Think back to the last time you were upset with somebody. “How could that person say (or do) that?!” you may ask yourself as the anger builds inside. Then read the following exercise from Harry Palmer (1):
Five affirmations you can use when you are upset with anyone
1. Just like me, this person is seeking some happiness for his or her life.
2. Just like me, this person is trying to avoid suffering in his or her life.
3. Just like me, this person has known sadness, loneliness, and despair.
4. Just like me, this person is seeking to fulfill his or her needs.
5. Just like me, this person is learning about life.
When I see the person from this perspective, the anger dissolves. I’m going to save this little exercise and review it the next time somebody gets under my skin. Because compassion trumps anger every day of the week.
(1) featured in the Sunday message by Ellen Debenport, Unity of Wimberly, 5/10/15. Harry Palmer founded the Avatar Training
