We can find ourselves so irritated at another. If we are spit on, it is tempting to spit back. Does spitting back serve us? With that we are focusing on what we do NOT want. Keep perusing to hear about another approach.

The Account

Debbie attended an exercise class with a woman named Cassie.

Cassie resented Debbie. Debbie was not sure what triggered the response: her skill level which was a bit higher? Not approving of some aspects of D’s lifestyle.

Getting Hurt

Debbie wanted to remain calm, contained, and be as friendly as she could toward Cassie. Debbie made harmony more important than retribution as a matter of both principle and effectiveness.

Cassie would say hurtful things. One day C actually whispered offensive words into D’s ears, demeaning her character.

Debbie felt shocked and hurt by this behavior.

Week after week C came to the class and our star too. How could Deb handle herself so that she did not attract unwanted from C? How could she wield her personal power in both self-protection and compassion?

The heroine caught herself worrying about the next meeting. D felt fear and resentment. A focused inner response was needed!

The Pivot

First, Debbie wanted to lift her own spirits. She spent time imagining what delighted her and what flowed well in her life. Hey she could name new clients, and other fun opportunities.

For many weeks Debbie successfully avoided Cassie. If C came to class, they interacted in cordial demeanor.

Weeks passed. In one session Debbie felt a bit depressed about something in her life. That day Cassie interacted and made some unkind gestures and references.

A class event was coming up that this protagonist wanted to enjoy it. Deb got deliberate: she practiced her good mood. D kept in her mind feelings and images that supported and cheered her. For example, the dear woman recalled times she really enjoyed this class and how good her body felt.

The Event

The day of the event came. Debbie got lost on the way to the event and could feel the habit to start bad mouthing the organizers and complaining. Whoa there! D shifted herself and sat quietly a minute. She had much to appreciate.

Soon she was out of her car. Just then Cassie parked. D stopped on the sidewalk to wait and walk in with Cassie. Both chatted on the walk inside.

In a few minutes while the organizers relayed last minute plans and instructions, C stood near D. “Wow,” D said to herself, “Cassie’s eyes are filled with fear. Oh my, probably that fear fuels C’s unkind comments.”

When Deb processed this, she realized the “attack” had been nothing personal. In the day’s proceedings, D looked for opportunities to show Cassie kindness and support.

The event went well Debbie felt at ease and enjoyed herself. She kept her focus on sending light to her teammates and the viewing fans.

Isn’t it satisfying to view how one woman used her power inside, shifting her internal landscape? Debbie shifted out of her own negativity and instead, uplifted herself and those around her. Cassie has never spoken unkindly to her again.  

What successes are you having using your power to change inside first to make a difference? Please comment and share them! We all love inspiration!

About the Author

Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. These posts demonstrate everyday applications of the path to greater self knowledge and mastery. Opportunities for greater empowerment abound in the moments of our lives. As we all go for operating from a centered and loving space, we are creating a world where peace can prevail. In her forty-six year journey of self-discovery, Janet has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes, Inayat Khan and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.