Cup of Perception

“Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden."― Phaedrus


I'm traveling around to some new places. It takes me a moment to ground in - to breathe in the vibe. One of those is the Dog Patch of San Francisco; it's actually pretty sweet when you take the time to check out the nooks and crannies. 

I told my host, a sweet yogini, that I had taken to local coffee shops as a ritual to wander the neighborhoods and connect with community.

"Oh, we have a Philz."
 
"No? You have a Philz," I sigh relieved as my GPS had told me I would be hiking for miles under freeways to find anything.

"Yes, totally top secret - just down that alley."
 
"I just learned about the one in Santa Monica. Everything is so new and "secret" here."

"Yes," she laughs. "Go there you will love it."

 I had woken up a little disoriented just feeling in to what the next three months of travel and unknown would bring. This little coffee shop seemed like a good sign: Something known.

I walk past a patch of green, down the industrial alleyway and find the huge, bright new Philz: easy. The door had a lock and a keypad - no go. I walk past the windows where two employees have their heads tucked down. Probably not open yet, I thought. 
 
I walk on - but stop to check my phone. It was 8:28am on a Sunday - of course they are open. And then a man walks towards me  - smiling  - with two coffees in his hand from Philz.

I feel like an idiot: Maybe the entrance was around the corner? Maybe there was a universal cool San Francisco code? Maybe I had not tried hard enough? I sashay back to the door. 

Punch a few buttons: nothing.
Gently turn the handle: nothing.
Yank the handle: nothing.
Walk up to the corner: nothing.
Try the door again with a calmer breathing rate: nothing.

Gah. A little fixated, completely humiliated for not getting such a simple thing, I defeatedly do something I never do, the unthinkable: I ask for help.

I stand stupidly at the window while shrugging my shoulders and motioning towards the door at the employee who has caught my eye. At first, I was proud that I had asked - but then I see the guy's body language: completely frustrated. He saunters across the large coffeehouse, opens the previously locked door, steeling a smile and says: "I can help you."

Confused, I blurt: "Oh?"

"Sure."

"Are you open?"

"No."

"Oh. What time  do you open?"

"Tuesday."

"Tuesday?"

I began to shrink in embarrassment, and the guy begins to soften seizing up the moment. Simultaneously we both speak: 
"I am visiting and had no idea --"

"Totally come in, I can help you."

As we walk in, I explain hesitantly, "I thought you were closed. Then I thought I was an idiot," I continue to over explain, "when I see another other guy with coffee....."

He giggles,  "Oh my god don't worry about it. Are you really from Hawaii?"

"I live there yes, and I had just found the Philz in Santa Monica. And loved it + got really excited when I heard about this one. My friend said it was secret, but didn't say you weren't open."

"It is totally cool. I am glad you found us. What would you like this morning?"

I look up: "Whatever is the easiest you are totally helping me out."

"They are all the easiest, but I am gonna make you something good. We actually have our grand opening in 2 days and are only responding to people that are like, "Hey can I like come in?"

"Like me."

---

"No, you're fine totally. You have to come back for opening party on Tuesday though," he invites.

"I fly out Monday. Thanks though."

"Well then you were SUPPOSED to be here today."

I smile and look for a lid.

"Wait, try it first and make sure it is perfect."

It didn't matter, I am already warmed by his kindness, but I sip anyway. "Perfect."

I reach for my purse. He shakes his head, "This is totally on me today. Come back when you come back to visit San Francisco."





I well up, just for a moment. Not the real tear kind, just the watery shock of  unexpected kindness. It seems I am more braced for anger than kindness in a seemingly rushed and scared world. "You just changed my day," I smile, walking slowly.

"Enjoy your visit," he calls after me.

Seriously people, just be nice.

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