231212 What I learned in my studies this morning 4

It's just one of the
Colors in my crayon box.
Always makes me sad.

Today's Meditation(s):

It's not enough for me to be not evil.  I must be actively good.  This helps establish care and connection between people.  The more we can influence by others by example, the more this idea will spread, and the more we will create that harmony.

I try to remember this — it's not yet habit — because when I do, I find it much easier to let go of negative feelings and to understand other people.

I've done everything I find annoying in others. Multiple times. 

Cutting someone off in traffic? Guilty.

Blocking the aisle with my cart? Uh-huh.

Taking too long to order while people stand behind me in line? Yep.

Talking too loud in public being on my phone when I shouldn't leaving litter not sharing teasing and taunting bumping into someone cutting in line ignoring people telling an offensive joke pretending to care doing sloppy work...? Yes yes yes yes yes......

Add to this forgiveness-by-reflection the old saw about 'don't attribute to malice what can be explained by ignorance' and it's a pretty powerful way for me to wipe away negative thoughts and to give people the benefit of the doubt.