Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Leaving work late after a 14 hour day and one of my first and strongest impulses is to feel sorry for myself and be slightly resentful. But, it doesn’t take long before gratitude and appreciation suggest themselves as smarter alternatives and, even if they don’t wash away the fatigue, they at least lead to more skilfull states than aversion. Besides, it’s pretty obvious the minute you step out onto any New York street that so many people don’t have jobs let alone the barest of comforts. So, may we be grateful to be able to support ourselves and those we love while we have the good fortune to do so and may we have compassion for ourselves and those who are struggling to keep their heads above water.