230420 What I learned in my studies this morning 3

Rising anger ebbs

With benefit of the doubt.

Presumption of innocence.

Given to others.

Thoughts:

Someone offends me.  Worse, they meant to do that.  

That driver almost hit me on purpose.  My friend made an inconsiderate comment specifically to hurt my feelings.  My coworker did a poor job because they want me to fail.

Or . . . sometimes, things happen on accident.

The driver didn't see me.  The hand I saw was them waving an apology, not giving me the bird.  My friend did not realize that was a touchy subject for me and, if I'd bothered to ask him about it, he would have apologized and changed his behavior.  My coworker's daughter is sick and they've been distracted.  If I'd followed up with them two days ago like I should have, this whole thing might never have happened.

What shall I say? We are influenced not merely by calumnies but by suspicions, and at the very look and smile of others we may fly into a rage with innocent persons because we put the worst construction upon it. We ought, therefore, to plead the cause of the absent against ourselves, and to keep Our anger in abeyance: for a punishment which has been postponed may yet be inflicted, but when once inflicted cannot be recalled. (Seneca, De Ira, XXII) 

The benefit of the doubt . . . a powerful antidote to anger.

Today's Meditation:

Today's Meditation II: