When people offend us, we must reach deep down into our compassion and respective levels of training and consider big mind and our natural state. The analogy on which I rely heavily, daily, are “birds in nature.” Some birds are smart looking and acting, some seem sinister and predatory, others are nasty, greasy scavengers. And, some are downright goofy with their wild plumes, and squawking, and strutting antics.
The point being is though we’ve all had various reactions to these kinds of birds, they don’t make us angry and want to harm them! Why? Because, they’re just birds! It’s natural to have diversity in nature which is always tolerant and inclusive. Right? Well, until it’s not. But, that’s another subject for another time.
As an example, when I’m in a restaurant and some bedazzled,
big-heiress wannabe is rude to a waiter or squawks on their cell phone for the room to share, I’ve used this birds in nature technique to dissipate my frustration and indignation. I just smile and look at them like the foolish creatures that they are.
Because, in reality it’s just my ego that’s being offended by these “birds” whether they be predatory, a scavenger, or simply a goofy loon. And, ego isn’t me. Ego isn’t even a real object. Ego is just a series of habits which can and should be broken.
Whenever I find myself feeling strongly negative about ANY group, I try to take a step back and study just how far tolerance and inclusiveness goes and I try to remember that in the real world, the natural world, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
And, it’s not always just the crows that cheat, steal, and lie.
Kinnaird 