April 6th, 2026
When you first rise in the morning tell yourself: I will encounter busybodies, ingrates, egomaniacs, liars, the jealous and cranks. They are all stricken with these afflictions because they don’t know the difference between good and evil. Because I have understood the beauty of good and the ugliness of evil, I know that these wrong-doers are still akin to me…and that none can do me harm, or implicate me in ugliness - nor can I be angry at my relatives or hate them. For we are made for cooperation.
Life has been a struggle over the last few months. My initial reflection on this meditation was focused on how I should respond, but after reading it several times, I realized that the message is about preparation.
If we prepare ourselves for what is to come, it will be easier to deal with. Create a morning ritual, a tiny habit. When you wake up, before you put your feet on the ground, remind yourself that today is going to be a good day. Others may treat us poorly, but we have the power to react with tolerance, mercy, and dignity.
Start your day with the tiny habit of affirmation. Before you let your feet hit the floor, commit to having a good day. Prepare your mind for the fact that not everyone will treat you well, and remember that being kind in return costs you nothing.