thank you.”
I couldn’t resist going back in and jokingly ask. “Were you calling that hunky guy beautiful or me?”

“What hunky guy? Where?” her colleagues excitedly chimed in.
“No, I was saying it to you.” she responded.

The barrier as strangers dissolved in our laughter.