Wait, we have JOBS to do? (Retreating into Silence, post 2 of 10)

After dinner, we went over the schedule and some housekeeping items. “So in this communal living environment, we’ll need volunteers to help out with some tasks.” I sensed heads nodding, likely by the meditation retreat veterans of the group. Okay…. I’m all in, I’ll get with this program.

“First, we need someone to keep an eye on the hot water level for making tea, especially in the evening. Fill it up with fresh water when it gets low.” A hand went up immediately. Job opening #1, filled.

I started to wonder what other kinds of jobs needed to be done. We were, after all, on a farm. There was probably no shortage of labor needed. I knew I didn’t want to get stuck cleaning toilets or something like that, so decided that I’d better get on board for the next task that sounded like something I could manage.

“Next, we need someone to ring the wake-up bell at 6AM each day.”

That’s easy - I rise early, I can do that. No problem. I take it, feeling smug that I’d grabbed such an easy chore.

“OK, I think that’s it for volunteers needed for now. Thank you both!”

Well, that’s karma for thinking selfish thoughts about not getting stuck the bad chores, right? But anyway, ringing the bell sounded fun, and nothing could go wrong with such an easy task, right?

I would soon find out.