Recently, the following observation was heard at a meeting.
I was driving in the city with another person from program. I was trying to get crosstown and was encountering a lot of traffic. There were a lot of double parked vehicles. Many of the cars and trucks at intersections suddenly stopped to make turns without signaling. My passenger, turned to me and said, “you know, driving with you is not a very pleasant experience”. “Why”?, I asked in surprise. To which my passenger replied, “you’re muttering under you breathe about the traffic, periodically complaining and making judgmental statements about other drivers”. At first I attempted to defend myself. “Well, I’m much better than I used to be”. Then I realized that they were right. Although I had “worked” on judgement and anger, they were still very much present. I felt very much humbled by my experience that day. If I can get bent out of shape by a double parked car, then perhaps I’m not as evolved as I thought. I need to remember that it’s not about people, places and things, but about my attitude.
Personal Refection: What “small” things hook my anger and judgement?