I’m probably the only one on the planet who reacts to a jury summons with a tiny bit of excitement. All the experiences I’ve had so far in my life, whether getting on cases or not, were far from painful. The times I was actually on a jury were quite fascinating and I loved being a part of it. Mostly, I loved witnessing the group dynamic of the jury group. By the end of the day, the group is bounded by a common experience and it almost seems weird to say goodbye.
The last time I made it to a courtroom, there was this guy who was hell bent on getting out of it. Any chance he got, he told the judge how important he was and how he couldn’t be away from his job. Maybe that’s not what he said outright, but he certainly gave the impression that he was a hell of a lot more important than any of the rest of us. It was pathetic and no one was impressed. In fact, the final jury group (him not included) made fun of him the entire day. It is so interesting to see what resistance looks like on the outside. Someone as resistant as that guy must have such a painful existence; their pain is so external. You can see it just seeping out of them, and you have to wonder: wouldn’t it be easier just to let it go? You’re here. You knew you were going to have to be here for several weeks now. How about just bringing a good book and enjoying where you’re at? Enjoy the process. Let yourself be open to the experience. It’s actually quite interesting.
I know, easier said than done. I’ve certainly been in traffic jams when I was in a hurry and that sort of “just let go” crap wasn’t spewing from my mouth when I got behind a stalled car or when I hit every red light on the way. And I cringe to think of the possibility that someone saw my ugly side in those situations. Because people can see it; no matter how much you think you’re handling the situation. If you would rather be somewhere you’re not, it shows. But maybe you’re supposed to be wherever you are at the moment. Or at least maybe thinking that will help you to let go of the idea that you’re supposed to be somewhere else. Nobody wants to be around someone who doesn’t think they’re supposed to be there. And I sure as hell wouldn’t want that person on my jury.
So in the jury room this morning, I was happy to see most everyone was just being there. I heard a few complaints as it got closer to 11 a.m., but thankfully the energy in the room was quite positive. As time went on, it was nice to hear pleasant conversations and to see people patiently waiting for something to happen. Only one group got called for a jury. The rest of us were dismissed minutes later. No harm done. And I finished my book to boot!
