A Rabbi and his disciple were walking in the street. A man drove by in a carriage which abruptly pushed the Rabbi out of his way so that the Rabbi landed in a ditch filled with muddy water.
The Rabbi yelled after the man in the carriage, “May you have everything you want!”
The disciple was surprised by the rabbi’s response.
“Rabbi, why did you say that to a man with such horrible behavior?” asked the disciple.
The Rabbi replied, “Because a happy man wouldn’t throw a Rabbi into a ditch.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH THE RABBI’S RESPONSE? I WANT TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!
HERE ARE SOME OF MY THOUGHTS FOR DEALING WITH FORGIVENESS:
Today if you find angry feelings about a person who’s harmed you enter your mind, tell yourself: “We are all good, loving souls who occasionally get lost.” Pray for this person to find their way back to a happier place — in the same way the Rabbi in this story prayed for his offender.
Tell yourself: “I cannot always control what goes on outside ME. But I can always control what goes on inside ME. I forgive this person who’s harmed me, and vow not only to disentangle myself from this situation – but also vow to consciously/wisely try to avoid situations like this one in my future.”
If you’re still having trouble forgiving, remind yourself of a time you were forgiven. Be altruistic, and forgive back to this person.
Still having trouble forgiving? Remind yourself that when you resent someone you are giving this person control of your emotions! And you don’t want to give this person bupkiss!
Forgiveness still not forthcoming? Remind yourself that when you respond with hate to hate, anger to anger, bitterness to bitterness, you are ironically becoming part of the problem.
Forgiveness still not -comin’? Remind yourself that when you train your brain to consistently be more loving in its thoughts, your energy attracts more positive people and more positive results…and your clear brain is better able be more productive and problem solve better opportunities. And, hey, success is the best revenge on a nerdowell! To help marinate your brain in positive thoughts, hone in on one word or phrase to repeat not only in a meditation ritual, but throughout the day. For example: LOVE, FORGIVENESS, LETTING GO, PEACE.
xoxo
Karen
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