My husband and I own a small retail/service store in town called The Zen Garden. It is a place of wellness, focused on helping others find healing for the body, mind and soul. Over the last year of ownership we have poured our time, money, and during the renovations, blood, sweat and tears into this place. Like any small business it is truly a labour of love.
Well, at about 4 a.m. today, The Zen Garden was broken into - the door kicked in and the money from the till stolen. When we received the phone call from the RCMP there were many thoughts and emotions that went through my mind. The dominant one was "gratitude."
I know that only a couple of years ago I would have been angry, upset, railing at the unjust nature of the world. But now, I find myself grateful.
In this situation it seems like an odd emotion ... let me explain. I am grateful that nobody was hurt, that the security was there within minutes. I am grateful the RCMP, Majestic Management, and Regional Security were so helpful in dealing with the situation.
I am grateful that this happened at a time when I could see that even amidst great challenges, when somebody has truly opened up to the possibility of a different way of seeing, then the counter-productive emotions become unnecessary.
I only ask that those who felt the need to smash through the door, to steal what was not theirs, understand that although this action cannot be condoned they are forgiven. And say thank you to all who have helped.
Kareen Pelletier
owner/manager
The Zen Garden
