Do something for that person you’re upset with. 

In our cultivation, we need myriad tools to help us overcome obstacles. I used one on a recent visit with someone who, like me, forthrightly expresses her opinions. On this occasion, she said something that was no longer true. Her comment was a head-scratcher because she was contradicting some facts I had just mentioned. She completely forgot what I had said earlier. Replaying all the nodding she did earlier, I was befuddled. And admittedly somewhat miffed.

But then the unfortunate occasions when I was too opinionated flashed across my mind. This time I was determined not to repeat the hurt, not to cause her pain. Not wanting to embarrass or upset her, I remained silent. So, thinking of how easily our careless words can upset others, I apologized for the times that I had verbally irritated her. She graciously said she couldn’t remember my having done so. Wow! Instant pique dissipation.

All from considering the other person’s feelings instead of my own.

And apologizing.

Learn to be generous by observing . . . (Click image for video)

Don’t fret.

Just continue with your task at hand. 

One snowy winter day, while running water into a pitcher at the kitchen sink, I glanced out the living room patio door. A car in the visitor’s parking area across the driveway had its lights on. But the car itself did not appear to be running, and I couldn’t see anyone inside.

It was cold, about minus 20 degrees. It would only be a matter of time before the battery would go dead. I also didn’t recognize the car. And with three buildings surrounding the area, there were twelve possible apartments the driver might be visiting.

Pondering this and realizing that there really wasn’t anything I could do, I returned my attention to the pitcher. Which was overflowing! Hastily turning off the water, I, yet again, reminded myself “Compassion, but no wisdom.”

It would have been far better if I had realized more quickly I couldn’t do anything about the car and returned my thoughts to my task at hand.