“The best and the worst of us exist in all of us”
A long time friend and patient who holds some political and world views that are very different from mine sent out an email to a large number of people. I normally simply dismiss this kind of thing quietly. This time I did not. I responded with pointing out the inconsistencies, making him wrong, and accusing him of spreading fear and divisiveness. I let him have it. And I sent this out to his whole constituency.
Big mistake.
I shortly received a message from one of our friends asking me to not send her anything again. She accused me of being self-righteous and arrogant.
She was right. I was. I was doing exactly what I was accusing him of….what she said hit me right in my heart. I felt terrible. I talked to my mentors and counselors about it. I apologized to her and my friend.
When I get down into my heart I can see and feel that all of us, regardless of our political leanings, are motivated by the same kinds of fear and loneliness for ourselves and our loved ones.
When I listen for our common ground, I get a lot more peaceful.
Another saying that helps, my mentor reminded me, especially in close relationships is:
“Never miss an opportunity to keep your mouth shut”
My friend who originally sent this out responded to my apology with: “Ah don’t worry about it. I can take it. It’s locker room banter is all. See ya soon.”
Peace and Health to you all.
