It was Friday, Feb. 28, a day of national protest to the establishing of an oligarchic government in our country, a day to boycott non-local, non-essential businesses.
We the people were targeting corporate monopolies and greedy CEOs via their wallets. Mobilizing people power, we hoped in great enough numbers to have an impact, a voice.
Walmart was high on the “do not shop here if possible” list. And? I had some unfinished business with Walmart, getting a return completed for a defective battery recharger I bought online. I’d complied with the seller’s protocols, but they ghosted me afterwards. Observing the boycott otherwise, I went to the customer service desk at the nearest Walmart. I wound up with an apology only, an 800 number and a “good luck.”
Wanting justice, I phoned, eventually getting a live human being on the customer service line. “Ali” spoke from a very noisy call center—in Egypt. I sympathized, knowing I wouldn’t last a day there.
Ali appreciated the acknowledgement. Listening attentively to my report of failed attempts to return an item, he proceeded with a kind attitude to rescue me. He was also skilled and competent, for which I thanked him several times.
From our different worlds and generations (he’s younger, I’m older), a sweet simpatico arose. We felt it, and cautiously began to share more personally. Like he and his family being refugees from Sudan… I understood, without him saying so, his gratitude to have a job… I spoke a little about my boycott, and my worry about aging in an America with a shaky social safety net.
We were no longer two strangers, but anam cara, friends of the soul. Connecting from our hearts, we had dissolved seeming barriers. Recognizing an inherent fragility about our lives, we were exchanging worries for mutual blessing. “You’ve made my day—my week,” Ali said, appreciating my patience, understanding, empathy. I exclaimed that it was his kind considerations that had made mine.
Kindness is a simple superpower we each can cultivate. Use it mindfully anywhere, anytime. Kindness used Walmart to arrange a surprise healing across continents for Ali and for me.
Marcia Singer, MSW, CHt, is a local columnist, mindfulness coach and hypnotherapist in practice through The Love Arts Foundation in Santa Rosa. lovearts.info.
