A Mindful Shutdown

Parts of the Federal government shut down yesterday (Oct 1, 2013) due to the failure of Congress to pass an appropriations measure. I knew this was a likely event, and also knew it was outside my control.

I began the day as any Tuesday. I got up before 5am, did a routine involving several types of little balls to wake up my hands and feet, and meditated for 20 minutes before walking to the Metro for a ride on the Red Line to Dupont Circle for a 7am yoga class.

After that pleasant start to the day, I arrived at work to conduct the "orderly shutdown" process. This entailed making sure all employees time and attendance was recorded for the last pay check until the government reopens, answering a variety questions from staff, and putting "sorry, we're closed due to budget insanity" messages on email and voicemail.

A little before noon I called Pam, who is also furloughed, and we arranged to meet for lunch in downtown Silver Spring. It was a nice day to eat outside, around 80 degrees and sunny. Afterwards, we went home to really begin to live the shutdown.

I felt an undercurrent of uncertainty - a longer term concern about how long this will last - and the more immediate question of "now, what do I do?"

I noticed the blue light on the dishwasher was on, so I unloaded the clean dishes. Then, I refilled the nearly empty container we use for dry cat food from the big bag in the pantry. After that, I sorted a small stack of mail.

OK.

I intend to take advantage of this time to be mindful, to be attentive to what I experience and to what I truly want. When this is over, I want to look back and know that it was a good thing for me.